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Rustic Farmhouse Stenciled Plates

August 04, 2016

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Whip up a custom hand painted plate in no time with a stencil and a little decoupage.

It's super easy, check it out!
Farmhouse Plates get this on here Easy DIY Craft text over photo of chicken stencil and glass plate
Whenever I tell people I have a website where I share easy crafts and DIY projects, I am generally met with skepticism.

I know, easy can be a relative term.

However, what most people don't understand is that I used to be a kindergarten teacher.

And more often than not, the ideas you see featured here, originated in the classroom.

If five year olds can do it, anyone can.

Today's project, stenciled and decoupaged glass plates, is no exception.

This is not a new idea by any means (are there really any new ideas?). People have been decoupaging plates for years.

Myself included.

Plates can be made with Christmas wrapping, fabric, wallpaper and plastic tablecloths and they're all lovely, but those patterns are predetermined.

What happens when you want something custom, something that will fit your personal decor?

Why you make it, of course.

Truth be told, I am not a great freehand painter, so I tend to rely on stencils for a custom design.

It only adds one quick extra step to the process, so it's still a super easy craft.

It's also super inexpensive.

How To Stencil And Decoupage A Plate


Supplies:


These are the supplies I used and where you can get them online:

Glass Plate - if you can't get out you can order them online from Dollar Tree
Dominique Chicken Stencil - I used this one
Packing Paper
Mod Podge
Foam Brushes 
Plastic Wrap or Clear Plastic Bag
Red Craft Paint 
Black Craft Paint
Yellow Craft Paint

I started with this glass plate.

It was a buck at the thrift store, but like I said last week, you can grab one at the dollar store for the same price.

Hand holding up a Dollar Tree glass plate in front of a plate rack

Then I pulled out my favorite stencil and got to work. It's the stencil I used to make my beautiful pillows.

Unlike my pillows, however, I only used the top portion of the stencil and instead of fabric, I painted on a piece of sturdy tissue.

It's actually the piece the thrift shop used to wrap up my plate.

Waste not want not.

The paper was a little wrinkled and crinkled, but that's ok, since I was going for a rustic look.

Painted chicken stencil on paper next to a glass plate

I used craft paint and a round foam brush to stencil the body and very small brushes for the details of the face.

I applied my paint sparingly, I didn't want the paper to get too wet and tear.

When the paint was dry, I centered my artwork under the glass plate, traced around it and cut out my rooster.

Ok, chicken. What do you want from an island girl. There aren't a lot of them here at the beach.

Not a lot of pigs either...unless you count my adorable new decoupaged piggy! I told you, I do a lot of this. 

If you're in a rush, a hairdryer will speed the process along. Just don't use it on a very hot setting.

Tracing  a glass plate with pencil over chicken stencil

I made sure my plate was very, very clean, free of fingerprints and dust, and then I covered the back of it with a generous coat of Mod Podge.

Using a foam brush to add Mod Podge to a glass plate

Next, I placed my stenciled paper, face down on the back of the plate, so the design would show on the other side.

Then I smoothed it down with my hand. I was very careful again, as I didn't want the wet tissue to tear.

Update: I have since learned that putting a piece of plastic wrap over the paper when smoothing, will prevent your hand from sticking to the paper. It tears less this way.

Adding Painted Paper To Plate

Now, if you are looking for a truly perfect plate, you'll need to smooth out every crinkle and bump.

A heavier weight paper or fabric is ideal for that kind of design.

You can stencil on those materials, too, just make sure to use the correct type of paint. Work the air pockets and folds out with your fingertips and a credit card.

Thin tissue, like I used, is going to leave you with some lumps or tears if you try to work it too hard.

I wanted a beat up, antique treasure looking plate, so I was happy with my wrinkles.

I wish I could say that about my skin.

But I digress...

Brushing Mod Podge onto paper with foam brush

Once I had my paper smoothed out enough, I applied another coat of Mod Podge and smoothed a little more.

You've probably noticed that my paper doesn't go all the way up to the edge of my plate and it's not cut straight.

Well, that's part laziness and partly on purpose. I don't do perfection when I craft.

A rustic look is very forgiving ~ imperfections seem like the have been caused by age and use.

Not by the {lazy} designer.

