How to Paint a Ceramic Platter for Xmas

Trees and gifts are ubiquitous themes for Christmas decorations

There's something about the Christmas season that brings out a person's crafty side. When it comes to Christmas crafts, what could be better than one designed for the presentation of tasty holiday treats? Make a festive Christmas serving plate by painting a holiday design on a plain white platter. Even if you don't consider yourself an artist, you can make a fine design using Christmas cookie cutters as stencils.

Things You'll Need

• White ceramic platter
• Large Christmas tree cookie cutter
• Permanent marker
• Small star cookie cutter
• Food-safe glass or ceramic paint
• Craft brushes

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the platter.

2. Place the large Christmas tree cookie cutter in the middle of the platter. Line up the edges of the tree with the long edges of the platter. Place the permanent marker inside the cutter, and trace the shape. Remove the cookie cutter and set aside.

3. Paint the cookie cutter outline with green glass paint. Cover both the inside of the tree shape and the marker outline. Let dry.

4. Add small dots of red, white and yellow to the tree to look like ornaments. Use a small paintbrush or your fingertip.

5. Use the small star-shaped cookie cutter and the permanent marker to draw a border of stars around the tree. Make this border close to the tree, rather than on the rim.

6. Paint the stars yellow or orange. Again, cover the outline you just drew with paint. This may require multiple coats.

7. Dot the rim of the plate with large red and green spots.

8. Dip a large paintbrush in black paint, soaking the bristles all the way down. Rub the sides of the bristles around the outside edge of the platter, giving it a black rim.

9. Let all the paint cure according to the manufacturer's instructions before serving food on the platter.

Tips & Warnings

• To add some glitter to your Christmas painting design, mix a little with some food-safe epoxy resin. Apply this as a top coat over areas where you want a glitter finish.

References

• "Painting Ceramics: 30 Step-by-Step Decorative Projects;" Simona Hill; 2008