diy project: cherry blossom plate

I was looking for nice little decorated plates for years. When I discovered ceramic markers, I was no longer afraid to try and make them myself. The markers are very easy to use and spill-proof. No baking — the paint just has to dry for 48 hours, and then you’re done! You can even put them in the dishwasher. I’ve always loved the image of cherry blossoms; they are organic and stylized at the same time. It’s a strong and recognizable image. In my house, you can find all kinds of things with cherry blossom prints. So when I was making sketches for the plate, I came up with this idea quickly. — Johanneke

CLICK HERE for the full how-to after the jump!

Materials

• white porcelain plate
• ceramic markers in black and carmine (I used the brand Darwi Armerina)
• degreaser (I used ammonia)
• piece of cloth to degrease
• paper and pen to make a sketch first and try out marker

Instructions

1. Take your plate and degrease well. I used undiluted ammonia. Then rinse with water and dry with a clean towel.

2. Read the instructions on the marker. Shake and press down the point several times before use. Try a line on paper first; it’s quite runny in the beginning. Start drawing the main branch in black. You have to draw quickly to get nice smooth lines. Work even faster to get a nice pointy end and some movement in the drawing.

3. Now you can draw the other, smaller branches. Less is more with this image, I think.

4. Now you can start drawing the blossom. Take your carmine marker, shake well and press the point a few times. Try first on a piece of paper to see if it is too runny; it will stop if you stop pressing the point. Now draw small dots with the point of the marker. You can move the point in tiny circles to make the dots more even and round. I put them in groups of three (to keep the stylized look) at the end of every branch and some in the middle.

5. Let it dry for 48 hours, and your cherry blossom plate is ready to use!