So happy to hear about your new ventures! It’s fun isn’t it? Apologies, I looked through all the photos on my site and do not have one showing the D-ring. However, you can see what they look like in this link to Lowes hardware store. They come in different sizes of course. Use a strong weather-resistant adhesive (ask one of the fellows at the store) to glue the tab to the back of plate. Let it fully cure a few days before hanging outside. If the piece is light weight, you may want to opt for a picture hang style hook–it’s called a “sawtooth”. Comes in various sizes as well. Glue to back of plate. Hope this helps. Feel free to contact me anytime!

Hi Sylvianne! Thanks for contacting us! You are correct, I only drill a hole through the back plate. Yes, I have seen the construction method you refer to where all pieces are drilled and threaded. That’s a good method, for sure! Nothin’ wrong with that what-so-ever! The only reason why I do mine a bit differently, is because I like to use different materials for the front pieces of my dish flower. It’s merely a creative difference. With the method you spoke of, the screw is threaded back to front. Then, usually, a decorative cabinet knob is screwed on the front to hold all the pieces together. Or a small nut. As for me, sometimes I find pieces that are too small to drill..at least with the same diameter hole as the other plates. Or, the “type” of glass or ceramic piece is not suitable for drilling and can’t withstand the pressure and could shatter in the process. You might be interested in seeing some of my other dish flower creations here: https://makeitagarden.com/dances-with-dish-flowers-28-creative-ideas/

The method you mentioned was developed by some crafters in the early days of making dish flowers to ensure that they did not come apart and break. Back in 2008 (if not earlier) people experimenting with making dish flowers used various glues that did not hold up very well outdoors. The glue may have been waterproof, but that glue turned to butter in hot climates. Even strong industrial glues came apart because they weren’t intended for outdoor conditions. Many indoor glues dry out and crack in the heat and crumble apart. This is something I actually did research when I started making and selling my dish flowers. So some makers devised the method of drilling each plate so they would all be secure. But that’s a lot more work, too…and you have to use the “right” glass or ceramic pieces that can be drilled w/o breaking.

Eventually, word started to get around about which glues WERE working and performing well for glass dish flowers and other similar types of garden art. The two products that most people (including myself) use today are E-6000 and 100% GE Silicone II (for exterior). I use silicone most of the the time. It is specifically intended for exterior windows and is a sealant. It is strong and dries to a rubbery consistency that won’t dry out, crack and come apart. The package says it’s rated for 60 below zero to 400 above zero (I recall, just off the top of my head). So with the wonderful silicone product, I discovered I could be a bit more creative with the types of glass or ceramic pieces I used in the making of my dish flowers because the silicone held up so well. The frontal pieces that I use are not typically very heavy, like the big back plate. It’s faster and much easier to use the silicone than it is to do all that drilling, which I do using a hand drill because I don’t have a drill press machine. But I still drill the rear plate for enhanced security…and once in while, I might also drill the 2nd plate as well (for good measure, if I find it needs it). But I have more freedom and creativity to use unique glass and ceramic pieces for the center where silicone will hold up very well.

This has been a long answer, but wanted to make sure you got all the information you requested. I hope it was helpful to you if you’re making a decision about which method to use for your dish flower. You could certainly try them both and see which method you think performs the best. Let me know how it goes, and feel free to contact me if your have further questions. Good luck! – Kristen/MIAG

Yup–and if you know what that “mystery” substance is…let me know! (ha!) Ya have to wonder sometimes… but ultimately, it depends on what you’re trying to get off. Goo Gone is a great suggestion, thanks! The isopropyl I use mainly to clean the glass to remove fingerprints or any dull cloudiness from the glass before gluing it in place. Makes such a nice difference! Thanks so much for your contribution!