DI-Y Did I Start Collecting Pyrex?
I was perusing TikTok one day over the summer and came across this video. Never before had I known what Pyrex really was, aside from a glass bowl I had bought from Target once. This video opened up my eyes on how to create a cheap and safer way to own these beautiful glass pieces...and unknowingly started a new hobby.
What do I mean when I say it’s a safer way? Well, Corning Glass Works developed Pyrex in 1915 but lead standards for dishes did not start until the 1970s. Now the lead issue is not exclusive to Pyrex, as other brands such as Fire King also contain painted patterns on them. The safety issue alone is enough for me to think making your own Pyrex is a brilliant idea! As always, it’s best to do your research before using something! It appears that the lead paint is mainly a problem on the exterior of dishes but I prefer to remain cautious about it. The dishes are decoration only for my personal collection!
As for the price issue, Pyrex can carry a big price tag! Even at the thrift store, one piece of Pyrex can be $25. On Etsy and EBay some Pyrex pieces can go well over $300. Creating your own “Pyrex” dish can leave you with gorgeous pieces that don’t break the bank.
With these points in mind, you’d think I’d stick only to DIYing my own dishes but that is simply not the case. I told my grandparents about the video and asked them if they knew about Pyrex. They laughed and proceeded to pull out tons of Pyrex bowls and dishes and tell me about how popular they were back in the day. By me expressing interest, they then began to invite me to vintage and antique sales, trips to the thrift store, and to community yard sales. My grandmother would send me images over text of her own Pyrex finds and purchases. Not only were my grandparents interested, but so was my great grandmother! After making fun of my pronunciation of the word (I pronounced Pyrex “peer-ex” instead of “pi-Rex”), she pulled out the very collection that the video is replicating. This fifteen second TikTok that I had passed by spiraled into a lovely bonding experience with my grandparents and great grandmother that I will always cherish. I started my collection because of a DIY video and kept adding pieces because of the connection with my grandparents and I couldn’t be happier!