And that's my kind of craft.

I did deliberately leave a little bit of the dish exposed so I could add a colorful rim.

I rubbed a small amount of red paint on the back of the glass plate so it would show through on the other side.

I added black paint on the back of the tissue to age it a bit, as well.

Aging A Plate With Paint with black and red paint added to back of stenciled paper

When I was happy with the look of my stenciled plate, I added a final coat of Mod Podge to the back.

Custom stenciled glass plate with chicken head sitting in a basket with other plates

I did not use the Dishwasher Safe version, because my plate is just for decor, but they do make a product that is supposed to protect your plates after a long curing process.

However, I've never used it, so I can't vouch for it.

Rustic Farmhouse Plates on plate rack

That's it.

That's all it takes to make a custom designed plate.

A pretty stencil, a little decoupage medium and you're all set to go.

Easy DIY: Customized Glass Plates text over photo of plates in basket

I told you it was easy.

Just like kindergarten.

And what could be more fabulous than that?

Looking for more super easy crafts and decor?


Easy Christmas Craft Text over tis the season napkin on glass plate


Hello Fall Stenciled ceiling fan blades


Kim Signature


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  1. Your plate is so cute. I kind of have a thing for roosters, though I'm trying really hard not to start a collection. Three or four isn't a collection yet, is it? :)

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    1. Haha!! Slippery slope isn't it, Sheila? ;)

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  2. Love how this turned out! I haven't used Mod Podge in a long time, but it's good for so many things. I need to get back into my crafty mode. :)

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    1. Thanks Lisa...and I know. I have a list of things I want to make!! I need more hours in these summer days!! :)

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  3. Love your plate...very, very cute

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    1. Thank you so much, Cookie!! I am glad you like it!! :)

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  4. So cute and clever. I love mod podge. Love your sweet Rooster plate.
    Kris

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    1. Mod Podge is the best, Kris...agreed!! And thanks!! :)

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  5. So cute, Kim. You can make a whole lot of pretty plates like that. I once bought some paper napkins with pretty sprigs of ivy on them and thought that would be a pretty plate but it is still sitting in a drawer somewhere. I used to be so crafty!!.Happy Weekend..Judy

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    1. I have tried to decoupage with napkins Judy and the paper was so thin I got discouraged. I want to try it again, but not on Easter eggs!! ;) No thank you!!

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  6. I love Mod Podge projects. And I've been saying I'm going to do this very project for probably 25 years, but never have done it yet!
    Brenda

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    1. Try it, Brenda...it's fun and hard to mess up!

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  7. how cool is it that you taught kindergarten!!! love it!
    and your plate is so cute. love the eclectic way they all complement each other.
    well done dear bean! xo♥
    or is it compliment each other? I don't know. but YOU'RE the teacher!!! :)
    so forgive me please.
    LOL!

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    1. Thank you Tammy and I believe you are correct...complement each other...but you can compliment me anytime!! :)

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  8. Very cute! I stencil all the time but haven't used Mod Podge so I may have to take this slow! Cute idea. I'd love to see my 5 year old granddaughter make one!

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    1. And she could…and a really cute one, too. I say give it a whirl! They make cute Christmas treasures! :)

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  9. Ooh, an EZ PZ one, and you know how I like those kinds of projects, Kim. I'll share this on my fb page.

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    1. Thanks Cheryl!! It's a fun and foolproof kind of craft!! :)

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  10. Hi Kim, I love a great mod podge project like this. Your rooster plate turned out so cute.
    Great tutorial.

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    1. Thank CM!! I take that as a huge compliment coming from you!! :)

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  11. That is really cute! Great instructions too. As I was reading this I was thinking now what neat stencil do I have? Might have to go by a chicken!

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    1. Chickens are always in season, Lynn...and thanks!

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  12. Great job. I like how you can coordinate different kinds of pieces by using the same stencil.

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    1. Thanks! Getting my money’s worth for sure!! That and I’m a little obsessed with chickens!! ;)

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  13. I've never seen a plate decoupaged before...clearly I live under a rock. Great tutorial on how to do this, the finished product is amazing!

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    1. You would make amazing ones, I just know it!! :)

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  14. You seriously amaze me with these projects - that looks terrific, I love it!!

