How-to: Refurbish Thrifted Dishes with Ceramics Markers

by Julie Finn January 22, 2013, 7:30 am 2 Comments

I am a HUGE fan of thrifted dishes (to be safe, I always check that they’re not contaminated with lead glaze before I buy). Thrifted white dishes are cheap and go with any decor, and some of you will probably say that they’re perfect just the way that they are, but you aren’t tacky like I am.

I need all my stuff to be crazy awesome (or just crazy!), so I like to pretty up my thrifted dishes using the most simple, most brilliant craft supply that you’ve ever heard of: ceramics markers.

You can use ceramics markers on anything ceramic or porcelain–cheap plates, fancy plates, coffee mugs, vases, bathroom tiles, etc. Your dishes will remain food-safe and dishwasher-safe, and they’ll have a ton of personality. Here’s how to do it:

To begin, make sure that your dishes are squeaky clean and dry. I like to hand-wash them just this once, so that I can make sure that there’s absolutely no residue on them.

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Written by Julie Finn

I'm a writer, crafter, Zombie Preparedness Planner, and homeschooling momma of two kids who will hopefully someday transition into using their genius for good, not the evil machinations and mess-making in which they currently indulge. I'm interested in recycling and nature crafts, food security, STEM education, and the DIY lifestyle, however it's manifested--making myself some underwear out of T-shirts? Done it. Teaching myself guitar? Doing it right now.

Visit my blog Craft Knife for a peek at our very weird handmade homeschool life, and my etsy shop Pumpkin+Bear for a truly odd number of rainbow-themed beeswax pretties.