Today I'd like to show you my version of plate pedestals made from flea market plates, saucers, and candle holders. Plate pedestals have been on the web before but I don't like to copy others, so I added a few different elements to make them "Mitzi-fied."
To make these little pedestals, (which would be perfect for cupcakes, by the way) you will need a selection of small plates or saucers:
You'll also need some glass candle holders. Most of mine are vintage, but the one in the foreground came from the dollar store:
To make your candle holders swanky, wash them with soapy water and dry them thoroughly. Spray paint them with non-glossy spray paint. Usually two or three light coats will do the trick. We've painted flea market glass before, and I think it's lots of fun.
Once thoroughly dry, use a fine grit sanding sponge and sand off some of the paint on your candle holder. Concentrate on the edges and ridges. The example below was an experiment. I used paint-on pearl paint by Martha Stewart, and it flaked off. Spray paint is easier to control when you are sanding:
Here are the bases for my pedestals after sanding with the sanding sponge:
These are basic decoupage supplies (you might not need a brayer for this project, because saucers are curved):
This is my glue of choice for glass, metal, and ceramic projects:
Now for the saucers or plates. If the center has no design, I used a scalloped punch to punch out pieces of floral vintage wallpaper. Scrapbook paper could be used as a substitute here. One of my plates has a copied vintage perfume label in the center, which I just cut out with scissors. You can find all sorts of cool images at The Graphics Fairy.
Mod Podge Matte was applied to the back of the paper pieces with a foam brush. Press the paper onto the saucer, cleaning up any excess glue. Topcoat with Mod Podge. After the piece dries, a second coat of Mod Podge can be applied.
To attach the candle holder to the plate, I used E-6000 glue. It needs to set over night.
As you might notice here, I used a small milk glass dish for the base of one of the plates:
These candle holders are large enough to support larger size plates. I have more plates and pedestals ready to go, so I'm going to make more!
If you don't have these items on hand, I hope this gives you the incentive to go the flea market or antique mall this weekend!
Mitzi
I'll be linking to the following link parties. Be sure to stop by and see all sorts of great projects: The Shabby Nest; All Our Days; Happy Hour Projects; Flamingo Toes, Nifty Thrifty Things, Craft-O-Maniac, Between Naps on the Porch, Say Not Sweet Anne, FaveCrafts, and See Vanessa Craft.
