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Decorating Plates With Photos

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-917 -- More Projects »
PHOTO

Decorative plates make an unusual frame for precious photographs.
Creativity expert and recycling guru Sonia Michel shows how to decorate plates with photographs.

Materials:

photograph
decoupage glue
acrylic paint in colors that match the plate background
paintbrushes
polymer resin
hardener
plastic plate

Steps:


  1. Make a photocopy of the photograph you want to frame. Do not use computer printer paper because it will bleed. You can also make a photo-shop copy of a printer image.
PHOTO

Figure B
  • Tear around the edges of the copy for a rough finish (figure A).

  • Squeeze a good amount of decoupage glue onto the decorative plate (which was chosen to complement the colors in your picture). Press the picture over the glue firmly. The glue will ooze out from underneath. Rub the glue all over the picture, covering it thoroughly and pressing out any air bubbles. Remove any excess.
    • PHOTO

    Figure A
  • After the glue dries, you will paint around the edges of the picture out to the rim. Use acrylic paint in colors that match the plate background and using a stippling motion (dabbing straight down) to apply the paint (figure B).

  • After the paint dries, seal the photo with a half-and-half mixture of polymer resin and a hardener, available at craft stores. Mix the two ingredients very well before applying to the picture.

  • Pour the well-mixed resin mixture over the picture and roll it around to cover the space inside the rim completely. Make sure you have no bubbles in the mixture. To eliminate the bubbles, once the resin is spread out, take a straw and blow lightly on the bubbles and they will disappear. Check every five minutes for about a half hour to make sure no bubbles appear.

  • Cover the dish with a plastic plate to keep any dust or particles out of the resin and let dry for 48 hours.

    * Note: This is a decorative technique. Do not eat off the plate once you've decorated it.

    • Guests
    Sonia Michel
    Recycling Guru
    3417 Purer Rd.
    Escondido, CA 92029
    Phone: 760-233-0861
    E-mail: soniamichel@netmio.com
    Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-917
    •Meatless Meals
    •Extending the Life of Your Clothes
    •Decorating Plates With Photos
    •Smart Solution of the Day
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