Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Dessert Plates | Pretty Handy Girl

Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Dessert Plates | Pretty Handy Girl

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.

 

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Materials:

Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Dessert Plates | Pretty Handy Girl

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.

bugs-in-silhouette-studio

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.)

Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Dessert Plates | Pretty Handy Girl

3. Carefully remove the backing from the vinyl.

Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Dessert Plates | Pretty Handy Girl

4. Center the design on a clean plate. Burnish again to adhere the vinyl to the plate.

Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Dessert Plates | Pretty Handy Girl

5. Carefully remove the transfer paper from the vinyl.

Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Dessert Plates | Pretty Handy Girl

6. Sponge or paint black chalkboard paint over the stencil.

Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Dessert Plates | Pretty Handy Girl

Don’t freak out when the paint appears bubbly. It will settle and smooth out as it dries.

Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Dessert Plates | Pretty Handy Girl

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.

Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Dessert Plates | Pretty Handy Girl

8. Allow the paint to dry. Gently remove the vinyl from the plate. Use an x-acto knife to pull up the little pieces.

Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Dessert Plates | Pretty Handy Girl

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.

Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Dessert Plates | Pretty Handy Girl

 

Use DiscChangers or other plate hangers to hang your plates on the wall.

Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Dessert Plates | Pretty Handy Girl

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.

Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Dessert Plates | Pretty Handy Girl

What do you think? These decorative plates are high end boutique-chic, don’t you think? And they cost $1 each plus supplies.

 

PHGFancySign

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DIY Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Plates | Pretty Handy Girl

All the Très Frugal DIY Gift Ideas can be seen here.

157 replies
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  1. Hannah
    Hannah says:

    I thought the dyed and stenciled scarves were fabulous. I am using this tutorial to make scarves for my sister-in-laws for Christmas.

    Reply
  2. Analisa M
    Analisa M says:

    Those plates are really incredible! I love how you can personalize then for just about anyone. And who couldn’t use a unique set of plates!

    Reply
  3. Laura
    Laura says:

    My special DIY was the same type of thing on rustic fabric for napkins with a sprig of evergreen and a napkin wring of a beautiful bark for your holiday table. It might make a great hostess gift.

    Reply

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