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 LOVE these plates; Doing them with a rooster stencil would be the PERFECT gift for my ma
Your handmade teabags are something I want to do for Christmas gifts for my friends.
The plates! So many Possibilities…
I love the scarves!
Chalkboard mugs and the pen & ink stencil dessert plates! I want to stencil some number plates now! đŸ™‚
I absolutely love the cabinet door tray! I actually pinned it the other day. đŸ™‚ Hey that rhymed! LOL
I love those plates đŸ™‚ That would be the cutest gift. But I also love the stenciled scarf.
I like the chalkboard mugs idea.
I love the fabric coasters!
I love the cabinet door tray. I can’t wait to make one myself! Thanks!
I love the idea of buying cheap, plain pillows and adding a decorative touch.
I love to make mini gift baskets with a mug and cocoa makings, great for the office gals
Love the hidden storage book!
Brittany,
Wow this is so cool.
I’m taking a pen and ink drawing night school class and it would be wicked to be able to get my art onto cups and plates, etc. because it would be such a personal gift idea!!!
You make me want to learn more about that printer.
olivia
These plates are darling and would look great with the cake stand!