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.
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??
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!
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.
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!
ReplyDeletereally amazing idea for halloween amazing work and somehow scary :D
ReplyDeletebrilliant! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI was shopping today for new plates; outrages prices.
ReplyDeleteI have to try this!
Thinking of doing this for my Mom and Dad's 50th anniversary. Could include facts, dates, addresses, quotes, etc. Must include their standard: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways..."
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tutorial. I have a specific idea for this and you have provided a way for me to create something special.
ReplyDeleteBUMMER THAT THESE PENS ARE NOT FOOD SAFE!!!! BEWARE!!! {as per the manufacturer's web site}
ReplyDeletevery awesome! My dad is turning 50 this year and i was going to buy something like this for him, but making it myself and using my own words would be so much better! Very happy that i saw this.
ReplyDeleteI made the plates using music lyrics! You can see them here:
ReplyDeletehttp://eclecticallyvintage.com/2012/03/its-a-cinch-diy-music-lyric-plate/
Thanks for the fab idea!
Kelly
what keeps the writing from coming off
ReplyDeleteI canno find these oens ANYWHERE!!! Do you have them? Got some at Michaels on clearence but they were dried out!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTry an art store rather than michaels. Otherwise you can always buy online.
ReplyDeleteNothing - I can wipe it off whenever I want. If you want to do the same thing in a more perm way, you can use acrylic paint (like I did with the birds before this)
ReplyDeleteI made some last night! Thank you so much for the idea. I posted up with you on my blog - amandanicoletaylor@wordpress.com Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis is great!!! Love this idea. Dumb question: Can you put in the dishwasher?
ReplyDeletei looove this...i love halloween, and black and white. Perfection !!
ReplyDeleteThanks for such a great idea !
wow i will defnitely try this! thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this idea! Plus as soon as I started reading the plate I knew what it was! Love Edgar Allen Poe. Very classy looking with a twist of spoke. My favorite way to decorate for Halloween!
ReplyDeleteIs there a method for adding a black and white photo to a porcelain plate? I thought it would be a lovely Mother's Day gift to write what you thank her for - memories - on the edge of the "charger" plate...and then add the plate with a pic of you both as the top plate...anyone know ?
ReplyDeleteYou, are awesome! LOVE this! Thank you for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I can't tell you how much I love this project! I must try it this Halloween. Thanks for the awesome tutorial!
ReplyDeleteCan anyone tell me specifics as far as baking temperature and duration of cooking time go for? I must know asap as I intend on including some plates in with my sister's honeymoon gift basket with their song written on the plates. HELP?!
ReplyDeleteDirections are on the pen or paint pot. They will vary.
ReplyDeleteLove this! Is it safe to bake normal plates in the oven? They won't be damaged?
ReplyDeleteI have been looking around for plates to do this project but none fo the plates say whether they are oven safe. How do I know which plates are safe to use???
ReplyDeleteAre the plates completely dishwasher safe after baking? Someone made BEAUTIFUL plates for me with "permanent" sharpies. But it ALL came off in the dishwasher. They were never baked in the oven. Is that the secret??
ReplyDeleteIf you read the post you'll see I am not using a sharpie. A regular marker won't work. You need to use paint made for adhering to ceramics.
ReplyDeleteI just used the ones I had. You bake it at a very low temp anyway so I wasn't too worried about damage.
ReplyDeleteNo clue - I just used the ones I had and had no issue.
ReplyDeleteThere is a method to transfer images to ceramic but its more complex than this. Do a google search and you can find waterslide decals that would work for chargers. Not sure about plates you eat off of.
ReplyDeleteI think if you just write the words on the rim of the plate, you won't have to worry about food coming in contact with the ink.
ReplyDeleteAre these food safe once they've been baked and washed? I'm planning on writing on the inside of a bowl
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE this idea!!!
ReplyDeleteI have a question for you though... I just tried doing this with the Martha Stewart "Birthday" stencil set, but it just bled all over the place. How can I prevent that from happening?
