the giving plate {another diy sharpie project}

Awhile ago, I posted a tutorial on DIY Sharpie mugs. Since then, I've done quite a few different projects using the same process. Of course, my NYC mug is still my favorite. But, DH and I use our everyday mugs quite often. I have heard some people say that their writing scrubbed off after using them, but I haven't had that problem yet. My NYC mug is decoration, so I can't say I've actually washed that one. It did rub off a little before I baked it, but after that it's set pretty good.These mugs below have been used and reused and they're fine too. I think the finish on the piece you're trying to write on might make a difference. The higher gloss the item is, the more likely it is to rub off. I try to find things that aren't super glazed.For this project, I used a Sharpie paint pen. After they baked, I noticed the writing still had a slight texture to it and so I'm not sure if they'll hold up as well as the other things, but I think these plates will be used more for decoration anyway.These are great to give to neighbors at Christmastime filled with different cookies. I also think they'd make an awesome housewarming gift. You could add some everyday items like a handknit dishcloth, cake server, etc. to the top and wrap it in tulle or cellophane.I first saw the idea at a little farm store and thought it was such a sweet idea. They were selling for over $20.00 though and I knew I could make one for less than half of that. So, I headed to Wal-Mart and picked up a bunch of plates and then went to Jo-Ann's and bought the Sharpie paint pen. BTW, if you're a crafter and have an iPhone, be sure to download the apps for Jo-Ann's, Michael's and my all-time favorite, Hobby Lobby. They always have awesome coupons and if you're like me and always forgetting your paper coupons at home or in the car, this app is really helpful. Some Jo-Ann's (like mine) will let you use as many coupons as you have on the same transaction, which saves you a ton of money and keeps me going back!I bought two different style plates. The one below seemed to look better even though I liked the design of the other one. It just seemed to look more uniform with the circle around the actual poem. This isn't the poem that was on the ones at the farm store, I found this one online and liked it much better. It reads,

"This plate shall have no owner for its journey never ends,

It travels in a circle of our family and friends.

It carries love from home to home for everyone to share,

The food that's placed upon it was made with love and care.

So please enjoy what's on the plate

Then fill it up again,

Then pass along the love it holds to your family and friends."

I just love how these came out and wish I would've had time to make more of them before Christmas. Luckily, I was a slacker this year and barely passed out cookies. But, God-willing I'll be giving lots of these away next year!After writing on them, I baked them for 35 minutes @ 350 degrees.Once the cooled completely, I wrapped them up in paper grocery bags. Then I stuck a paper doily on the bag using double sided tape. I used a 'handmade by' stamp on the doily and a little 'paris, france' postmark stamp in the corner of the paper bag and tied the package with baker's twine.The grocery bags worked perfectly because of the way the folded. I didn't want to put them in gift bags and wrapping paper would have been tricky because they're circular, so I'm glad I tried the paper bags. It gave them an old-fashioned kind of feel, and I loved that.Have fun making these! Let me know what kind of marker you use and if you find anything that works or doesn't work! xoxo