If you are like me you probably oogle over the holiday themed dishes but quickly shy away since you don't want to shell out for a whole set just for one celebration. (I don't even have real china so I think its safe to say I won't be buying any themed kind either)
So when this idea of making my own for next to nothing came to mind, I just had to try it. Obviously this interpretation is quite macabre but you could totally mix it up to make it your own - think nursery rhymes for baby showers, holiday song lyrics for christmas, bible passages for easter, dirty doodles for hen nights... I could go on and on.
Start off with plain white plates of your choosing (available cheaply everywhere), a porcelain 150 pen, some blue masking tape and a small stencil (optional).
Cut a single piece of blue painters tape to use as a guide to keep straight and start copying the text across the rim of the plate. Don't worry about being too neat - it should look scribbled. If you make a mistake that you dont like the look of, simply wipe it off with a wet paper towel and start over.
Now on to the little plate. This one was even easier. Using a small adhesive stencil of a raven from Martha Stewart crafts, I applied that offcenter and filled in with the ink. Let dry and pull off the stencil. It did bleed a tiny bit but it was easy to clean up any sloppy bits.
I added the 'nevermore...' under the bird and the hard work was over. All that was left was allowing to dry completely for 24 hours and then baking in the oven according to the markers directions to let set.
There you have it, custom dinnerware for less than $3 bucks per setting. Want to give it a try? I'd love to see your creations.
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Beautiful Stefanie! When I redid my office coffee table, I used scrap paper with The Legend of Sleepy Hollow printed on it. I love vintage spooky! http://www.housebella.com/2011/09/19/literary-table/
ReplyDeleteYou have such great ideas. As I am dressing as a raven for my Halloween costume party I am going to borrow some of your ideas.
ReplyDeleteVery cool. I wondered if you just had all that fun dinnerware lying around. ;-) Love it.
ReplyDeleteAwesome -- I love it! And it helps that you have really great penmanship! My kids would do a better job of writing that than me!
ReplyDeleteTerrific idea! Love how this can be personalized for each occasion. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool. I don't know if I have the patience to write on the plates like you did but yours look amazing.
ReplyDeleteLove that idea!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOkay, this is ridiculously stinkin' awesome (you probably don't say stuff like that in Brooklyn, but I think you get the idea!). I am duly impressed, Stefanie. I can imagine most stores charging $$$$ for such a fun, unique place-setting.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! Have to try this! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete...also love your monogram in the blog header!
I love this! I don't quite like my handwriting so I'd have to rely on a friend or family member but it definitely sounds relatively easy! Thank you for the tutorial!!
ReplyDeleteWOW! That is amazing. I didn't know you got such things like porcelain pens.
ReplyDeleteThese are totally beautiful. I looked up the pens on the Blick website though and it says that they are non-toxic but are NOT recommended for surfaces that come in contact with food. Pretty - but maybe they could be used as chargers and glass plates layed on top?
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! I love how it turned out. So many possibilities...
ReplyDeleteYes I saw that. I assume that means that it's not as durable when it comes in contacts with certain foods. I wasn't too worried about that since these are occasional plates anyway.
ReplyDeleteThese are super cute and in my price range. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome idea! I cannot wait to try it out - the possibilities are endless :)
ReplyDeleteThis is really a great idea to create a design on plates for any season! This is a DIY project I would actually do myself! Also a fun idea for family and teens.
ReplyDeleteDid you create the designs featured in the post yourself?
This is really a great idea to create a design on plates for any season!
ReplyDeleteThis is a DIY project I would actually do myself! Also a fun idea for
family and teens.
Did you create the designs featured in the post yourself?
I don't know if my scribbling counts as a design but if so yes, it's all me.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if a light coat of Mod Podge would help this issue? Anybody??
ReplyDeleteHigh-end interior designer, Brian J. McCarthy, gives us the scoop on his approach to interiors, what inspires him and a glance into his portfolio in Clos-ette Too's "Clos-ette Case." Check it out!! http://bit.ly/nUDCK8
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeletesimply stunning!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THIS IDEA! Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love it! I discovered your blog from Everything Fabulous blog! I am so happy I found this diy project. I was looking for the perfect plates and since I found this idea, I am making my own. Thank you for sharing this. Very inspiring! =)
ReplyDeleteI saw your images and text here, too, but I don't think she gives YOU enough credit!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.everythingfab.com/2011/10/diy-make-you-own-halloween-dinnerware.html
This is a brilliant idea! Although your handwriting is a lot nicer than mine!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this! What a great idea! I have bookmarked it under my "gift ideas" tab and hope to modify it for a Christmas present...