Wow! I'm going 2 use this for my sisters wedding present
ReplyDeleteCan you use a sharpie though? Non toxic of course
ReplyDeleteHi! I saw a similar project using sharpies instead of porcelain pens, but with the disclaimer that the sharpie doesn't hold up in the dishwasher. Are yours dishwasher safe? Is there any other benefit to using the porcelain pen instead of sharpies?
ReplyDeleteWow, that looks fantastic, and really simple. Would never thought of doing that. Not sure mine will turn out quite so professional looking though!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't find a porcelain pen anywhere! I'm going to try it with Sharpie... will that work?
ReplyDeletei was wondering does the pen come in different colors,i love this idea!!
ReplyDeleteYes, there are a few different colors.
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute idea and I bought all the stuff to make plates for my BBQ this weekend,. Unfortunately, I did just learn from the porcelain pen company that it should NOT come in direct contact with the food at any time. On the outside of a wine class or a plate to be displayed, but not as an eating plate. Just not safe. :-( Such a cute idea though.
ReplyDeleteI had the same issue. They were just completely unusable. The pen seems to be too wet, but can't seem to stop it.
ReplyDeleteSorry I have no idea what the birthday stencil is but I had no issues with the pen. I just stuck down my stencil, drew in the bird and let dry before I removed. I got good adhesion on the stencil - if you don't you might want to try painting it using the pueblo paints and a stencil "pouncer". Hope that helps.
ReplyDeleteI've got the same stencil set you had with the raven. Just can't get the pen to stop leaking.
ReplyDeleteAny tips on how you got "good adhesion"? That definitely appears to the be the problem. The ink is leaking under the sticker.
My raven stencil was a little sticker so it on there pretty tight. If I had any leakage I don't really remember but nothing I couldn't clean up with a q-tip.
ReplyDeleteIs your raven also a sticker?
You should be able to control the flow of the pen by not pressing down too hard (or blotting any excess on a paper towel before you move to the plate). Since the plate isn't porous you really only need a little ink at time.
In a message dated 9/7/2012 12:14:46 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, notifications@disqus.net writes:
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Matt (unregistered) wrote, in response to Mrs. Limestone:
I've got the same stencil set you had with the raven. Just can't get the pen to stop leaking.
Any tips on how you got "good adhesion"? That definitely appears to the be the problem. The ink is leaking under the sticker.
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When you did this did you write straight across or did you write down one side of the plate then the other??
ReplyDeleteSharpies work too and are 100% food safe. ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of process do you need to use with Sharpies? Is there a website that describes how to do this?
ReplyDeleteIf you do a search on the internet, you'll find that several people have tried the Sharpie method and it doesn't work. Just a word of warning.
ReplyDeleteThe ceramic pen isn't very expensive and it works very well.
Which art store did you purchase it at....they don't have it at JoAnne's or Michaels and I don't know of any other stores to visit. Thanks : )
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI did this and loved it but... as so as i scratched it with my fingernail it came right off! any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteDid you bake in the oven according to the instructions on the back of the ceramic marker? If that didn't work, I'd let it cure for a few days and then bake it and see what happens.
Deletejust saw your wonderful plate, I was thinking of using this idea at a wedding and have guests write something on it, then buy a plate stand, wood be a wonderful gift for the couple
ReplyDeletethank you
Love it! Just a few questions though..Where do you get your pens! I looked at Hobby Lobby, LouAnnes, and Micheals and didn't have any luck. Also, are the plates safe to eat off of once you write on them? Thanks in advance for answering my questions!
ReplyDeleteYou have the most patient woman alive! I read all the comments and you answer the same questions over and over! What is up with people? You explained everything beautifully in your post and gave all the details throughout your earlier comments. Yet, by the end of the comment page the same questions are being asked over and over again. You are both talented and most gracious!
ReplyDeleteHi, I love it so much. Inspiring, creative, positive. In one word - just AMAZING!!! Thanx for sharing. Rahela xxx www.raheladrusko.com
ReplyDelete