Before I say anything else, I have to thank all of you for the sweet comments about my neighbors’ gift. I quickly realized that I could have over 100 new neighbors in my subdivision, and the thought of it made me giddy! How much fun would we have together?! Well, if you can tolerate the snow, I’m sure I could get rid of a neighbor or two…
Okay. Onto the kitchen. This is an old picture of my kitchen, but it’s the only one I could find with the plates I wanted to show you. See the colorful ones above the cooktop? Well, I didn’t feel they reflected my neutral taste. When we first moved in, I felt it needed a pop of color, but now it’s just annoying me.
I grabbed some plates I already had, some tin Christmas platters (already had), and some spray paint that (yup) I already had.
I found these green vases for $1.99 a piece at Goodwill to “garnish” with.
As for the lettering, I printed out the letter/number I wanted. I then used graphite or carbon paper to trace the print onto the plate. Then, I used a series of things to paint it with. They include permanent marker, black paint pens, and a fine paint brush with craft paint—all of which were an absolute pain.
Oops. I took these before I did the other letter, but they’re the only ones I have from a distance.
Here’s the thing. I love how they look, but only from a distance. This isn’t something I would put on display where people could see the details. Seriously, that “C” looks like I painted it during an earthquake.
Anyone have any advice on how to do this with a more steady look? I see people do it all the time on boards and such. HOW do they do this? Am I doomed forever?
83 comments:
Hi, I don't think I've ever comment but I've been following your blog for a couple of weeks!! I am so impressed by your creativeness! Seriously amazing!! Love the plates!! So cute!! I think I need to buy some spray paint!! Hee!
I am like Jen and have been a "lurker" for a couple weeks now! I too am totally FLOORED by your perseverance in the creative department. I would have given up a long time ago! Your home is just lovely! And I have to ask... are you by chance related to Martha Stewart? You put her to shame! I love your taste and find you so inspirational! And you teach too! Oh MY!
Loved the neighbor basket too! I had to read that one to the hubby.
Try vinyl lettering!
Love the plates! What a great idea to place in open space above your cabinets.
Personally I think they look great! I did something similar but I printed out the letters on vellum, trimmed them and used decoupage glue to adhere them. I can't say that mine look any better than yours (actually, I like yours better!). However...I didn't want to paint since I wanted to use an intricate letter pattern I'd found in a book.
I bet vinyl would work well too!
There's a great product called Lasertran that you can use on your dishes. You print out your image, soak the paper in water for a couple of minutes and then place it on the plate. It's kind of like a decal, but it appears as though it has been painted on. I've used it to make marble coasters and I love the product! You can also use it on wood as well. Love your blog and sense of humor! - (julie - www.eabdesigns.typepad.com)
I would use Vinyl lettering. Very easy to apply and you can use any font you want.
You ladies don't disappoint...I figured you'd say vinyl lettering. However, I want the flexibility to do any font I want when I want. Make sense? Any other options beside vinyl?
I think they look great! You've given me an idea of what to do with the tops of my counters. :)
I use www.themadstencilist.com. They will do any size in any font for reasonable price.
Thats a great idea! And they look good!
How funny! :)
I just asked a very similiar question over at Kari & Katjsi's blog.
It all looks so crisp and fresh. I have to ask you about the leaf print above the stove. Where is that one from?
It is stunning?
Have a wonderful evening.
~Melissa :)
I think it would work by printing the letter in the font and size you want with your printer and using it as a template to cut out onto the paper you want to use, then decoupage the plate and carefully stick the letter on and decoupage again over the letter. I've done this technique on plastic pumpkins in the fall for a monogrammed/personal look and they turned out well.
Another idea is using the word art companies that sell decorative lettering for walls like uppercase living or something. there are a lot of these companies out there (i don't work for any of them:)) But I think it looks great and is a wonderful idea!
I love the plates. I think that the paint pen is the way to go. I used a paint pen to create some Christmas ornaments with each person's initial letter on it - once I relaxed and didn't try so hard it worked much easier!
Hey girl, love your kitchen!! Love the plates and the painted '5' & 'C'.
I paint signs. I would suggest cutting out the letter and tracing it onto the plate. I think it needs to be bulkier since it's up so high. I use craft paint and a fine brush. I've never painted on plates, so I don't know about how it will stay. I'd imagine fine if you don't wash it. And you can put a sealer over it so you can wipe it down.
