How to Design Primitive Wooden Plates
Primitive art is typified by thematic elements that represent either country life or a simple life. Often, Americana art, which represents patriotic themes, is incorporated into primitive designs. Wooden plates are a popular design element found in primitive art, and are often used for decoration as well as for setting a beautiful table. The circular wooden plate is a simple, but elegant, design for a primitive plate.
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Things You'll Need
- Untreated wood, any type
- Pencil
- Drill
- Face plate
- Four small screws
- Lathe
- Band saw
- Sandpaper
- Food-safe paint like Livos
- Paint brushes
- Food-safe paint sealer
Instructions
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Primitive Round Plate Design
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1
Choose a piece of untreated wood. Good woods for plates include oak, pecan, cedar and cherry. Cut the wood into a 16-by-16-inch square.
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2
Draw a large circle directly onto the wooden square that's the size of the plate you want to make.
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3
Cut the four corners from the wood using a band saw.
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4
In the center of the board, mount the face plate to the board with four small screws.
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5
Affix the face plate to the lathe and shape the back of the plate. Cut a small area into the back of the plate so it can be held by a chuck.
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6
Sand the back of the plate lightly while the plate is still spinning.
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7
Remove the plate from the lathe and take off the face plate.
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8
Affix the chuck to the lathe and attach the wooden plate to the chuck.
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9
Shape the face of the plate. Cut into the face of the plate deep enough that the screw holes will be removed.
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10
Sand the face of the plate and remove the plate from the chuck.
Painting Primitive Designs
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11
Select a primitive design pattern, the simpler the better. Choose Americana, chickens, tulips or anything country.
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12
Determine the image layout. Some images work well placed directly in the center of a plate, while others look better set off center or around the rim.
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13
Paint the image directly onto the plate using a food-safe paint. The Livos company sells a variety of paints and sealants that are safe for humans.
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14
Seal the image with a food-safe sealant.
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