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    1. Thanks Deb!! I feel the exact same way about your cooking!! :)

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  15. This is just too cute Kim. I love your choice of the chicken. I have to admit the decoupage drives me crazy every time I do it. I need to be so careful, and even then I still mess it up.. Oh well, we can revel in imperfection.

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    1. I just aim for imperfection, Mary!! It's much less disappointing that way!!! Haha! ;)

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  16. Hi Kim! Well,how cute is this?!! I love how it turned out and there are so many possibilities. Jane

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    1. Thanks Jane...and agreed, so many possibilities! :) Try it!!

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  17. That is so cute, Kim! My mind starts whirling in a million directions this time of year....because I'm inside way more than out! This really looks like a fun project, so I'd better add it to my "list!"

    Happy Weekend!
    Carol

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    1. This was a fun one, Carol! I could go a little crazy and decoupage a complete setting for 8. Or 12. Thank goodness I only had one plate on hand!! :)

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  18. Easy or not, the end result is fabulous!

    I used to substitute teach and did so for kindergarten a couple of times. Let's just say I think you must have a lot of stories to share ;).

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    1. I do!! I could write a book, Doreen and sometimes I think I may...but for now, it's plates! :)

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  19. I have always wanted to try this project but never have! The way you left the red rim made all the difference. I love this!

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    1. Try it…it’s so easy!! And thanks!! :)

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  20. This is so cute. I love the stencil you selected also. I haven't tried decoupaging on glass but it looks like fun and I am going to add this to the to do list.

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    1. It actually is fun and super easy, Debra! I say try it...and thank you do much! :)

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  21. I am laughing my a** off because you said "just like kindergarten" and here is why. I have these Christmas plates in my cabinet from two different sons, when they were little, made in school, that are used now at the holidays to hold cookies, this or that... and I NEVER KNEW HOW THE TEACHERS DID IT! :) XO

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    1. And now you know, Deb!!! So easy and obviously a classic. I say whip them up with your grandkids! Make it a tradition!

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  22. Great idea and very cute. A fun idea to do with teens as well.
    Thank You!
    Carla

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    1. Carla, I have always wanted to dry flowers and decoupage them on the back of a glass plate. I bet you have a large variety to choose from and could make beautiful plates…with or without your teens! ;)

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  23. Love your plate. Great tutorial.
    Have a great week,
    Bev

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  24. So clever, Kim, and I love the way you integrated this with your other plates.
    And, I love that you never seem to run out of wonderful crafty ideas!

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    1. Thank you, Susan!! I do have a lot of ideas, more ideas than free time, actually... ;)

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  25. Hello Kim, I love your pretty stenciled chicken plate you made! I will have to try and make one to as chickens are the theme in my moms kitchen. Thanks for sharing the tutorial to make it.
    Hope you are staying cool and enjoy the weekend. :)
    Julie

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    1. This is an easy one, Julie and chickens are my weakness, too!! :)

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  26. Absolutely the easiest thing I have seen in a long time. Thansk for sharing such a wonderful craft.
    Have a great week.

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    1. Thanks for taking a peek, Meegan! It really was easy...kindergarten easy! ;)

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  27. This project would be PERFECT in my old rock farmhouse! I love the rustic look you have created! Thank you for the tutorial. -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

    I'm hopping over from your FB share with Blogging Fifty

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    1. Thanks so much, Marci! An old rock farmhouse?? Lucky girl!! I must come visit! :)

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  28. Such a fun project...I haven't done that in awhile but should!

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    1. I had forgotten about it, too, until I saw that plate at the thrift store! :)

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  29. What a creative idea!!! And thrifty too!! Awesome job

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    1. Thanks Rayna. This was a fun one and agreed...very thrifty! :)

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  30. Really fun idea! Thanks for sharing.

    Cindy @ Upcycled Design Lab

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  31. I remember making a ashtray with my picture on the bottom of it when I was a kid. You have given me an idea for some cool gifts! Thanks!!!

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    1. Oh, I'm so glad you found some inspiration today! :) I hope you come back, thanks for the comment.

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  32. Such a cute idea! Love how your sweet plate turned out!

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  33. I totally have a thing for roosters in the kitchen. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

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    1. Me too!! I think we're in good company, Ashley!

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