How to Upcycle Old Dishware into Pretty, Usable Objects

I started doodling on dishware.

I’ve been dealing with a running injury and am trying to fill up my time with fun projects. I’ve been pining over Esther Coombs‘s illustration work for a while. I noticed that she has been painting on dishware and I was inspired! I started painting on my old dishware this week and am officially hooked on this craft.

Here’s what I’ve done so far.

When I find time to setup propery photography for these I’ll probably list some of them on etsy (the ones that aren’t chipped or stained!).

If you want to make your own upcycled dishware, here’s what you need:

• Several pieces of unloved ceramic dinnerware
• Pebeo Porcelaine paint pens and paints
• Paintbrushes
• Soap and water for rinsing brushes
• Oven for baking dishware
• Old towels for cleaning mistakes
• Acetone / nail polish remover for removing mistakes

Tips for designing your upcycled dinnerware:

• Let each area dry thoroughly before putting down the next.
• If you’re doing a black outline, do this last. It will make your work look cleaner.
• If you don’t like your design, you can remove it with acetone / nail polish remover before you bake it. Be sure to wash the dishware before starting a new design so the paint doesn’t interact with the acetone.

Have fun—I definitely am!