ReplyDeleteNice! I really love it. Thanks for sharing this post.
ReplyDeleteI have used the porcelaine (Pebeo) products for many years. They are my favorites when it comes to painting on glass and porcelaine. This idea is absolutely wonderful!!! And it spurs my mind with other ideas for additional holidays. Thanks for sharing...
ReplyDeleteThese look amazing!!! I made some dot-painted china using the same pebeo paint pens. Because of the website's statement that you shouldn't put food on it, I might avoid putting wet food on there, but I think finger foods would be fine. Alternatively you can focus on the edges of the plates, like you did for the larger plates, or the outside of mugs, like some of the ones I painted. That would also help with possible wear and tear caused by food. You can see mine here:
ReplyDeletehttp://birdhousefamily.blogspot.com/2011/07/diy-dot-painted-china.html
Um, I love this. Hosting Christmas at my house this year and this will be happening. Thanks for the awesome idea!
ReplyDeleteI love this - what a fantastic idea! You read my mind about buying holiday dishes, but this makes for a nice alternative - thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteRhonda @ home.made.
Love love love this idea! Thank you for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteXOKristin
These are AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteVery nice! Requires patience, but totally doable!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I have too much planned for Halloween, but I love the idea for other holidays. LIke Thanksgiving, since we're actaully having guests for for dinner... Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHello!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm Aretusa From the blog Petit Pooh Mon Amour.
I liked very very much your idea and posted it in in my blog.
Here is the link: http://petitepoohmonamour.blogspot.com/2011/10/oggi-mentre-giravo-per-la-rete-mi-sono.html
Hope you'll like it.
Hugs
Aretusa
Ooh, I am in love with this idea! How awesome!
ReplyDeleteThis is beyond brilliant - and definitely what I'm going to spend my weekend doing!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know I included this in my 2011 Ultimate DIY Gift Guide (101 tutorials/recipes)! :) http://danimariedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/10/2011-ultimate-diy-gift-guide.html
ReplyDeleteYou have great penmanship and are the Halloween Queen. You need to write a Halloween book.
ReplyDeleteI love this! I'm going to make something similar as a wedding present for my niece! Thanks for the great idea!
ReplyDeleteWhere can I find a porcelaine pen? I have never seen them?
ReplyDeleteThanks
Wow, blue taper's paint is so handy! I just love blue taper's paint.
ReplyDeleteHilarious.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous idea! I can see doing this for Valentines day with a pink or red pen and a heart or cupid stencil and a sappy love poem! You're a genius!
ReplyDeleteQuick question, when you wash these, does the ink fade, chip or rub off at all?
ReplyDeleteOr does it stay nice because you've baked it?
It can withstand washing and dishwashers according to the directions. I would probably just stick to hand washing though.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fabulous idea, as are all your other DIY projects. So sad that "everything fabulous" site has totally plagiarized it without even mentioning your site name. I think every one reading this blog should go to http://www.everythingfab.com/2011/10/diy-make-you-own-halloween-dinnerware.html and complain! It's so unfair!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
ReplyDeleteShe did include a credit at the bottom of the post. It's very tiny but it is there.
These would make great gifts that look expensive (my favorite kind!). Thanks for opening my eyes to all sorts of possibilities!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THIS IDEA!! do you use a regular Sharpe marker? and then when you wash them do you do it by hand??
ReplyDeleteSo, is it then permanent? After it dries? & you can eat off of it?
ReplyDeleteI really like this!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous idea! I could do this for Christmas too. Love the salad plate also, but I have to admit, you do have fabulous handwriting - I do not!
ReplyDeleteI really do not have good handwriting - its quite illegible but I think that actuals adds to the look here.
ReplyDeleteAfter it dries, you have to bake it as per the instructions. Then it should be permanent.
ReplyDeleteNo, its not a sharpie. Its a special marker made for ceramic painting. You can buy it at any art supply or craft store.
ReplyDeletewhat a superb idea! do you have to use porcelain plates only?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! This looks so professional! I will definitely have to give it a try. Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous idea! I can't wait to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteI wondered this same thing...
ReplyDeleteLove this!!! I'm following you now :)
ReplyDeletejamie @ sewrockin.com
Totally going to steal this idea... I saw a pie plate with a pie recipe printed on the plate, but how fun would it be to use your own favorite recipes on plates instead? I love this idea! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteFANTastic!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea and your finished project is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThat is the greatest idea and your plates came out looking like a very high priced original china pattern. Love them and this idea. So glad someone pinned your creation on Pinterest. That is how I found your blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Lee Ann
I LOVE this. I've been looking for something ah-mazing to get my brother for Christmas, and he and I are both huge Poe fans. I'm going to have to use this idea for a few pieces for him.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the idea!
ohhh, I love this!! Can i share this on my blog with a link back to here? This is so wonderful! I am your newest follower. By the way, where do we purchase one of those porcelain pens?
