Learn how to turn old dishes into a decorative wall display with this fun and easy project. No kiln or any special tools are required, just a stack of old plates from the thrift store (or your cupboards), and a few supplies from a craft store. This project is an excellent example of resourcefulness and turning something ordinary into a thing of beauty.
Materials:
stack of old plates
cotton balls
rubbing alcohol
scissors
8-1/2x11 inkjet sticker paper cut into various patterns
porcelain glaze
foam brushes
plate hangers
Steps:
1. If you don't have old plates, you can buy some at a thrift store or second-hand store. This project works best if they have a weird or tacky pattern on them.
2. Clean the plates with cotton balls and alcohol to remove any dirt or oil. Allow the plates to dry completely.
3. Cut out patterns from the sticker paper. Stars, animal shapes or silhouettes work well.
4. Peel the backing off the sticker and apply it to a plate. Place the sticker over part of the plate that has a pattern on it, that way you can see some of the pattern after applying the glaze. Make sure the sticker is on as firm as possible so that no glaze gets underneath the sticker. Use the handle of the foam brush to press the edges down firmly.
5. Pour a little bit of the porcelain glaze onto a plate. Spread the glaze around the entire plate using the foam brush. Don't over-saturate the area over the sticker, so the silhouette comes out clean. Neatness is not a concern, applying the glaze a little sloppy will create interesting textures. For example, a brown glaze can simulate wood grain. For darker colors, let the glaze dry a little bit and then add another coat.
6. Allow the glaze to dry overnight, and then carefully remove the sticker to reveal the old plate pattern underneath.
7. Repeat these steps with plates of varying patterns and sizes to create a unique wall display.
Provided by HGTV - http://www.hgtv.com
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