Please Pass the Pepper

For a while I was obsessed with painting glass of every type. Wine glasses, plates, vases, and…salt & pepper shakers. Their surface is so smooth, it’s irresistible to a paint brush.

I painted these s & p shakers (from Bed Bath & Beyond or a restaurant supply store) in colorful patterns with glass paint and then baked them (yes, in my regular kitchen oven) according to the instructions on the paint. There are some glass paints that do not have to be baked and instead call for painting a coat of varnish or other sealant on top. I would not recommend these, as they are not long-lasting and will start to chip after the first (hand)washing. Unfortunately I speak from experience on the matter!

Baking glass paint enables you to put the item in the dishwasher. The paint will not chip and it’s also food-safe. It doesn’t smell too great while it’s in the oven, so plan to bake some cookies afterward to cancel it out.

These are so easy and inexpensive to make, why not do a bunch so that everyone at the table can have their very own? No more boarding house reach for your guests.