A few Saturdays ago, the three of us joined some friends at a local ceramics shop to make Santa Plates. After Dylan and his friend finished their part, the dads took them home so we moms could finish up the details. That was the best idea ever – Dylan and his buddy had been to the ceramics shop before (in May our entire playgroup of 6 babies ages 8-15 months went to make Father’s Day gifts), but now that both walk and want to move around, it wasn’t such a good idea to keep them there for an extended time. Which reminds me, quick tip to all parents of little ones who want to try this – pack your booster seat. It makes the entire process much easier.
Another thing that helps is having a plan of action. We had already made a handprint Christmas tree earlier in the month. I wanted something different and simple for Dylan’s part in case he didn’t want to participate. Searching online, I came across this post on Simmons Stories blog. Loved the adorable little footprint reindeer. So, we strapped Dylan into his booster seat, pulled off his shoe & sock, painted his foot up in brown paint and stuck it onto the plate.
He was so excited during the entire process. Only problem – he curled his foot a bit. I had to laugh. In October, he and I managed a perfect print for his Ghost plaque. I think part of it may have been the cold plate. Looking back, if I did this again, I would set the plate on the floor and help him to step on it. At any rate, we let it be because, after all, it is fun artwork and I wanted something special & handmade – not “perfect.”
After Trent took Dylan home (which wasn’t easy by the way because he wanted to keep painting!! I see more visits in our future), I worked on the details of our Santa Plate design … painting Rudolph’s antlers, eyes and nose. Then I sponged the rim of the plate in red, added fun swirls & dots, and carefully painted the text.
And here’s the finished project ready to put out with cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve:
Loving it and so excited to add this Santa Plate to our Christmas traditions.
8 Comments