The Dirt : Handmade Holiday Plates

Is there anything more rewarding than giving a handmade gift? We don't think so! Make the gift that much more special by imprinting children's hands on a piece of art that will last forever.    

   

For this month's edition of The Dirt, we're bringing you not just one but two great plates that can be easily adapted to any holiday or time of year! With the holidays just around the corner, studios will be bustling with painters looking for inspiration.    

Pssst! Did you know you can print the project PDF's to give your customers ideas? One studio keeps the projects in an inspiration binder. Check out our Technique Sheets area for more project ideas!  

My Christmas Tree

This “Mommy and Me” project is one to cherish. Let the child leave their mark on the plate by decorating the Christmas tree while the parent embellishing the rim of the plate with seasonal rubber stamps.

 

MATERIALS

240 Rim Dinner
957-2 Really Red
9630 Light Kiwi
CN122-8 Bright Kiwi
CN352-8 Dark Kiwi
CN514-8 Dark Briarwood
CN516-8 Sunflower Yellow

 

TOOLS

FAB3602 Old Fashioned Gingerbread
9591 Paint Dotters

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Using a large wash brush, paint the child’s hand with Bight Kiwi and firmly stamp into center of plate.

2. Using paint dotters or the rounded end of a paint brush, allow the child to decorate the tree with dots, a base, and a star.

3. Using the Old Fashioned Gingerbread set, start to fill in the rim of the plate. Dip your leaf stamp into the Light Kiwi underglaze cup, and press firmly onto the plate. Make sure you check your paint and pressure on a piece of paper before you begin on your plate.

4. Using the candy cane stamp, dip into an underglaze cup loaded with Really Red. Stamp onto the plate, alternating directions and pressure for a varied look.

5. Go back over the rim of the plate by dipping the leaf stamp into the Dark Kiwi. Overlap with the light kiwi leaves to add dimension.

6. Finish the pattern by dipping the Gingerbread Man stamp into Dark Briarwood.

7. You may wish to add the child’s name with a thin detail brush around the base of the tree.

8. Let dry. Dip in Pure Brilliance Clear Glaze. Fire to Cone 06. 

Nora's Menorah

What has nine lights and ten fingers? This adorable menorah plate, of course! Add an accent rim to make this project pop off the plate! 

 

MATERIALS

240 Rim Dinner
CN042-8 Bright Papaya
CN142-8 Bright Aqua
CN253-8 Dark Black
CN511-8 Sunflower Yellow
CN518-8 Delft Sprinkles
CN519-8 Aqua Sprinkles
CN520-8 Caribbean Sprinkles
CN522-8 Really White Sprinkles

 

TOOLS

Assorted Royal Aqualon Brushes
Detailing Tape
Paper Plate
Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Using a large wash brush, paint the child’s hands with Bright Aqua and firmly stamp into center of plate, making sure to overlap the thumbs.

2. Using a thin round brush, paint simple black strokes to create the shape of the menorah around the handprints.

3. Create candles with a swipe of Sunflower Yellow and Bright Papaya.

4. Begin laying out your rim design by cutting varying strips of detailing tape. Lay them around the rim and smooth them down with the tapered end of a paint brush to prevent from leaks.

5. Once you have your rim design in place, cut a paper plate to fit over the menorah.

6. Start to fill in your sections by alternating Sprinkles colors. We chose not to follow a pattern, but rather to fill in randomly!

7. You may wish to add the child’s name with a thin detail brush around the base of the menorah.

8. Let dry. Dip in Pure Brilliance Clear Glaze. Fire to Cone 06.

As always, there's tons more ideas and inspiration to be found in our Resources area.  Good luck, and enjoy the Holiday season!