Making Pretty Luncheon Plates

Making pretty luncheon plates is fun and easy! I enjoy finding 'odds & ends' plates at antique shops, thrift stores, or outlet malls. They usually are alone and are sold for next to nothing, as te rest of the set is not there. Plain white plates, or those of a neutral color, can be purchased and used to create unique, one-of-a-kind cake plates or luncheon plates for tea. To create:

1. Make sure the plates are washed well and free of lint and marks; it's usually best to purchase plates without a metalic trim (although some I've tried with metalic trim have worked as well).

2. At a ceramics shop, purchase pretty decals that require firing. Cut them out and/or trim them to fit your plate as you desire. I usually cut the clear edging off so that the outline of the design is the outer edge. Wet the decals and then adhere to the plate in the position you desire them.

c. Allow to dry and then take to a ceramic shop and have them 'fire' your plate in a kiln. They usually do this for a very reasonable price (fitting in in the kiln with their pottery and ceramic projects).

d. When it's fired, the decal will be melded into the glaze --- without lines; it will look like it's one with the plate! Very pretty and fun to do!

This technique can also be used for plain white pitchers, teapots, and other teaware. Pitchers and creamers are especially fun! Cut the decals out into small sections and place at the end of a spout, or by the handle, and in the front. Create wavy lines or a flow for a pretty effect.