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Botanical prints have been collected for ages. Many old books have been destroyed to give these illustrations new use as framed artwork, but with a color copier we have a simpler way of sharing their beauty: decoupaging color copies onto the backs of glass plates and making them into wonderful platters and plates.
Our plates look wonderful on the table or hanging on the wall. We think they look terrific in a garden shed or screened-in porch.
Materials:
Copies of botanical prints on cotton rag paper
Smooth clear glass plates
Decoupage medium
White paint and colored paint (either spray or regular)
Paint pen (optional)
Adhesive felt (optional)
Polyurethane (optional)
Tools:
Small paint roller and paintbrushes
Razor blade
Directions:
1. Clean plates to remove fingerprints and smudges.
2. Cut copied image to size slightly larger than plate.
3. Roll out decoupage medium onto face of image. Gently place image right side down onto back of plate. Carefully turn plate right side up and adjust image into desired position.
4. Turn plate backside up and place it onto work surface. Starting at the center, use cork to gently rub and press paper image onto the back of the plate with circular motions to remove air bubbles. When paper is completely adhered to plate, trim edges with razor blade.
5. Clear coat back side of plate with another layer of decoupage medium and let dry.
6. Paint back side of plate with white primer to block finish color from showing through, then (after primer has dried) paint with final color. Both spray and brush painting work well. Let dry.
7. Use paint pen to seal in paper edge and to give plate a finished touch.
8. Use adhesive felt to protect back of plate or apply layer of polyurethane.
Special Thanks:
Behrenberg Glass Company
http://www.behrenbergglass.com
Charting Nature
http://www.chartingnature.com