Looks great though! It does take a steady hand. It can get tough!
There are many sites that sell vinyl lettering in any font, color and sizes. Check out Etsy! Love that you used old xmas ton lids. Must try!!
Hey! I love your blog, and I have the PERFECT fix for you! I have a vinyl lettering business, and I would LOVE to send you some FREE Letters, in these similar fonts, for your plates, if you want, or other plates, if you will just mention my blog, on your site, for a little business! I can't believe you went through ALL that work! Vinyl is SO easy. I'll send you the letters, you will take off the paper backing, center it, and rub down. PERFECT letter/phrase EVERY TIME! Let me know if you would like me send you these initials for you to try! :) You will NEVER go back to hand painting again!
Shelley Smith
casonshelley@gmail.com
wonderfullywordy.blogspot.com
Well, geesh, I say go with the comment above mine...can't beat FREE! I love your blog by the way. I've been stalking it, haha. I went through all of your crafty ideas and I think I'm going to drive my husband crazy buying all the stuff that you've inspired me to create ;)
I think they look great, especially since they are so high up, but I keep an old roll of contact paper and use that sometimes as a stencil because it sticks. Otherwise, I just get vinyl letters because they are so easy.
First of all, this is GENIUS! Second of all, the best tip I have for doing the letters and numbers with a steady hand - and I have done this myself, so I know what I'm talking about - is to have someone else do the painting after you do the tracing.
I've used the lazertran paper http://www.lazertran.com/, you can do anything!!! There are projects and techniques on this site....
Also using the clear contact paper as a stencil, filling it in with paint works great too!
Love the plates as they are, who wants a manufactured piece?
Very cute!! I love following your blog you are so creative and love all your fun ideas. I am with the other bloggers I would try stencils or the vinyl lettering.
Linda
LOVE THIS IDEA! I, however, have NO help for ya. Sorry, I just like to bask in the glow of YOUR creativity!
Not sure if I've ever seen your kitchen before, but I LOVE it. You have cream cabinets. Hmmm... They are cream, aren't they?
As for the plates? LOVE them. I adore words, letters, numbers, etc.
As for having a steady hand? Yikes. I really don't have any advice to offer you on that. I can say that it has been my experience that often times we are most critical of our own works.
In regards to becoming your neighbor? I just said yesterday that I want to move far far away from here, so I'm up for the adventure and I LOVE snow.
This is great!!! Thanks for being so creative and inspiring the rest of us. :)
Love the plates. Very cute. I have the most unsteady hand, so I would've printed the letters on the computer, cut them out, and decoupaged them. Also, I am probably in need of a color intervention because for the life of me I can't seem to decorate in neutrals. So feel free to send those colorful plates this way!
Your kitchen is great..love what you have done!
What about a transfer that you can find at a craft store. They are so cheap and easy.
Well, for something this simple Uppercase Living letters would be really cheap. An 8" letter is only $2.75. Pretty inexpensive, especially if you put it on a thrift store plate or something you already have.
alisa.uppercaseliving.net
The plates look great- and I am soooo jealous of your kitchen! Ours is HUGE but just needs some major updating. Feeling inspired.....
Vinyl Letters. You can cut them with a cricut or have someone do them. However, I think yours look awesome. I could never paint that good. I put our names on our kitchen chairs with vinyl letters. They are on my blog if you can find the post!!!
I think you did a fantastic job! If they think the letter c isn't "right" then they are looking too close! lol!
Just spray paint over the letter and order some vinyl lettering. Much easier and low cost!!
What about vinal lettering? There are so many places on line where you could order one letter in the shape, size, font that you want. Personally, I'd probably try what you did first, b/c I hate to pay for shipping on something cheap. But if you are really unhappy with it, go for it. I just tried to draw some swirls on a chair by hand, (using the tracing chalk like you did) It was not impressive, so I might eventually re-spray paint and purchase vinyl perfect swirls.
i LOVE your kitchen... and your sense of style.
i'm just sayin.
So creative! That is such a good idea! I love the idea of putting a number on one.
I love this - I love the vinyl lettering idea, which is what I would have to do. Looks great!
