Craft Tutorial: Plate Pedestals from Flea Market Finds

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, Throwback Thursday, and See Vanessa Craft.

Comments

[Kat]

These are wonderfully elegant, Mitzi! You definitely have the touch when it comes to staging your pieces. They are easily pictured in a bedroom, resting on a graceful vanity table, with lace spilling over the edges. Your work is fabulous!

[C.K.]

Those are beyond beautiful !!!

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi C.K.,

Im so glad you like them. They were fun and easy to make!

Mitzi

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Kat,

Ooh, I think we should work as a team! I like the idea of lace piled up, spilling over the edges of the plates! Thanks so much for the encouraging words about my projects and staging. I really enjoy getting things together to photograph them. Its a fun challenge.

Thanks for stopping by today, and have a great weekend!

Mitzi

[Wendy]

You have some really creative ideas here Mitzi, I love this idea! It's great to find a use for some of these beautiful little plates that no longer have mates :) Wendy

[Judy D.]

So pretty! Wouldn't they look lovely on a bridal shower table???

[Mitzi Curi]

I love finding ways to use vintage items that are lying about, like saucers, and showing off some of my vintage wallpaper in unique ways.

Have a great weekend, and thanks for visiting my blog!

Mitzi

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Judy,

I love your idea! One could go with a particular color scheme or mix it up like I did.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Im going to visit yours right away!

Mitzi

[Susan Beaty]

absolutely love what you did with centers. i made several 3 tiers 2 yrs. ago. old plates and candlesticks. never did sell. prices LOWER than saw online. now alot of people are making various things like i used to. guess wasnt the thing so much then. but they were still really pretty, unique. distributed within family. gonna make one like yours for me. really do like them. you just have a knack:) love your blog susy

[Mitzi Curi]

Thanks so much, Susy! I want to try some three-tiers as well. I wonder why yours didn't sell? I suppose it depends on where you live. Maybe you should start an Etsy shop!

I'm glad you enjoy my blog, and thanks for taking the time to leave such a nice comment!

[Jenna]

Love these! Thinking they would be great for my daughter's bday! Thanks for sharing!

Jenna @ rainonatinroof.com

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Jenna! I'm sure they would look great on a birthday table. I hope you can give this fun project a try!

Mitzi

[Laurie @ Simply Creating Home]

What a perfect and fun project! I love how you've painted the stems, but then scuffed them to look vintage. What a great use for little teacup saucers, too! Thanks for the inspiration!

[Debbie]

I love these. I have made the other kind before but i really like the spray painted pedestals!! great idea!!

Hugs,
Debbie

[Cristy Waire]

They look wonderful. There would be many uses for these also.

[patti]

This is a great idea - to paint the glass. I just made 2 of these last week and never gave this any thought - next time I will try this - I also use these to deliver a cupcake on a birthday!

[Rhonda @ Ramblings of a Southern Girl]

Coming from Met Monday! Love your plate stands! The colored "bases" are just perfect!

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Debbie,

Spray painted glass is popular now, so I combined that element with the pedestal project. I like the way they turned out too!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Mitzi

[Nikki]

I absolutely adore these platters! So unique and pretty. I'm a sucker for vintage decor, so I'm going to have to try this. Thank you for the tutorial!!! :)

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Nikki,

Thanks so much! They are so easy and fun to make. Id love to see your finished project!

Mitzi

[Alli]

I really like your vintage flea market finds turned into plate pedestals. So glad you shared it with us at Throwback Thursday!

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Alli!

Im glad you liked my project. I really had fun making them and setting up the photo shoot...

Mitzi

[Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint]

Mitzi, what a great project. I love this idea. Thanks for sharing at Throwback Thursday.

xoxo
Denyse

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Denyse,
I love Throwback Thursdays! And Im so glad you like this project. It was one of my all time faves....
Mitzi

[Jen @ Girl in the Garage]

These are gorgeous Mitzi! I can see them holding cupcakes or jewelry too. I love the colors on the plates and how you spray painted the bottoms. Stopping by from Throwback Thursday.