For years I have wanted Christmas dishes. For years I have looked for them – but I have never found anything that I truly loved.
I need to love these Christmas dishes because what I really wanted was for them to become part of our family tradition. Using them every Christmas day, with our over the top Christmas Breakfast. I never saw any that felt special enough for me.
Just a few weeks ago while looking at more Christmas dishes, I asked myself what would make them special enough for me. They needed to hold some sort of meaning – buying brand new ones did not fill that need.
Then I thought about my kids. They are the perfect “Christmas” age. They LOVE Christmas and are so dang excited counting down the days. Their excitement fills our home. And I am finding myself trying to hang on to these moments as best as I possibly can.
So I asked my 7-year-old if he would make my Christmas dishes. He loves to draw, and I love his creations. He said YES. I could not possibly be happier with the end results!
I love, love, LOVE how imperfect they are. They truly represent a 7-year-old. They are from the tiny hands of my sweet son. I will honestly treasure them for the rest of my life. Absolutely nothing bought from a store could EVER replace these dinner plates.
Imagine the applications for this. Maybe you do not have children – but what if your grandparent who love to draw made these for you? SO very special!
It was so easy to make (well for me, I didn’t do any of the drawings) ha!
All you need are ceramic / porcelain dishware and sharpie markers.
How to make your own DIY Christmas Dishes:
Step 1:
Find your dishes and markers. I used plates from Target that had a little extra detail around the edge. Many people use plates from the dollar. I used permanent sharpie markers. I used a 60% off coupon at Michaels to grab this pack!
Step 2:
Wash your plates. I removed the sticker from the back of the plate and then ran them through the dishwasher on a regular cleaning cycle – Make sure the dishes are completely dry before moving on to the next step.
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Step 3:
DRAW! My son used the Youtube Channel ART KIDS HUB (They are AMAZING) to learn how to draw his images. Before drawing on the plates, he did a practice run on some printer paper. 🙂
Once you are done drawing and coloring in your images:
- Put them into a cold oven.
- Bring the temperature up to 350 degrees
- Bake them for 35 minutes
- After 35 minutes turn the oven off, and let them completely cool down in the oven. (I left mine overnight – just because I forgot to take them out once they cooled down)
Step 4:
This is entirely optional, but I am using a clear coat spray to give the plates extra protection. I am using this one, also found at Michales.
Note- I honestly love these plates so much, and they already hold such a special meaning for me I doubt I will actually let them eat their pancakes directly on them. I will set the table with them, but probably switch them out when we start eating.
I can also see myself putting a small square of parchment paper on them and stacking Christmas cookies, donuts, and other special Christmas Morning treats on top!
Step 5:
Show them off! 🙂
It really is that simple and straightforward.
Bonnie Coon says
Love,love,love the amazing art work .Those dishes will someday have your child eating Christmas breakfast on them.Such a wonderful idea Lindsay,your ideas just never end.I am sure there are hundreds of Mom’s buying their plates and supplies.My heart is so full of lovebecause your heart is so loving.Merry Christmas with lots of love.
Bonnie Coon says
Love,love,love the amazing art work .Those dishes will someday have your child eating Christmas breakfast on them.Such a wonderful idea Lindsay,your ideas just never end.I am sure there are hundreds of Mom’s buying their plates and supplies.My heart is so full of lovebecause your heart is so loving.Merry Christmas with lots of love.