Monotone leaf impressions

Hands-on time: Less than two hours.
Total time: 24 hours for the paint to dry and set, plus 35 minutes to heat-set in an oven.
Skill: Moderate.
Cost estimate: Less than $15 for the materials.

Materials & Tools

• 4 plain, white china trays in the shape and size of your choice (available at dollar stores)
• Rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth
• Porcelain 150 paints by Pébéo in black and white
• Stir sticks and a paint tray
• A container of water and paper towels
• Stencil with assorted leaf designs
• Graphite transfer paper - one sheet of white and one sheet of black (to make it easier to see the transferred motifs on black and white items)
• Red pen
• Artist paintbrushes in assorted sizes

A new season, a new look. This fall the design trends from the fashion runways to the home front are making impressive impressions with the pure elegance of pairing blacks and whites. The classics are back and they are making an impact. For a sleek, contemporary style, tabletop accents decorated with these dramatic basics can be quite stunning.

Monotone leaf impression trays can be created in only a few steps and can be displayed to add style and elegance to accentuate your home with touches of nature.

To begin: Wash the china trays thoroughly and wipe them dry. Then, to prepare the surface for painting, wipe the trays with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Stir the paints before using. Place black and white porcelain 150 paint colours in a paint tray. Prepare a container of water and some paper towels to clean the paintbrushes between each colour application.

For white trays with black leaves: align and place a leaf motif from your chosen stencil over the black graphite paper, and place it over the white china tray. Using a red pen (in order to see the outline of the design that has been transferred) trace the outline of a leaf design in order to transfer it onto the tray. Repeat this step for each leaf design you wish to apply onto the tray. I applied two leaf designs on each tray. It all depends on the size of your tray and of the stencil designs. A simple, balanced composition is the key.

Using a fine paintbrush, paint the leaves in with the black porcelain paint, and set them aside to let them dry.

For black trays with white leaves: begin by painting two of the trays with the black porcelain paint and let them dry to the touch. You will need to apply a second coat of black since you are painting over a light-coloured base, and let dry.

Align and place a leaf motif over white graphite paper, and place it over the now black painted china trays. Trace assorted leaf designs to transfer them onto the black trays. Repeat steps to transfer each remaining leaf design.

Using a fine paintbrush, paint the leaves in with the white Porcelain paint and let dry. A second coat may be needed and applied once it is dry to the touch.

Once you have completed the trays: Let them dry and set for 24 hours. To heat-set the trays, place them in an oven and bake them according to product directions at 300 F (150 C) for 35 minutes. Remove from the oven using oven mitts, and set aside to cool. Pébéo Porcelain 150 paints are nontoxic, scratch resistant, dishwasher and oven safe.

Leave a lasting impression with gorgeous accent trays to use as a centerpiece on a table runner, on a mantel or on a coffee table. They're simply elegant and stylish!

Variations

• The trays can easily be transformed into modern artwork to be mounted onto walls, simply by adding a hook at the back of each painted tray. Just affix the hooks with clear silicone, and let set for 6 to 8 hours.