I’m really excited to share this DIY with you today. As we went through the renovation process, 95% of the things I chose (paint colors, rugs, furniture, etc.) were white or neutral. I did this intentionally because I knew that if I created a cozy, textured neutral space, then I could go absolutely CRAZY with color in the final stages (accessories and details) and it wouldn’t be bananas. And I’m so happy I did because now I am going to FULLY enjoy this colorful season. Starting with this DIY!
I always ooh and aww over the pretty plate sets at Anthropologie. They’re so colorful and fancy and I just adore them. And one thing I’ve been wanting to do since high school (yes, high school!) is design my own dishes. I have so many too many designs I want to try, so I figured I’d just start here with this fun poppy floral mix with simple black and white geometric pattern.
You can TOTALLY make these exact same dishes (it’s easy!) or you can tweak them to your own taste. But either way, I demand that you share them with us on Instagram. Use #ABMcrafty to show off your pretty projects!
Supplies needed:
-food-safe markers (I used these)
-food-safe ceramic dishes to decorate
-an oven
For this set, I did two different types of dishes: colorful and simple. Then I layered them both together for a fun look. For the colorful poppy flower design, see 1, 3 and 4. The paint pens work best when creating lots of small lines to fill in a space, rather than trying to fill it perfectly. If you need more than one layer of paint for more coverage, you will have to bake it between layers or else the second layer of paint will rub the first one off. (I did two layers on my mugs below, so the lines were super dark!) 2. Try some super simple patterns with just black marker. I like these messy dashes and grid patterns. Other fun patterns to try would be messy dots, scribbles, cactus pattern (I ALMOST did that instead of flowers) or cursive words with your favorite song lyrics!
When it comes time to bake, heat your oven to 375 degrees and bake for 45 minutes. Allow them to completely cool before handling or painting more (ouch!).
I’m so thrilled with the results! Don’t forget to leave a personal note or your name/date on the back of the dishes because #memories!
I went ahead and made four place settings for a double date dinner party. Here are my new plate sets!
Feeling inspired to paint your own yet? So pumped to make more! I have so many holiday gift ideas. I’m seriously going to make EVERYONE I know a mug. Haha!
Oh! I made a mug set too, just for fun! I’m telling you…this is addictive. Also—isn’t my husband adorable posing with me? (LOVE YOU, J!) Oh- PS! My shirt is by Shop Mallory (my former intern- her fall collection is a-mazing!)
Thanks for reading! I can’t wait to see what you guys make. Please tag #ABMcrafty so we can see, and we’ll be sure to repost our favorite projects on Insta! xo- Elsie
Credits// Author and Photography: Elsie Larson (and last photo by Laura Gummerman). Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess Actions.
I love this look! It’s crazy how a couple changes made such a HUGE difference. I want a bigger dresser for my room and this might be Embankment Stair the perfect thing! Also, thanks for organization tips!
Can these be washed as well?
Thanks for sharing! I love this idea. I’m thinking of making these as a Christmas present for my sister. Is your flatware vintage? I love the gold.
This is very pretty, but the company that sells these market does not vouch for them to be safe when used in other ceramic but their own ‘PaintedByMe mugs’, and this should be clearly stated to the public.
This DIY is so cute and adorable! Love it<3
so the plates are not special….they’re regular plates that you use the special markers on.Right? ( I have a 5 year old grand daughter that I could work with to make some special plates for her parents!)
Great Idea!Thanks!
How do these hold up? I have done painted mugs before and the writing fades quickly. Am I doing something wrong?
I love Jeremy’s sweater! Where is it from??
so adorable! I can never find the dishes I want in stores (for a reasonable price)–I can’t wait to try this!
I love those eye mugs! This is such an inventive idea!
Steph – http://nourishmeclean.blogspot.com
Oh how I wish I had seen this FOREVER ago! I love decorating my own dish ware but have such a hard time finding plain white dishes. The site that you got the markers from is awesome and I’m sure will be getting a lot of my money in the near future for Xmas gift making…
Looks beautiful! It would be fun to know how they last… You`ll probably wash them by hand:)
Ahhhh must try! Elsie have you changed your hair? I love it! 😉
I love this, once tried with Sharpie but the ink would go away when washing… please give us an update of how these ones result! — Thanks for sharing
super fun idea! I love anthropologie’s plates and this is a fun way to do your own designs 🙂
http://floatingthrufields.blogspot.com/
These are stunning – what’s the dishwasher situation do you think… have you tried?
Where did you get the gold flatware?
This is such a cute little craft http://www.hannamarielei.com
Ahhh I love this idea! This would be such a fun way to create a set of holiday dishes – and much cheaper than buying a collection from a store! Beautiful job!