Permanent Markers for Custom Dishes
Ok, full disclosure this post is really more about ceramic "drawing" than ceramic painting.
I had seen a number of blogs about using permanent markers on ceramic dishes to create your own custom "painted ceramics".
Ok, full disclosure this post is really more about ceramic "drawing" than ceramic painting.
While I liked the idea of using permanent markers, I was concerned about their toxicity. Enter the Slick Writers. They are permanent, waterproof, non-toxic and they work great on slick surfaces - Yipes! I sound like an ad!
I found my markers at Michael's in the scrapbooking section, but they are also available at Joann's.
I purchased several white platters at the thrift store, $2-$4 a piece. If you don't want to to dig around the thrift store, Dollar Tree, World Market and the Crate and Barrel outlet are good sources for white plates and platters.
Next, I "doodled" with pencil on the platters - Full disclosure: it is a little hard to see the pencil lines on the dishes - Then I traced over the pencil with the marker and added a few extras once I saw it 'in black and white'. Different blogs recommended different baking times and temperatures. I originally baked mine for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Unfortunately, I discovered a problem with the permanence of the markers when the dishes were left soaking in water. So, I tried my own 'Scientific' experiment to see what baking times and temperatures worked best. After the first round I was sure 375 degrees was the right temperature.
Here a couple of my finished products, which I used as Christmas presents this year.
I found inspiration in children's nursery rhyme books, Background Fairy's image section, and Art Nouveau art books.
Just think of the possibilities!! Custom birthday cake plates, anniversary dishes, Holiday cookie platters, cool patterned salad plates to combine with your all white dishes...
I purchased several white platters at the thrift store, $2-$4 a piece. If you don't want to to dig around the thrift store, Dollar Tree, World Market and the Crate and Barrel outlet are good sources for white plates and platters.
Next, I "doodled" with pencil on the platters - Full disclosure: it is a little hard to see the pencil lines on the dishes - Then I traced over the pencil with the marker and added a few extras once I saw it 'in black and white'. Different blogs recommended different baking times and temperatures. I originally baked mine for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Unfortunately, I discovered a problem with the permanence of the markers when the dishes were left soaking in water. So, I tried my own 'Scientific' experiment to see what baking times and temperatures worked best. After the first round I was sure 375 degrees was the right temperature.
Before
After
My results? The longer you bake the ceramic the more permanent your ceramic painting will be and prolonged soaking is actually harder on the "ceramic painting" than the dishwasher.
My recommendation is:
1. Wash the ceramics with Dawn dish washing soap, rinse, wash again with vinegar and rinse.
2. Draw with the slick writers
3. Bake for 1 hour at 375 degrees
4. Allow to "dry" for 24 hours
I would still recommend hand washing and avoid prolonged soaking.
My first try, "Shrooms"
"Butterfly Garden"
Just think of the possibilities!! Custom birthday cake plates, anniversary dishes, Holiday cookie platters, cool patterned salad plates to combine with your all white dishes...
2 comments:
Michael, Thanks so much for the words of encouragement!
Thank you for this post! I've been looking at various directions on this technique, and your scientific approach makes me feel more confident in creating lasting items.
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