You can do ANY font you want with vinyl if you have the right equipment. I have a cricut expression and paired it with a software called sir-cuts-a-lot so I can use any font I've downloaded online. The cartridges that you buy for the cricut are 80 bucks each and you only get one font - so if you buy a cricut expression, go online and look for the software program to pair it with - way more cost efficient than buying one cartridge at a time.
I have this problem a lot with my art work when I want a very smooth line. What I use is painters tape and (o goodness...) I am forgetting the name right now of the product I use so the paint doesn't bleed through the tape. It's a little tiddious, but it does the trick! If I remember it, I will post again.
After reading the comments, I see that 50 gazillion people recommend vinyl lettering and 20 gazillion mentioned a computer printer and decoupage. I am perceptive, aren't I? Well, here's what I did. It's free if you have this - and you probably already do.
Like the other 20 gazillion people: print out the letter or number you want from your computer and blow it up to the size you need. You can fill it in with a black sharpie if you want more saturated color. Cut it out with an exacto knive. Use a glue stick on the back of the letter/number to adhere it to the plate. Voila! It's not permanent like decoupage is if you don't like it. All you have to do to remove it is soak it in a sink of water.
Maybe someone has already said this-Let me be honest-I am too lazy today to read all of your comments. NO-that is not jealousy-ok, yea it is. anyway-I am one for the easiest way possible.
VINYL! I use vinyl for everything. Here in Utah-there are a million people who cut vinyl so it is easy for me to access. If i just individual stuff-I just pull out the cricut. Works great. You could always use a stencil on a peice of vinyl and get the same effect.
While I was out shopping the other day at HL-they had patterned vinyl. Oh-my heart be still! It was beyond fabulous.
Just some thoughts!
I love the colors though-very calming.
Hi! I am new to your blog, my mother-in-law found you and sent your link to me. I'm hooked! I love finding things and turning it into something else and you show so many great ideas! Those plates are awesome I am going to dig out my plates and spray paint (aka my BFF) and get crackin' on these today, well after taking care of my 2 babies and the house, so really might be a midnight project. Keep it up!
Kelsee
My first thought was that you used some sort of "rub on" (like for scrapbooking) but I am not sure if they make them big enough. What about the "uppercase living" type of product. I think I have seen similiar vinyl type letters, etc..at Joann's.
Any ideas for an end of the year teacher gift? I loved your new neighbor basket. I am wracking my brain trying to think of something unique that they would love and be of use to them.
Just a tip you might want to try. While painting lines or straight edges dont try too hard! That's where I start to get sqiggly. Just move your brush with smooth quick strokes. I found when I tried to steady my hand and go slow that's when I stared to shake. Good luck and you are so not doomed....they are beautiful!!!
I agree with Susie abobe. Using a paint pen and small quick strokes that move from the inside to your outline is probably your best way of getting a smooth outline.
I love your blog!! Just Adorable!!
xoxo ~Lisa
Great plates! Love them. My question is where in the world do you find the time for all this stuff?? I am simply amazed!!
Lazertran sounds great! I might try some myself. Otherwise, I think they look great. From a distance, they look fine. The 5 looks especially good!
savvystitcher.blogspot.com
Ditto on the vinyl lettering. Try mwallco.com love there monograms.
I just had an idea, but I don't know if it will work or not. When I paint walls, in order to keep the paint from leaking throught the tape I first paint a thin layer of clear acrylic medium, it ends up making a really nice straight line. So what I was thinking is if you want to stencil maybe go along the edges first with the acrylic medium, let it dry, and then use a big fat brush to paint with and you won't have to be to careful around the edges, but will still get a nice straight line. I don't know if that made any sense at all, but good look with it!
Ok, obviously I needed this post. I have been painting some plates and trays and playing around with monogramming them. Pain.In.My.Butt. so yes...I read every last single comment to get some tips. I am intrigued by the lasertran stuff and am about to visit themadstencilist.com! BTW, your plates look lovely to me. You just have the magic touch Chris!
~Amanda
What a great idea. I have been wondering what to do above my kitchen cabinets!
Your kitchen is gorgeous! I wish I could be crafty and creative.
You are so talented! I love the plates...I think they look great the way they are!
What a great job, I really like the way it looks. Fresh and chic.
I just got done making one and it was SUPER easy! I used some extra transfer paper that I had and traced the letter from the page I printed off the computer. Then I used a black paint pen (one of the fat ones). It looks AWESOME!!!! And I did it before the kids got up from a nap!
