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!
Love these plates…thanks for the chance.
Love these plates….I am already thinking of designs…
Whole-made snow globes!
My favorite is the wooden chalkboard sign!
It was hard for me to choose between the chalkboard clipboard and the chalkboard-painted mugs. In fact, I can’t choose, so can I please like both? Thanks for all the fun ideas, and looking forward to more.
Love the hidden book shelf books. Wanted to do that for a long time, but I need a bookshelf first. lol.
Love the monogram tea towels.
I love the scarf idea. Perfect for gift giving
the plates! and i have the perfect spot to hang them.
Never tried plate art before, just might have to.
I like the etched soap dispensers.
I am loving the plates! They turned out beautiful. As far as a Très Frugal DIY Gift idea, hum….. I like to give food. Everyone has to eat! I also like personalized gifts such as blankets or a nice picture frame!
I love the chalkboard mugs. Very cute idea!!
I adore the books with hidden storage. I have old books waiting for me to make them into something fabulous.
I love the faux monogrammed tea towels! Great idea!