12 DIY Projects for Old Dishes

By Sayward Rebhal, Networx

I got rid of all my old dishes on the day after I got back from my honeymoon. We’d gotten this lovely modern set – our first real grown up dishes! And they actually matched! It was pretty exciting.

That was four years ago, and nowadays when I open my cupboard, it no longer looks so shiny and tidy. How is it that dishes manage to multiply so efficiently? Other than a few Christmas mugs, I really don’t know where most of these came from. And yet, there they are taking up space, mismatching one another.

I’m ready to clear out again, and I’ve been thinking. Other than my usual charity shop donation, is there something fun to do with old dishes?

As it turns out, there’s a lot!

1. Make a cake stand. Easier than it looks: simply glue an old mug to the bottom of an old plate (you may want to flip the mug upside down, depending on its shape). Once the glue has dried, you can spray paint the whole structure (starting with primer) in whatever funky color you wish. Spray paints are not food safe, so either leave the tops of the plates unpainted, or set your pastries atop a doily. Spray painting tip: Portland painting contractor Distinctive Painting recommends placing tarps or plastic sheets on the floor before painting.

2. Catch the water from your houseplants. And keep it off your precious hardwood flooring! A plate, especially a bright-colored one, works perfectly in place of a traditional base. Plus, I always seem to have more flower pots than pot bases.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Sonia M.

2:23PM PDT on Apr 19, 2013

Great ideas,Thanks for sharing

April 19
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Bethany M.

5:20AM PST on Nov 28, 2012

Thank you.

November 28
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Maria S.

6:53AM PDT on Aug 12, 2012

Interesting and useful tips. Some I already use. Thanks for the article.

August 12
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Jules S.

2:06PM PDT on Aug 8, 2012

fun ideas...there are always things at thrift shops for a bargain...also adds an eclectic flavor to decorating!

August 8
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Dale O.

8:24AM PDT on Jul 31, 2012

Have some of my mother's old dishes and use a few under some plants on the balcony to collect water, mugs for pen and pencil containers, always a use for some old dishes and even a few I still use to this day for sentimental reasons. When a friend brings over her two cats they get an old bowl as a treat dish.
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