Love your blog! I have been blog stalking for awhile now. Not sure if I have ever commented before or not Another idea, not sure if someone already said this, but you could print out the letter with a pretty font and then trace it on to scrapbook paper and then modge podge it on. Also, if you have a cricut machine you can print it out and save a step and then modge podge it on as well!
I print mine out on paper and x-acto cut them out, then put the paper on whatever I am doing, and lightly dab the paint on to fill in the stencil. Works every time. I did a post on it somewhere...love the plates!
Oaky, so I know this is kind of a weird comment, but here goes... I love your kitchen-especially how the counters are so clean and clear of clutter. I also really love the painting above the stove. But, I am agonizing over this question, where is your microwave? Do you have one? I have one, right on the countertop-it's really ugly. I've wanted one that hangs above the stove, but there's not enough room for it unless I completely redo my cabinets (which I don't really want to do). So I'm wondering, can I just not see it in the pictures? Do you not have one? If so, how do you live without it? Or do you have one of those inside cabinet drawer ones? Thanks!
I sell vinyl lettering through Uppercase Living. Very inexpensive and has a nice clean look. Here is my website if you are interested or have questions:
http://andream.uppercaseliving.net
I thought you painted while watching Lil Kim's booty shake on DWTS...that is some serious shaking going on (with the plate I mean)
Look at you getting free stuff - geesh. I say get the free vinyl and brag brag brag about getting the free vinyl so you get MORE free vinyl. Then you are set for numbers 0-10 and A-Z. Sweet. I would like a number 5 and a non cocaine addict version of K or O please. Your on summer break now right - snap to it neighbor. ;)
Awesome kitchen.
Looks to me like you have that small space above your cupboards that I've always found so awkward! Inspires me to actually put something up there now... didn't think about trying plates... that might actually fit. :) Sorry... no ideas on the steady hand of painting... :) This is more of a take situation... not so much give. ;)
Yeahhhh!! :) Fantastic kitchen!
Try the rub on caligraphy... works wonders. AND can be changed out easy.
Thanks for adding Name/ url
definite improvement, i just realized why i like your style so much! we run in the same color scheme...
Check out this link:
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2009/05/numerical-order.html
She has ideas for numbering things, and is also obsessed with numbers. I believe she has several posts on this topic.
Good luck!
I love your Kitchen! The plates are so cute (who cares how they look up close right?). What a find at Goodwill too!
-Desiree
You have to hold your brush just like you would hold a pencil or pen and stick out your pinky to steady your hand. Try to keep your brush strokes going at a constant speed or you get wierd bumps where you stop.
If this doesn't work, Foutz mentioned vinyl lettering and that would look just perfect!
Great makeover!
Your plates look so sophisticated. Can't even tell the C is squiggly. I think we are our own worst critics, sometimes. :) Love the clean look.
Wow girl, there you go again wowing my mind. I love that blue paint color. And can I ask what you put in that cupboard above your stove? I've never seen such a thing. How fun!
Hi! I just found your blog - you are so creative and inspiring.
You have 72 comments at this point, so surely someone has already suggested this, but try that vinyl lettering! {talking about a run-on sentence!} haha
I've never used it, but I heard it is easy to work with.
I give vinyl decals on plates as gifts all the time. You can buy them anywhere around here. Joann's Micheal's ect. Etsy also has a ton. Easy as a sticker!!
Dang! You got lots of good suggestions. Which is great because now I don't have to mess it up and ask my readers what to do. I'll just do what your readers said. Woohoo!
K
If you want more letters, come to my sign shop and I will cut them out of vinyl. For Free. Seriously, get them at a sign shop. Then peel them off when you are tired of them. Easy peasie.
Laura
I used to paint woodcrafts and signs where I painted lots of sayings etc. The best way I found is to rest your hand (side of your palm) on the surface and that lets you keep the line steady - try to paint in one continuous movement - don't stop and start, stop and start also.
I absolutely love your painted plates. Your kitchen looks lovely.
Love this! Can't wait to check out your other posts!
i love your kitchen. and numbers and letters? love them.
They are perfect! Way to go!!!
Visiting from Kimba's party. :) Very cute accessories!!!
I always love your stuff. : ) No help on the steady hand thing.
Love the "5" plate in particular!!
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