I don't know what it is with me and creating photo gifts this year. Maybe turning 40 has made me extra-sentimental. Or, perhaps, it has something to do with losing all my Christmas baby ornaments. (*wiping tear*) If you haven't already checked out my earlier Easy Christmas Gift Idea using photos--the Photo Placemats--you should!
Okay, okay, and I'll be honest. I didn't actually create this project. My sister did. She made a Photo Plate of all the grandkids for my parents about 6 years ago. My mom proudly displays the plate on her kitchen counter on a little stand. The grandkids love teasing each other about how "little" they were back then! (Aren't they pray-shus?)
To start this easy-breezy project, all you need are these things:
An inexpensive clear glass plate (I found mine at Walmart) My parents' plate is larger--more platter-size
Modge Podge (God Bless the inventor of Modge Podge!!!)
Sponge paint brush
Pencil
Fabric (Anyone remember this cutie-pie yellow polka dot fabric?)
Pictures
Scissors
(I have no idea why I felt the need to list the items in the picture. I promise that I don't think you're simple... I just needed to list them. You OCD people will know exactly what I mean!)
Step 1: Pour yourself a steaming cup of peppermint hot cocoa. Enjoy.
Step 2: Lay out the fabric face-down, and draw outline of plate. Because the plate is contoured, you will need to cut the fabric just outside the line you've drawn, so that the fabric reaches the edges when glued down. Now, using your very best Kindergarten skills, cut circle. Remember--cutting slightly wider than the line you've drawn!
Step 3: Trim photos. For this project, I think you just need faces, and not any background. I haven't trimmed these photos properly--I was just wanting you to this step...oh, and maybe I was wanting to show my now teenage nephews. (top left) They were so wittle hewe... Step 4: Paint Modge Podge all over plate, and adhere photos. (Don't worry--Modge Podge dries clear.) If overlapping photos, paint some more Modge Podge on dry parts. Check front side to make sure there are no bubbles between photo and plate. If there are, just keep pressing and smoothing out to the edge of the photo, painting on more Modge Podge, as needed.
Step 5: Once photos are securely "pasted down," paint some more Modge Podge on top of the photos, and more around rest of plate (if needed). Adhere fabric, starting from the middle. Starting in middle smooth out fabric, being careful to push out any air bubbles that form. You will do lots of smoothing out until fabric is completely adhered. Don't worry--the Modge Podge is very friendly and forgiving. (However, if the Modge Podge strikes up a conversation with you, lay off the Schnapps in your peppermint cocoa, would ya!)
You will want to paint on top of fabric at least a couple of times, so that the fabric is soaked with Modge Podge, smoothed and secured to plate without any air bubbles.
It will dry stiff and shiny, like this: This is the back of the plate my sister made. Notice that she actually used a couple of pieces of fabric.
Leave plate wet fabric-side up until completely dry. I have no idea how long this step takes... So, just consider this part a surprise adventure!! I am guessing at least a couple of hours. So, grab your keys and head to the movie theatre in the meantime. Please, somebody go to the movies for me. I have been dying to go for a couple of weeks, but silly things like prior commitments keep getting in the way.
NOTE: You cannot wash these plates! You can only wipe down the front glass side. Water and/or soap will damage the Modge Podge side.
Well, there you have it! That's all I have to teach you about making a beautiful Photo Plate. If yours does not turn out beautifully, well, I am sorry. But like my mama used to say, mistakes build character. Which is why I am just full-up of character. Just ask her. She'll be happy to tell ya!
Now, go ye forth and make plates in all nations, giving them in the name of Modge and Podge and MarytheKay!
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