Brushstroke Painted Plates

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I have two new and very fun things to share with you today. If there was ever a time to be excited, that time is now.

One of the things is today’s DIY: I’m going to teach you how to make some colorful and artsy plates! Inspired by the painted dinnerware I spied on Pinterest, I decided to make my own version, and I’m thrilled with the results. In fact, I was so pleased that after finishing the set, I was already thinking about more variations, colors, patterns, etc. That means, of course, that I have to share my plates with you.

Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com


The second thing I’m pumped to tell you about is these delicious new snack bars. They are called Curate. You’re getting the exclusive here on IBC because they are just now hitting the stores. I was lucky enough to sample them ahead of time, and they might be my new favorite snack.

Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com

Curate snack bars bring unique ingredients and bold flavors together to create a distinctive snacking experience. For example, a few of the bars have ingredients like balsamic vinegar and quinoa. It may sound strange, but the combination is brilliant, and it creates a flavor party in your mouth. And if that’s not enough to love, Curate bars contain protein, plant-based fiber, and sweetener from natural sources. These bars are also non-GMO, gluten-free, and have no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. I also love the texture of these bars. It feels fresh and homemade. Bam! Now that’s some healthy snacking. There are currently six flavors (You can explore them all on their website.) I’m still sampling them, but my current favorite is the Dark & Tempting. And that’s exactly how I would describe the flavor. So good!

Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com
Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com

Okay. So, with snacks in hand, I think it’s time to grab our paint and brushes and get creating!

Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com

As I said above, today’s project is these artful Brushstroke Painted Plates. I thought it was especially fitting to share them with the Curate bars since both represent brilliant and unique collaborations. One of color, one of flavor.

A few things to note before we get started. For the plates, inexpensive porcelain or ceramic ones work great. I used round dessert plates I found at Target. It’s okay if the plates have a shiny finish. Also, before painting, clean the surface of each plate with alcohol.

Secondly, you’ll need multi-surface premium paint. You do not want acrylic. This is the paint pot set at the craft store. I liked the variety of colors. Just be sure to read the package. There should be instructions on how to cure the paint. The paint I bought is non-toxic and dishwasher safe on the top-rack. If your plates will be used with food, this is important.

Finally, have fun with colors, patterns, designs, and brushstrokes. Inspired by these snack bars and the colors in my dining room, I went for bold! However, do what works for you. I’m just giving you the technique.

Let’s do this!

Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com

Brushstroke Painted Plates

You will need:
Assorted Paints
Paint brushes
Dinner plates (porcelain or ceramic)

Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com

Begin by cleaning your plates. (Check the directions on your paint.) Usually the surface can be quickly cleaned with alcohol.

Now you’re ready to paint. For this particular brushstroke pattern*, I chose six different colors. I layered on the paint one color at a time. For the brushstrokes, I found it best to keep my hands relaxed and loose. And don’t worry, the colors can be applied in any order.

Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com
Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com

I allowed a bit of drying time between colors because I didn’t want them to bleed / blend into each other too much (though in some places it did, and I’m totally cool with that). Just continue to layer on your colors until you’re pleased with the design.

Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com

Another quick tip: Toward the end of your color layering, go back in with your first and second colors and add another stroke of each to the plate. This makes the order of the color layers appear random.

Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com

For the finishing touch on my design, I added a little paint splatter*. With six plates and six colors, I splattered each plate with a different color. To create the splatter, just add a tiny bit of water to some of your paint. The goal is to make the paint a bit more runny without making it transparent. Dip a brush into the paint and then run your finger along the bristles to splatter the paint onto the plate.

Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com

*With any of these techniques, you may want to practice on paper before moving to your plate. However, the paint is water-based, so if you allow your paint to dry between colors, you can easily wipe off any mistakes.

Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com

Once you’re happy with your designs, allow the paint to dry. To fully cure the paint, follow the directions on your paint packaging. For my particular paint, I put my plates in a cool oven and then turned the heat to 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. I then turned the oven off and allowed the plates to cool in the oven.

Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com

With that, my Brushstroke Painted Plates were complete!

Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com

Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m totally in love with this color scheme and pattern. I do realize these are a bit bold and modern, but that’s the beauty of this project. You can easily modify it to match your decor, color scheme, and style.

For example, when I was talking with a friend, he mentioned how much he’d love these done in blacks, grays, and a touch of gold. I agree!

Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com

If you think about it, it’s kind of like the variety of Curate bars! (You knew I had to tie this all back together, right?) By combining different elements, you can really create something beautiful and interesting. And, with plenty of options, there’s something out there for everyone’s tastes.

Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com
Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com

I hope you enjoyed this project. As always, if you give this DIY a try, be sure to share a picture on Instagram, tag @inspiredbycharm, and use the hashtag #myIBC. I love seeing your creations.

Brushstroke Painted Plates | inspiredbycharm.com

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18 Comments

    1. Oh no! Sorry to hear about your mug. This was actually the first time I “cured” something. I fully expected the paint to bubble or peel, but it seems to have worked perfectly. Maybe you’ll have to give it another try.

      xo Michael

    1. Jennifer, Great question! As I mentioned above, this paint is non-toxic. Plus, “baking” them cures the paint. Therefore these plates are food safe. Yay!!

      xo Michael