Pen & Ink Sketch Decorative Plates
My goodness, November is flying by! Get it…flying…insects. I crack myself up. But seriously, I have been having a blast coming up with new creative gift ideas that you can make. This idea for making pen and ink sketch decorative dessert plates turned out better than I expected! The only downside is that they really are only for decoration. The paint used on the plates can be cured, but the manufacturer states that it technically isn’t food safe.
With that disclaimer out of the way, think about how you could commemorate an event with a personalized plate. Or you could use the same stenciling technique on the outside of a pitcher, mug, glasses or anywhere that the food wouldn’t be in contact with.
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Materials:
- Dessert plates (bought mine at a thrift store for $1 each)
- Porcelaine Chalkboard paint
- Porcelaine gold paint
- Scissors
- Credit card or spatula for burnishing
- Sponge applicator or paint brush
- X-acto knife
- Decorative stencil cut outs (used my Silhouette to cut bug shapes)
- Transfer paper
Optional: Porcelaine or glass ink pens for writing
Instructions:
1. Chose your design and use a Silhouette (or other craft cutter) to cut out the design on vinyl.
2. Weed out (remove) all the inside areas of your design. Lay a sheet of transfer paper on top of your vinyl and burnish it (rub the transfer paper to adhere it to the vinyl.)
3. Carefully remove the backing from the vinyl.
4. Center the design on a clean plate. Burnish again to adhere the vinyl to the plate.
5. Carefully remove the transfer paper from the vinyl.
6. Sponge or paint black chalkboard paint over the stencil.
Don’t freak out when the paint appears bubbly. It will settle and smooth out as it dries.
7. Paint gold paint around the plate edges. I found it difficult to get a precise line, so I went with the bumpy organic look instead.
8. Allow the paint to dry. Gently remove the vinyl from the plate. Use an x-acto knife to pull up the little pieces.
9. If you want to cure your plates, bake them in a non-preheated oven at 300F for 30 minute. Then leave them in the oven as it cools.
Use DiscChangers or other plate hangers to hang your plates on the wall.
I am of the mind set that if you can’t hide something unsightly then work with it. My Nest thermostat is now happily surrounded by some flying friends. I might add a few more plates soon.
What do you think? These decorative plates are high end boutique-chic, don’t you think? And they cost $1 each plus supplies.
I just LOVE the cabinet door tray đŸ™‚ Definitely going to make some of these as Christmas gifts!!
I love the cabinet door signs – so creative and affordable! I could think of one for everyone I know! đŸ˜‰
I really love the Tres Frugal series..my favorites so far are the scarves..the cabinet door tray..and of course the dessert plates. All are pretty awesome though!
I love the bug plate stencils you made! I would like to take the idea and make Christmas themed personalized platters to give to friends for Christmas.
Lisa K.
love the plates!
I love these plates! Very cute. I have been really enjoying the Très Frugal series. I think my favorite so far is the chalkboard mugs. Or maybe the monogrammed ornaments. Hmmm. Maybe the scarves….. it’s hard to choose!
Is that tape really strong enough to hold up the plate?
Amanda, absolutely! It’s very strong and has a good bond. I’ll check it again in a few months, but so far I love that tape!
I luv the chalkpaint mugs!!
Without a doubt, the plates!!! That is so cute and so expensive looking! I love it and am doing this for sure! Thanks.
You are so creative!. I love the plates
The plates are awesome! Great job & I love the texture on your walls, only I would notice that…lol
I’d love to try the plates!
I love the cake stand and the 3-d snowflake, I plan trying this with my daughter!
I love the monogrammed ornaments!
The plates are so cute- great idea