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.
Pin for later!
I’m loving the chalkboard mugs!!!
I love the chalkboard mugs and the bugs idea.
LOVE the stamped spoon necklaces. The plates are so pretty, too! I SO hope I win your giveaway!!!
Thanks!
I love the cabinet door tray…and these plates are adorable too!!!
I love this latest project (I anticipate making them, but also would love to receive them) of the plates. My daughter has just begun to raise honey bees and a series of plates with bees and bee keeping would be a great gift for her family! Thank you for the opportunity to enter this giveaway!
The chalkboard mugs look like the project for me! My extended family is coming for Thanksgiving and I think it would be a great project for Friday. Even our little girls can help! Thanks!
I really like the etched soap dispenser!
love the cake stand
This year I’m all about the fringe-no-sew fleece blankets! I’m making them for everyone, so easy, just takes about an hour of time and $15 of fabric for a heavy comfy blanket usually twice that cost in stores.
My favorite still, by far is the little bird houses and then the chalkboard signs.
I love the Pen & Ink Sketch Dessert Plates… I have just primed some assorted small saucers to go around the mirror in my dining room and wasn’t sure exactly how to embellish them… now I know… Thanks
I love your blog. You do the most amazing things. I love a wooden chalkboard sign. But there are a pile of other things I love too.
I love love love the monogrammed ornaments đŸ™‚
It’s a tossup between the DIY room spray and wooden chalkboard sign. SO many cute ideas!
I am thinking of SO many things I could do with this!! Adore the plates!! đŸ™‚