Thursday, November 18, 2010

Paint pen...my new friend.

I kinda have a crush on this little fella.



He is but a small and simple paint pen. However when you remove his cap all sorts of magic happens..okay not really, but it's pretty cool the things you can transform with this baby.


Disclaimer: May result in uncontrollable urge to paint on everything you see.

I've been trying to gather some plates for a collage I want to start. Some I've found are interesting on their own...fun color or cool shape. And some are...lacking.
I know I could hit up Anthropologie where fun and funky plates are readily available, but they come at a price. To be frank, $10 even $5 is too much for me to spend on just one plate. I mean, I would have to be hard core, David Beckham/Alex O'Loughlin in love with it to buy it. Come to think of it, if it had David B. or Alex O. on it I probably would buy it. But, anywho.
I'm a cheapskate. I'm sure that comes as no surprise. Here's where my trusty paint pen comes in.
With a little paint and some creativity I as able to transform these plates from dull and drab to totally fab.
All of these plates were plain and white and 75 cents from the thrift store. They had some interesting elements, but needed a little "oomphing"...don't we all sometimes?

Ampersand Plate



Monogrammed Plate


Silhouette Plate


Number Plate...of course. You know I have a sick preoccupation with all things numbers.
These plates cost me under $2 (that includes the cost of the paint pen which is $4-ish...varies on brand and where you buy it).

Here is the beginning of my collage.



It's not quite finished yet, but we're off to a good start.

13 comments:

  1. Great ideas. I had some plates I had purchased and decided to try to sell them on Etsy. I'm obviously charging too much because they haven't sold yet -- perhaps a good sign to pull them and use your new friend...the paint pen! Thank you for sharing the beginning of your collage. I think it's looking great. Love that it's going round the corner.

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  2. I love my paint pens! They are addictive aren't they : ) Never thought to use them on decorative plates though, they look great! Can't wait to see the finished product, though it look pretty darn good as it!!

    Paula

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  3. Dear Erika, how do you hang plates? With love, Your craftily disabled friend.

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  4. Well, it's me again. I have featured you and this project as a Bookmarked on the Boardwalk post. Feel free to stop by and pick up a very special button. You will find the post and the button here:

    http://www.bobbypinsboardwalk.com/2010/11/paint-pens-make-it-easy.html

    Congratulations on a wonderful project!

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  5. Paint pens have long be a favorite of mine but I never thought to use them on dishes or even glass. Way to think out of the box and onto the plate.
    Traci

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  6. Hi! I just came over from Jan's and shse was right, these are fabulous! Now I HAVE to stick around to see what other wonderful creations you have come up with! Theresa xoxo

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  7. Oh my gosh, I think I might have plate envy. Gotta get me a paint pen and some plates right away, what possibilities these have! Love them all, thanks for the kick in the imagination. I found you at Jan's, that sweet mama.

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  8. Love your blog and your ideas!!! I will be stalking! haha

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  9. I love your blog--your plates are amazing!!! I came over from Jan's!
    And Happy Thanksgiving!!
    XO

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  10. Just came over from Jan's at Bobbypins Boardwalk. She was right...you are creative! I used paint pens YEARS ago on tee shirts and pillow cases for my daughter. Haven't used them sense. I am not a painter or drawer but I'll keep reading your blog and maybe I'll get more ideas.

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  11. I LOVE reading your blog! Its inspired me to make so many things! I love thrifting and finding some treasures and the plate and paint pin is brilliant! I was wondering though if you free handed the silhouette of the girl or if you traced it from somewhere? If so could you tell me where, I love it!!

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  12. Did you put yours in the oven to set the color?

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    Replies
    1. No, I didn't. I've heard of doing that with Sharpie markers, but not with a paint pen. Also, I was using them as decoration on the wall, so I wasn't too worried about the paint chipping off since they were out of the way of little hands.

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