Friend-spiration: Going Glass!

When the Caveman was a mere one, I read an inspiring article that argued the advantages of allowing young children to use open rimmed glasses. I was easily  persuaded that this was indeed the obvious way to go with a very small boy whose self image was that of a much older child. He was very determined to use the tools of the trade that everyone else used and saw little purpose in the sippy cup and small plastic flatware options offered to him with each meal. 

Following several spills of lightweight, plastic drinking cups, I bought a box of small mason jars that proved to be just right for his dexterity at the time. Little did I know that this was only the beginning. 

Late this past Spring, approximately a little over a year later, I was speaking with a good friend of mine with expertise in Montessori education. She suggested that the Caveman's independent tenacious spirit and the Dreamer's hesitation and perfectionistic qualities might benefit from giving them a sense of self sufficiency in the food department. She explained her own experience with the instant results of using glass and ceramic plates, feelings of confidence in her own children in this area, and the availability of cheap glassware and lightweight but regular-size flatware. And so I embarked on my new mission, a cabinet for the offspring.

Bargain Plates

I found $1 glass plates and bowls, and bundles of spoons, forks, and knives. After bringing them home, I decided to decorate them by etching their drawings and mine as well as labels for each item. 

Tracing the Illustration onto the Glass

I laid the drawings against the glass and traced the pictures with a permanent pen prior to etching. 

I proceeded to etch the glass with a small handheld rotary tool specifically designed for etching glass.

Etching Tool

This tool is noisy and does create some dust as it wears away the surface of the glass, so I would recommend goggles and a mask while using.

One of the Finished Plates with a Fairy

The results were fabulous, and my kids were so pleased to have their pictures engraved on their plates and bowls. Our only issue is bickering over whose turn it is to use the favorite. 

To finish my project, I decided to use some scrap fabric and sew labeled placemats for the Dreamer and Caveman to use in order to learn to set the table independently (also a suggestion from my Montessori expert friend)

Placemat with Labeled Components

They were very primitive looking mats, not fancy in the least. I opted for a simple zigzag stitch to secure the various components to a thin muslin backing. I then chose to label each item. 

Everything was washed and placed into an end cabinet and drawer easily accessible to all!