When meandering the aisles and shelves of certain thrift stores, it becomes pretty clear that an entire kitchen could be stocked with a mixing and matching of ceramic and porcelain dinnerware. Thrift stores are typically overflowing with old plates, grandma’s china, mugs from tourist stops, and mason jars. While a mug with “Oklahoma” and a pair of boots with spurs printed on the front may not be your style, there is so much potential for the plain plates, mugs, bowls, and pitchers that sit collecting dust in thrift stores. Why let them collect dust when they could be transformed with the mere tip of a permanent marker and your creative hand?
This do-it-yourself project is simple, easy, and the perfect way for you to up-cycle and repurpose old porcelain dinnerware. Whether you hunt through a thrift store, garage sale, or your own kitchen cabinet, any porcelain piece will be delighted to be adorned with pattern, handwritten inspiration, and a little bit of pretty.
You will need:
A sharpie
Plain Porcelain Dinnerware
The Steps:
Pick up your sharpie and make your design on your mug/plate/pitcher/bowl. You can do this free hand or by using a stencil. The options are endless and each piece will turn out unique reflecting the hands and heart of the artist (that’s you!). Once you have a design you feel good about, preheat your oven to 350 and bake your piece for 30 minutes.
Directions for care:
Since the dishwasher tends to rub off the design over time, you’ll want to hand wash with soap and water. If you find that after the first wash your design is fading, you can always touch it up with your sharpie and re-bake in the oven!
Design ideas:
Write an encouraging quote on your wares as a gift to brighten someone’s day.
Make matching patterned mugs and plates and create an entire place setting.
Monogram a pair of mugs for a shower or wedding gift.
Make your design go with the seasons and special occasions.
Draw patterns on a tall plain pitcher to make a eye catching vase.
Write your warm drink preference on your mug i.e. “She loves her coffee creamy.”
Note: Metallic and color sharpies work as well, but black is true to its color leaving the design to stand out and really pop!
Quote on photographed pitcher reads “Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place BEAUTIFUL.”