Cheap and easy keepsake plates

I'm working on a craft project idea for a client, and the work has led me to play around with oil-based Sharpie markers. I've only bought a black fine point, so far; if you buy a whole set, you're halfway to having a great party craft for middle-school-aged kids (and up!). The other half you'll need is a package of "crystal" Chinet plates. (I got a package of 8 plates at my local supermarket for under $4; link is for reference.) The trick to keeping this project food-safe is to only use the marker on the bottom of the plate.

You could freehand a drawing, but I think it's smarter to work out your design on paper first. Create a paper template by using your fingers to rub and crease a sheet of plain copy paper onto the interior circle of the plate. Trace this interior depression with a pencil, then cut out the circle.

​Draw your design on the paper. It's easy enough to erase and redo any part of it. Keep in mind that your marker's lines will likely be thicker than the pencil or pen you're drawing with. 

Tape your paper onto the front, or the inside, of the plate — you know, where your food will go — with the drawing facing down. Once it's secure. flip over the plate so the bottom is up.

It's hard to tell from this photo, but the paper drawing is taped underneath the clear plastic.

Now all you gotta do is draw, using oil-based markers. If you make a catastrophic mistake, use a cotton ball and nail polish remover to wipe off the marker ink. It works like a charm!

Here's what the plate looks like with the paper still taped onto the plate's front. 

After the ink dries completely (I waited a few hours, to be extra cautious), you can hand-wash the plate with dish soap, and the ink will stay on! I wouldn't put this in the dishwasher, however; treat it gently, and it should last a long while. 
Have fun!
​xo