From the Archives - Decoupage Fabric Plates

Every so often, I like to post popular tutorials from my archives - here is a full tutorial on how to make decoupage plates, using clear glass plates and cotton fabric. Don't let the Yankees fabric fool you, I am a proud Boston Red Sox fan!

Here's what you will need to complete this project: 

• Round or square glass plates
• Cotton fabric, in any design
• Modge Podge, regular or with glitter
• Scissors
• Table covering
• Paint cans to hold the plates while they dry
• Matte or gloss clear spray paint

Start by finding some inexpensive glass plates, either at the consignment store or home goods store. Wash them and dry them completely. Next, cut the fabric about 1-2 inches wider than the plate you are using.

Put your first plate face down on a paint can and the piece of fabric face down on the table covering. Cover the back of the fabric with Modge Podge, flip it over carefully and cover the front generously as well. Then, lift the fabric off the table and place the design face down so that the design of the fabric is facing out (see picture). Use additional Modge Podge if necessary.

Use your hands to work out any air bubbles in the fabric, from the center out. Depending on the thickness and texture of the fabric, this may take some time. Move the plate to another paint can to dry thoroughly. Modge Podge goes on white and dries clear so you will be able to tell when it is ready for the next step.

Repeat for as many plates as you have. I made 3 New York Yankees plates, a gray & pink bird plate, which are both in my Etsy Store and a black striped plate, which didn't turn out the way I wanted and was scraped before the final step. Here is a production picture of them drying.

Once dry, carefully trim the excess off with a razor blade so that the edge is flush with the plate. (step not shown) 

In a well ventilated area, place the plates face down again on the paint cans. Using your clear spray paint, spray the backs of the plates completely. 

Finally, clean off any excess glue or fingerprints on the front with glass cleaner and paper towels. 

When you are all finished, your plates should look like this:

Happy Crafting - feel free to send me a link or picture if you try this project!

Overnight Etsy Sale

Nothing makes me happier than waking up to good news in my email. Today, I found out that there was an Etsy sale in my store overnight. I've been a little worried lately because Ebay has been my main source for selling crafts in the last month or so. I like Etsy because everything is handmade and it's fun to get to know other crafters on the site. So I'm thrilled to make a new sale and hope to ride the momentum.

Here is the Pirate Treasure Map plate that sold - it's had tons of views so I guess I shouldn't be surprised but I pleasantly am!

Back to Basics - Decoupage Plates

You may or may not know that my crafting business started close to 4 years ago and it all began with Christmas gifts for a few of my old co-workers. My mother-in-law took an evening to teach me how to make decoupage plates and the rest is history. We used cotton fabric in fun holiday designs and clear glass plates to create personalized gifts that the ladies in the office loved. 

My first year of craft shows were almost exclusively plates but now I have branched out into many other decoupage and home decor items. But every once in a while I like to make a few plates for therapy and since I'll be starting a new batch tomorrow, in honor of the baseball season, here is one of my newest plates. A cute 7-inch pirate plate which is also available in my Etsy store.

Hope everyone is having a relaxing weekend and enjoying this lovely weather!

Zebra Decoupage Candle Holders

Here is another project I worked on over the weekend, to bring to my next craft fair. I have one of my oldest friends to thank for all the zebra print tissue paper that I am able to create with. Her wedding shower was almost a year ago and I'm still going strong:

 

These candle holders were created with tissue paper, Modge Podge and pink sequins. I sell them with flameless LED tealights so they are safe for houses with little kids.

I have another set of glasses like this but I'm not quite sure what to do with them yet...