Make Your Own Ceramic Plate Collectibles

English house decoration style is not complete without owning and displaying decorative ceramic plates. These plates looks very attractive and beautiful if we could display them on the pinewood plate shelves. Initially I bought several decorative ceramic plates at the local flea market and craft shops. However, none deserve my appraisals. I got a special bond to those plates with picturisque cottages and english countryside motifs. These are hard to get. They are available only in limited edition at craft shops and stores.
After pondering on much thought, I eventually took up classes on ceramic making. I dont actually make those ceramic plates but bought them as plain greenwares and bisquewares. Greenwares are basically still wet ceramic plates. They are not fully dried when taken off from the molds. Whereas bisque wares are completely dried ceramic plates. In these classes, I learned how to transfer decals and chintz on the ceramic plates. Decals and chintz are specialize plastic pictures, sold as sheets or rolls. Example of decals supplier is Bailey of UK.
Basically I begin with fine sanding of the bisquewares. Then brushed evenly with Duncan ceramic glaze. The piece is then sent to dry in an oven set at specific temperatures. When ready the decals are transfered meticulously onto the ceramic plate. Finally, place the plate in the oven again, where the decals actually blends with the glaze. In a few hours the plate is completely done, ready to be placed on the shelves OR you could sell it. Applauds, as you could produce beautiful english collectibles ceramic plates just as good as the imported ones.
I have provided links for the decals and glaze.

Mantel Shelves & Wooden Corbels

English house decoration idea continues with the use of wooden mantel shelves and corbels. Mantel shelves is an affordable way to remodels your house. Instead of having a complete fireplace, you could just add a mantelpiece into your living room. Mantel shelves if mounted other than above the fireplace could add charm and enhance the decor. Mantel shelf could be hung in the living room to display precious english collectables or your favorite trophies. Or hung onto your childs room so that they could display their dolls or toys.

Dont forget to add corbels onto any shelf, beam or arch. Also could be used around corners of an entrance openings, under kitchen island tops or on top of windows. This would definitely create a very distinct and elegant appearance to your house interiors. With or without elaborate carvings, the traditional corbels would be a fantastic piece to hold your candles.
English house decoration ideas and tips embellished traditional living.

A Festive Junky Holiday

Welcome to a

"Festive" Junky Holiday!

Now, you've already served the turkey, but what about all those holiday parties coming up? Are you hosting any? Need any creative ideas? Well, here you go...create a festive junky holiday! It's a mix of colorful vintage items that are used in creative new ways. Serve up the holidays in unexpected junking style. It's easy, it's festive, and...it's junk-inspired! Check it out!

If I'm hosting an event, I usually opt for buffet style eating because it's less formal. Here's an example of what I might do at my house. I would likely use the kitchen island to display the silverware and napkins for my guests. In these photos, I've re-purposed some of the same items found in my Rustic Junky Holiday post and added a few "new" items to complete the vignette.

Below, I use one vintage Christmas tree stand to hold the knives. I began by lining the inside with a paper towel and then a linen napkin. The paper towel protects the linen fabric from getting any rust-inspired marks on it.

I lined this vintage red and green Christmas stand the same way. Now, the spoons have a festive home. Behind, you see the rustic car jack used as a candle holder to create some warmth and ambiance.

Here's the favorite super-heavy house jack being used again. This time, it is a foundation for a plate that you can use to serve hors d'oeuvres or present a festive floral arrangement. The forks found a home inside another vintage red and green Christmas tree stand.

Of course, you can't forget the napkins! These white linen napkins are rolled and prominently displayed in a vintage Standard stamp holder. This is one of my favorite ideas!

Need to pass the salt and pepper quickly? Put them on wheels! Here, a wheeled base (probably use for plants or a trash can) is transformed into a serving dolly. Load it with goodies and they will disappear even faster than normal!

Now, did I just happen to have all this stuff lying around? No way! I picked all of this stuff up this summer and fall at various garage and estate sales. Why? Simply put...I was inspired by them. I saw potential and knew I could use them in one or more creative ways. So far, so good! For more ideas, be sure to check out my Rustic Junky Holiday and Elegant Junky Holiday posts!

Still want more junk-inspired ideas? Don't worry! There are more coming!