Materials:

Pictures cut from books/magazines
Clear glass plate
Decoupage glue
Foam brushes
Gold leaf foil kit for antique finish
Gold spray paint (preferably metallic)
Polyurethane




Instructions:

1. Select a theme for your plate and cut pictures from old books or magazines to decorate it. Used bookstores are a wonderful source of inexpensive books.

2. Clean your plate with glass cleaner. Lighter fluid, used sparingly, will remove any glue residue from price stickers.

3. Arrange the pictures atop your plate to get an idea for a pattern. When you are satisfied with the results, set the pictures aside, maintaining their basic pattern. Cover your workspace with wax paper and you’re ready to begin.

4. Turn your plate over – you will be gluing pictures to the back of the plate. Begin gluing pictures in the center of the plate and gradually work your way out to the edges. Use your foam brush and cover the front of the picture then press it into place. Turn the plate over and check for bubbles or excess glue – smooth out with your fingetips if necessary. As you press pictures on, excess glue will seep from the edges. Do not worry. Once you have finished pasting on pictures, allow your plate to dry overnight.

5. Once the glue is completely dry, you may remove excess glue using a cotton swab dipped in water or finger nail polish remover. For excess glue along the edges of pictures, carefully scrape it off with a toothpick.




6. Follow the instructions on the gold leafing kit (such as Renaissance Foil Crackle Kit available at Joann.com and other craft stores) to cover any open areas of the plate that are not cover with pictures – paint the areass with foil adhesive, allow to dry and apply foil to the areas you wih to cover. The gold leaf will not completely cover the open areas. Allow to dry overnight.

7. Once the plate is completely dry, lightly tape the front edges of the plate. In a well-ventilated area place the plate face down over newspaper and spray paint the back gold. It is better to use several light coats, allowing the paint to dry completely before applying more paint. Let the paint dry completely over night.

8. Using a permanent marker or black paint, you may wish to sign and date the plate on the back. After that has dried, apply a coat of clear polyeurethane over the back of the plate. Let dry.

If the plate is used for serving food, carefully wash by hand.





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