Sharpie plate art is a fun new way to capture children’s art work. Let children personalize a plate, mug or bowl they can keep forever.

Supplies for Sharpie Plate Art

• Dollar store ceramic plates, mugs or bowls
• Oiled based paint markers
• Pencil
• Oven

Before you start this project wash the dishes to make sure they are clean and free of any gunk that can get in the way of a beautiful art design. Then dry the dishes completely before starting your project.

Have the kids decide what kind of design, pattern or picture they want to put on their plate. I did this activity around the holidays so many children decided to make their plate a gift, but some wanted to make something special that they can eat off of at home. (Yes, these are safe to eat off) Click here to see more ideas for gifts kids can make.

When everyone has decided what they want to put on the plate have them sketch the design with a pencil on the plate, bowl or mug. Some children struggled with this step, they just wanted the special markers so they could start but I found that the kids who rushed through the planning and sketching step were less pleased with the outcome than those who took their time. If I were to do this activity again I would make everyone sketch their design for at least 10 minutes before putting out the markers.

Once the kids have their design ready hand out the oiled based markers. They have to be the oil based kind or the sharpie will come off the dishes. I ordered a set of the oiled based markers from Amazon. They are off brand but worked great and you get 18 markers for the price of a five pack of sharpies Click here to see the current price. Then, allow the kids time to color and decorate their plates.

Preheat the oven to 350 degree and bake each plate for 30 minutes. Turn off the oven and allow the plates to cool before handling. You should now have a beautiful personalized plate. Plates are safe to eat off off by should be washed by hand with no abrasive cleaners. Enjoy!

In summery

1. Clean and dry the plates
2. Have the kiddos sketch their drawing with a pencil on the plate
3. Hand out the oil based paint markers and have them color the design.
4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
5. Bake for 20 minute. Turn off the oven and allow the plates to cool before handling.
6. Plates should be washed by hand and with no abrasive cleaners.
7. Enjoy!