This week I have a quickie trash to treasure project that transforms an outdated decorator plate into a sweet sentiment for less than the cost of a greeting card.
This pretty little plate features delicate edging but the center painting is a bit dated- delegating it to the no-man's-land cupboard high above the refrigerator.
Using scrap papers, gift tags, and simple embellishments, this plate will enjoy the spotlight again.
Everything needed to transform this cutie is probably already in your craft closet:
Scrap paper
twine or ribbon
Mod-podge
Scissors & paintbrush
small embellishments
Using the bottom of the plate as a template, trace a circle onto the right side of scrap paper. Cut out the circle cutting about 1/4 inch in from your pencil line as the bottom of the plate is usually a bit larger than the front.
Another trimming option is to place the circle cutout over the front indented space of the plate. Using your thumb, press along the inside edge to create a pie crust effect that will give an accurate measure for snipping.
Use traditional scissors or create a decorative edge with scrapbook scissors.
Once the paper is trimmed to the right size, apply a thin coat of Mod-podge to the back of the paper, and adhere paper to the center of the plate. Allow to dry. Apply a light top coat of Mod-podge and allow this layer to dry. (Mod-podge dries quickly so wait time is minimal.)
Add embellishments as desired.
I am going with simple graphics- a combination of My Mind's Eye paper and a Papaya gift tag I saved from a recent gift. The key is to Mod-podge in layers. Don't rush to add everything at once.
Once the basic layers are down, attach twine or ribbon for easy display of the finished project. (Adhesive hangers work well for plates without cut work.)
At this point I want to finish with a ribbon and some small embellishments. I pulled out some vintage bias tape, spare buttons, and a random rhinestone from the broken jewelry bin.
The ribbon has been weaved through the cutwork to hide the hanging twine and I stitched the button through the ribbon's knot. Just a dab of Mod-podge secures the rhinestone to hide the original hole at the tag center.
These little treasures take less than 30 minutes from start to finish and give an old decorator plate an instant face lift.
A perfect shabby chic treat for yourself or someone you treasure.
LOVE & UP-CYCLE NATION!
Jacquie Wheeler
Hand of Bela Peck
