- 1). Purchase ceramic plates at your local supermarket, dollar store or home store. Prep the plates by washing and drying them thoroughly--be sure to remove all adhesives from price and product stickers. Check for cracks and chips before beginning your project.
- 2). Choose your design and draw it on the plates with a soft pencil or washable fine point marker. If you are not proficient at drawing, use a paper pattern with tracing paper to transfer your design onto the surface. The designs you draw can be flowers, geometric figures, holiday art or something as simple as names or menu items.
- 3). Follow the designs on your plates and carefully paint your plates with ceramic paints and brushes. If you prefer paint pens, use them also--they are especially good for drawing the initial outlines and then the design can be filled in with the paint. Use masking tape to create abstract art by taping the plates haphazardly and then painting the exposed areas. Let dry and peel off the tape for original pieces of art where no two are the same. If you make a mistake, just be sure to fix it while the paint is still wet. Wipe off paint with a damp lint-free rag or cotton swab and begin again. Allow your paint to dry overnight before continuing your project.
- 4). Place your plates on a metal sheet pan and put in a 300-degree oven for 35 minutes. Remove and allow to cool. In setting your table with your new pieces, place the plates on a color-coordinated charger for added color and appeal. For example, if you choose to paint a holiday poinsettia on your plates, a red charger beneath them would make your designs pop. If you plan on using your plate as artwork, place the plate in an inexpensive plate wire, hammer a nail into the wall and hang your masterpiece where all can enjoy.
next post