Atten: crafters! I need some help with a Christmas Craft.?

Question

Back in July I came up with an idea for a homemade gift (I do them each year). I took a clear plastic dinner plate, made a stencil of a snowman, drew it on with a permanent marker, and painted over that with water-based paint.

Obviously I don't want to lose that, and on two of the three plates I made the outline on the opposite side of the plate where I paint. While this isn't an aesthetic problem until it wears off, I do want to seal it.

Any ideas?

What is the best way to seal a plastic plate with a permanent marker on one side and water-based paint on the other? Is it possible to make this plate washable or is that out?

**When I say "plastic plate" I mean a HARD plastic plate. It was on sale this summer for $.50 instead of $5.00/plate.

Answer 1

I believe most plastic plates should be hand-washable at least after they're sealed, but you'll need to seal the water-based paint in particular first since it will run or bleed. You can try spraying that side (and I'd cover the marker too) with a *light* coat of acrylic spray (too heavy and it could run), then add a few more coats for security.
Then you can add your brush-on sealer (not sure which all will stick nicely to plastic, but I usually use indoor, water-based sealers just becuase they're easier on the lungs) -- or you could just use ModPodge or another decoupage medium... just don't let your plates *sit* in water afterwards --exposure to a little moisture is usually okay). You could probably ask at a hardware store for which sealers are safe and most permanent on plastic.

Diane B.

Answer 2

Those are ideal a long time to make Christmas cookies or sweet. I recognise that it's not a "craft" in keeping with se, however they're going to revel in making the cookies and having the adults ooh and aah over them. There are many convenient recipes that do not require any distinctive equipment (like cookie cutters) that you'll be able to simply roll into balls and dip into coloured sugar or sprinkles. Or chocolate chip cookies with the purple and inexperienced Christmas chips which might be bought this time of 12 months. Easy to make, little or no mess, and who does not love cookies? As for sweet, fudge may be very convenient to make. Even the eight 12 months ancient could make peanut butter fudge within the microwave.

Answer 3

Since you can see thru the plate, put the design on the underside and paint that. No paint to wear off on food.