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Sharing is Caring

I love it when neighbors drop off homemade treats for us, for no particular reason. What a joy. And likewise, I love making delicious goodies to share. One of my neighbors, who has been the recipient of a number of treats, made me laugh the other day. I'd never checked in with her about food allergies. I'd routinely sent my boys over to her house with baked goods, and this time I thought I'd go too and check in. After enquiring about food allergies, she told me that they were 'equal opportunity consumers'. The phrasing was brilliant.

So to get back on topic, I'm always searching for sharing plates. The idea is, to present a neighbor with a thoughtful plate, and then the neighbor, in turn will pay it forward to the next neighbor with their own goodies.

This plate was pretty simple to put together. All you'll need are:

  • White dinner plate

  • isopropyl alcohol

  • Ceramic pens, such as the Porcelain or Craftsmart pens

  • Imagination

  • Oven for curing

When buying plates for this purpose, it is better to buy a ceramic or cheaper one, because the glazing isn't as good. If you get a higher end porcelain plate, the glazing won't allow the paint from the ceramic pens to adhere as well. My first try at the giving plate was on a good quality porcelain, from a mismatched set, and the ink washed or rubbed off even after curing and baking in the oven. The cheaper plates have all lasted much longer.

Wash and dry the plate well.

Shake the pens and pump the nibs to get the ink flowing.

Create. I got this idea for my giving plate off Pinterest.

Giving Plate by Three & Me

I really took a chance and wrote out the wording, hoping it would fit, and luckily it did. A safer approach would be to trace an outline of your plate on paper and then write your wording on the paper, so you can adjust spacing, font and design if necessary.

If you make a mistake you must act fast! This ink dries incredibly quickly. Use a Q-tip, soaked in isopropyl alcohol, to wipe away an error. Wait for the alcohol to evaporate fully before writing on the same spot.

Allow the ink to cure for 45 minutes.

Place the decorated plate into a cold oven and heat to 250 F. Once the temperature has been reached (your oven should signal this with a beep), bake for 30 minutes. Then turn off the oven and allow the plate to cool inside of the oven. This slow heating and cooling will prevent the plate from cracking. I have tried many variations on temperature, but this one has served me best. If the temperature is too high you not only risk cracking your plate, but you may discolor the plate and paint colors.

Wash only by hand. I have washed these plates in the dishwasher on occasion, and the ink has stayed vibrant, but over time the artwork will fade or scratch off.

Also, don't serve food directly on the design. Use a lovely napkin or a wax paper to place goodies on. The inks aren't necessarily food grade.

Enjoy your plate! Create a few... some won't come back. Repeat if you run out. :)

This was a wish plate, that I created for a friend's birthday...

Wish Plate by Three & Me

Create. Enjoy. Repeat.

Warmly,

Three & Me

Three & Me

www.threeand.me art and craft events logo

Reviews

Created. Enjoyed. Reviewed ...

Had the most fun tonight with an amazing instructor and many wonderful friends! Three & Me out did themselves with beautiful presentation and amazing craft that I am excited to display in my home! I look forward to another opportunity to craft with Three & Me in the future!

Camas, WA

What an amazing experience! Claire is an incredible instructor and makes these projects so fun and truly easy for those like me who are not artsy! She is extremely organized and everything is so well thought out and ready in advance. I can hardly wait to take more classes in the future. I would highly recommend Three & Me!

Angela H.

Camas, WA

I just went to my first Three & Me workshop. It was a wonderful experience. Claire is a warm hostess and an excellent instructor. Making everyone feel engaged and successful. The materials are top notch and every detail is well thought out. It’s a great escape for a personal creative moment or a fun way to connect with friends and family while expressing your inner artist.

Camas, WA

Such a fun string art class tonight! Claire is a wonderful instructor and everything was so beautiful; the display, the art, the examples, the supplies, the snacks! So fun!

Camas, WA

This is truly a fun night out! Claire's instruction is helpful, humorous and fun! I love how she allowed us options to be creative and put our own twist on our projects. There is a lot of attention to detail with the set-up, supplies and refreshments which did not go unnoticed.  I can't wait for the next project!

What a fun evening! Claire has thought of every detail and guides you step by step through the whole process! She is such an encourager and makes you feel like you have just made a masterpiece! I highly recommend her classes! I can't wait to take another one!

Camas, WA

I had such a fun evening! Three & Me had everything presented beautifully and organized in a way that made it easy to follow along for those of us that aren't necessarily crafters by nature! Thank you for a fun night!

Courtney H.

Camas, WA

Thank you Claire Houlding for an incredible night! It was so much fun creating with Three & Me!

Hollen F.

Camas, WA

You all did such a great job! Claire Houlding what a fun thing you are starting in our community! Love it. So fun to be there tonight!

Jennifer B.

Camas, WA

I craft a lot at home, but doing crafts in a class with friends is so much better. THREE & ME makes it so easy to do the things I am interested in, without having to find the supplies and figure out how to do it on my own. I've just booked my next ladies night with Claire! I can't wait. 

Vancouver, WA

Tonight, a bunch of lucky ladies got to craft along side one of the very best. Claire's heart, is hands done one of the very best and those of us who were there got to create something amazing that we will proudly display in our homes. Many laughs and much fun was had by all. I highly recommend one of Three & Me classes to anyone in the area! Spread kindness around like confetti!!

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Lana E.

Camas, WA

Art is not my strength. I don't have a creative bone in my body. So I came to a workshop because my friend made me... and I made something I now love. I was expecting to sit and watch, but landed up getting fully involved! My husband and kids don't believe that I made it myself. I'm coming again and I'm bringing my sister... she's even worse at crafts than me.

Alyson S.

Washougal, WA

We had such a fun girls night out making Christmas signs. Claire did a wonderful job explaining what to do and they turned out great! We are all looking forward to more events!! Thank you!

Kristine A.

Camas, WA

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