ReplyDeleteblessings!
this is an awesome idea! do they plates need to be porcelain? or does the pen say? i was hoping to do the same thing on some lightweight plastic plates. do you know if that would work?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if it works on plastic. I would think no because you can't bake it but I could be wrong.
ReplyDeletethanks for your reply! judging from my past experiences with igniting things in the kitchen, i think i will won't take my chances and just go with glass ;) thanks again--
ReplyDeleteI love this...think I am going to make some with family recipes inscribed.
ReplyDeleteLove this! Question: Where do you get the plates? I cannot seem to find any. And, is there a difference in ceramic and porcelain?
ReplyDeleteDo you have a Christmas Tree shops or a large 99 cents store near you? Both tend to have plain plates for very cheap. Im not really sure about the exact difference between ceramic and porcelain - I think porcelain is a type of ceramic that is fired at higher temps but Im not 100% sure on that one.
ReplyDeleteI did find some ceramic plates at Dollar Tree, but didn't know if they would work or not. And no Christmas Tree stores or 99 cent stores in my area...
ReplyDeleteI am now on my way to Michael's! I saw those porcelain markers there and wondered what I'd use them for, and now I know. Thanks!!!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely awesome idea!
ReplyDeleteI did this with the fight song from my College. It looks great!!!
ReplyDeleteI totally stole this for Christmas - got plates for each of my parents and MIL and let the kids go to work writing words and memories that described that person - they all loved them!! THANK YOU!!! Never know what to get grandparents who don't need anything!!!!
ReplyDeleteCheck Target - I got some on clearance but they had a ton of different shapes and sizes decently priced!
ReplyDeleteThese are adorable!
ReplyDeletethis is so cool!! i just might have to try this idea for other occasions too! love the look. thanks girl for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love these, and I love your handwriting!
ReplyDeleteI must agree with others that it helps that you have such pretty handwriting. I'm definitely going to tuck this idea away. I'd love to do something for our house and it would be great for gifts. Where did you get your plates and pen?
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this! Is it safe in the dishwasher by any chance?
ReplyDeleteSusan
I am so impressed by your dishes. The first picture I really thought you went out and bought these, just love this idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the instructions - who would have thought?! Looks great!
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic! I have to do this.
ReplyDeleteRock star status. I LOVE these. Already thinking how I will do them for hosting Christmas Eve! Tweeting now!
ReplyDeleteYou're so crafty! Thats looks amazing!!!!!! Can't wait to see all your ideas for this halloween!
ReplyDeleteReally love this - and what goes better with poetry than delicious food?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your lovely examples, your tutorial and sharing the finished plates. This looks like so much fun. I am an artist and I love to draw on everything, this is a must for me to try.
ReplyDeleteKaren
This is such a great idea! I've used those porcelain pens before, but never thought to use them to write quotes on dinnerware. I'm doing this project for sure. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea. LOVE the look you got & your handwriting is gorgeous!
ReplyDeletethese are fantastic, just fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteOh. My. Goodness. How I LOVE these plates. Pure inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing, and I look forward to Halloween already!
ReplyDeleteThese dishes are great!!!! There's a bar on Sullivan's Island in S.C. called " Poe's Tavern" these would look amazing there.......everything Edgar Alan Poe there even in the restrooms......the walls are papered with pages from his book's. (Great Food too) Thanks' for the idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! If only I had unlimited storage space!
ReplyDeletewhat temp do you bake it at???
ReplyDeleteI don't remember off hand but the temp is indicated on the pen.
ReplyDeleteOh I LOVE this idea. I'm totally pinning this. :)
ReplyDeleteKarah @ thespacebetweenblog
love this idea. making one of my own. :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen a porcelain pen before (in Australia), but I'm sure I'll find one if I go looking. I love love love this idea. A cheap white set could be heaps of fun. I have so many ideas on how to use it. I'm off to google porcelain pens. Thanks! Jeanie x
ReplyDeleteat what temperature do you bake it?
ReplyDeletewhat temperature should the oven be at?
ReplyDeleteI dont remember but if the directions are on the pen.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am hosting a bridal shower/stock the kitchen shower and I think I am going to ask guests to sign a plate vs. guest book. I hope this works!
ReplyDelete