Upcycle Thrift Store Plates
Turn cheap plates into stunning serving dishes with the Upcycle Thrift Store Plates tutorial. All you need for this craft is the plates and some paint -- nothing else! This is a cheap, fun craft, and it is so quick and easy to make for a dinner party you are hosting tomorrow. You could even create this craft as a gift for a house warming party or Christmas gift and no one will even know that you did it yourself. Do not drop extensive amounts of money on serving dishes again with this free painting craft tutorial.
Primary TechniquePainting
Materials:
- Earth Safe Finishes™ Opaque Shimmer – Emerald, Magenta, Sapphire
- Earth Safe Finishes™ Chalk it Up - Black
- Clear Glass Plate
- Paintbrushes - Black Silver by Dynasty Series 4910ST One Stroke Size 1
Instructions:
- Apply shimmers to the back side of the plate, in a random order, let dry; repeat with second coat if needed to get complete coverage; let dry.
- Paint over shimmers with black chalk paint, let dry.
Tips:
- Don’t be alarmed if the first coat looks like it will not cover, the shimmers work on every surface, it may take a couple coats.
- Let dry completely between coats for best results.
- Earth Safe Finishes products are all soap and water cleanup.
Make every day Earth Day with our free printable eBook, Recycled Craft Ideas: Easy Crafts to Make with Recycled Materials. Discover ways to reuse materials such as wood, fabric and even popsicle sticks. Get your copy now.
Why You'll Love This Trash to Treasure Craft
1. It's environmentally friendly: Upcycling thrift store plates is a great way to reduce waste and help the environment. Instead of throwing away old plates that no longer serve a purpose, you can give them new life by transforming them into beautiful pieces of art.
2. It's budget-friendly: Thrift stores are a treasure trove of affordable items, including plates. By upcycling thrift store plates, you can create unique and personalized home decor pieces without breaking the bank.
3. It's a fun creative outlet: Upcycling thrift store plates allows you to unleash your creativity and experiment with different colors, patterns, and techniques. Whether you prefer a more minimalist look or a bold and eclectic style, the possibilities are endless when it comes to transforming old plates into new works of art.
4. It makes for a great DIY gift: Handmade gifts are always appreciated, and upcycling thrift store plates is a fun and thoughtful way to create personalized presents for friends and family. Whether you're making a set of custom coasters or a decorative wall hanging, your loved ones will cherish the time and effort you put into making something special just for them.
5. It's a satisfying and rewarding process: There's something incredibly satisfying about taking an old, forgotten plate and turning it into something beautiful and useful. The sense of accomplishment you'll feel when you see the finished product is well worth the time and effort you put into upcycling thrift store plates. Plus, you'll have a unique piece of decor that you can proudly display in your home for years to come.
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Weberme
May 22, 2018
Do you want a pretty plate centerpiece for a special gathering but do not want to spend a lot on it hen head on down to your local thrift store and pick up some clear plates and paint your own with shimmer paints. You can make it whatever colors you need. Tis will be a very attractive piece and so easy to do. You can even use them for a wedding shower or reception. Super project.
mulberrygalprinces s
Jan 29, 2018
What a beautiful dish. And it's so easy to do. I remember my mother having glass dishes like these and also in a gold color. It was called Carnaval glass. I always loved it. You can find them in antique shops but I can't afford them. This just may fill in for them!
EditorLP
Apr 26, 2017
The colors in this project are so striking. I never would have thought of trying this, but I see clear plates like this at thrift stores all the time!
Crafty Suz
Apr 08, 2017
Wow, that is a beautiful technique. It is a good craft for someone who isn't sure what they would like to do as it is a lower budget than many crafts. I love the colors in this project. This is something to think about for gifts for someone for a birthday or Christmas especially if the dishes are purchased at yard sales and flea markets during the summer.
msdeb21
Apr 06, 2017
This is such a pretty project. This reminds me of some glassware I bought my mom in the 1970's. I'm not familiar with this kind of paint, but I will be checking it out. I love the look of those colors and chalkboard black. I have some glassware my mom gave me that looks like this plate. I can't wait to try this.
princess6860504
Feb 26, 2017
I always thought these up cycled glass plates were painted on the front of the plate. It never occurred to me that it is painted on the underside. I feel better about knowing this! My mom there has old Carnival glass just like this. Now I can add some more extra pieces to do and her collection...knowing it's not the real thing makes it a little easier on her when her grandkids are running around the house. The colors are just perfect.
Marilyn B
Jan 12, 2017
This is a lovely project, so pretty! I did a plate using fabric and decoupage on the bottom of the plate, the right side showing through a clear glass plate, and putting clear decoupage smoothing out air bubbles. Looked nice, but this is even prettier, so unique and easy to do, thanks for sharing!
The Designing Peng uin
Oct 11, 2016
another craft that is not overly challenging, one that could be done with children as a Mother's day gift or for any other special gift - how about a gift for being Mom? So many great ideas here for Brownies, Guides, and school, that do not require masses of materiel
mulberrygalprinces s
Sep 29, 2016
My mom had all kinds of dishes like this when I was a kid. It's exactly like carnival glass. If I do it in shades of God, orange and yellow it would be perfect. I can't believe you can do this with just paint. Thank you so much for offering this wonderful project and for free!
Michele
Aug 04, 2016
I love the colors on this plate! It could definitely be the centerpiece for appetizers or cookies and make a statement while doing so.
jobers77
May 05, 2016
Looks pretty, like old time Carnival glass. I'm going to try to find this paint somewhere. I can probably find a lot of glass plates for cheap in stores like Salvation Army or Goodwill so I can experiment.
craftmama
Dec 20, 2015
When the plates are washed will the paint stay on? Can this paint also be used on plastic and have the same effect?
Kaylee
Dec 21, 2015
Hi nttmtwmknnk 112217 1! My guess is that you can wash these plates by hand, but it is probably not recommended to put them in the dishwasher. As for the application of the paint to other surfaces, I would check with the company (Earth Safe Finishes) and see what they recommend. Hope that helps! - Kaylee, Editor
flutesalive 673958 0
Dec 04, 2015
Where can I buy this paint? I can't find it online. The 'store' link on the Earth Safe Finishes site does not work.
Kaylee
Dec 07, 2015
Hi flutesalive 673958 0! The Earth Safe Finishes store is now located here: http://www.earthsafefinishesstore.com/ Happy crafting! Kaylee, Editor of FaveCrafts
SUZAG
May 15, 2015
With soap and water clean-up, is this plate washable afterwards or is it a one time use and toss?
FaveCrafts Editor JL
Jul 14, 2015
Hi there, according to the brand website, the paints used in this project are washable and can be used over and over again. - Julia from FaveCrafts
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