Christmas Dish Flower
I love making dish flowers any time of the year. But I especially love working with Christmas-themed dishes. I love the traditional colors, the patterns and artwork on these decorative plates. And let’s not forget the elegance of shimmery gold and silver. Then there’s the the cutesy, winter plates with snowflakes. They’re simply irresistible; I just have to get those plates and make something with them!
Here is an easy way—NO TOOLS NEEDED— to make a lovely, Christmas Dish Flower for yourself or as a gift without all the complexities of attaching it to a stake. (like the ones that go out in the garden)
Because the holidays can be such a hectic time, I bet you’re looking for a simple, low cost craft that doesn’t take a whole lot of time to make, right?
That’s why I’m going to show you how to make a NO-POST dish flower. In other words, you won’t have to do any of the things that can be difficult and problematic. Such as drill a hole through a plate. Or hammer a spoon flat and bend it over. Nope! With this method, you won’t have to master any of the tricky techniques craftsmen use in order to attach a plate to a post.
But think about this: even if you like the idea of having your Christmas dish flower on a post, the ground is frozen in many parts of the country in December. And you’d probably worry about it breaking in a bad snow storm. Besides, the artists who make them always advise their customers to take them down in winter. To store them out of harms way. (I’m one of those artist’s, by the way), So why bother with a post?
Do this instead!
Make a Christmas dish flower
Here’s a much easier way to get the dish flowers you love. What I’m showing you is a NO-POST dish flower. No tools are required. What could be simpler?
Materials
1) 3 Christmas plates (from Dollar store/Thrift store) 2) 1 tube of GE 100% silicone (Hardware store)
Approximate cost: $12-$18 dollars (depending on where you shop)
Look how beautiful it is!
Tips for selecting dishware
I recommend shopping for plates at your local thrift store. Hopefully you’ll find everything at the same place. If not, you might have to go around to some other ones. If you do, be sure to bring the ones you previously purchased into the store with you so you can mix and match and not have to rely on memory.
Look for complimentary shapes, colors and patterns just like if you were quilting, or sewing your granddaughter’s Christmas dress or setting a festive holiday table.
Votive candle stuff makes a great center piece for your Christmas dish flower. It won’t be hard to find something that works because there’s so much candle decor with holiday styles. (like the snowflake in photo below). Glass pieces catch the light and add a festive sparkle, too!
Also, while you’re at the thrift store, you might want to see if there’s a jazzy Christmas pin that might work as an accent piece on your artwork. (SEE photo above…gold ribbon) I use pins often in my designs. You can use those colored glass beads, too. Whatever looks nice to you!
The Gluing Process
Once you get your plates home, wash them by hand in hot soapy water. Thrift store plates are notorious for having a “mystery” substance on them that’s hard to get off. Not to mention that stubborn, gummy residue from the price tag. You’ve encountered that also, I’m sure.
Hand dry with a towel.
The best thing about this method of making Christmas dish flowers is that it’s not messy. You won’t have to lay out a protective table cloth or newspapers (like with other kinds of crafts). No clean up either!
(NOTE: DO NOT use a hot glue gun.)
Applying Silicone Adhesive
SILICONE: it has a thick bead (like a gel) that stays put, which makes it super easy to apply. There’s virtually no odor either! It comes in a tube not much bigger than a tube of toothpaste. You just hold it in your hand and squeeze. (like decorating a cake) Silicone does not run or drip all over the place.
Apply as shown in the photo below. Silicone is a product made to bond with glass and ceramic and is super strong.
Glue the plates together one at a time. Unlike other adhesives, there’s no hurry. Press gently down on the plate and hold for a few seconds. Eyeball it and if you need to move it slightly for centering, you’ve got a minute or two to adjust it. Then, let it sit for at least 24 hours before moving it. Depending on the thickness of the bead, it may need more dry time to completely cure.
Display your Christmas dish flower
Altogether, the plates on a Christmas dish flower are weighty. Make sure you display it in a stand (like a small easel) that will fully support it, so it doesn’t easily tip. One that’s made of sturdy metal or wood with a tall back it can lean against for support.
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Wrapping it up
In a nutshell, what could be simpler than gluing plates together? What other beautiful craft do you know of that involves NO TOOLS, no prep, no mess, no clean up?
I hope you’re excited now to start collecting those pretty Christmas plates so you can make your own holiday flower this year. Once you get a sense of just how easy it is, you’ll want to make more to give as gifts to family and friends. I’d certainly love to see what you made. So, send me a pic and I’ll post it up on our “braggin’ board” for everyone to see!
Also, please take a moment to leave a comment below or use use the “get in touch” link to contact me. I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas as well. Enjoy the search for the “perfect dishes” and Have a warm and wonderful Christmas!
Kristen
Kristen specializes in up-cycled crafts. She has a reputation for quality and attention to detail, and her artworks show it. She takes such joy in making things “extra special”, especially during the holidays. Her craft posts may entail a bit more description geared to those who don’t make crafts on a regular basis. Even if you do, you’ll appreciate the thoughtful insights so your projects turn out beautiful!
Posts about dish flowers for the summer garden
How to drill a plate for making dish flowers
The two best glues for garden art
How to paint on glass plates to make dish flowers
Kris, I really like the idea of displaying the dish flower on a stand! Great job!
Thank you for your kind comment. I wanted something simple and easy to show others how to make one for themselves. Merry Christmas!