I have a whole set of inexpensive white dishes that are in need of some adornment, so when I came across this rather abstract yet simple design, it really caught my eye. The other thing that grabbed my attention? The artist is a toddler! What a neat idea — letting your little ones design some dishes for gifts, special occasions, or even everyday use!
Carla from Small + Friendly had her little one make a special cereal bowl for her husband as a birthday gift — she also has given it quite a few passes through the dishwasher since it was created, and the design has held up perfectly. As Carla herself says, one of the greatest things about letting your little artists express themselves is giving them the opportunity to enjoy seeing their creations put to use — what a great way to encourage their creativity as well as preserve their handiwork in a useful way!
Read more from Carla about the very simple tools and techniques for this project: DIY: Toddler Art Dishware on Small + Friendly
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(Image: Carla from Small + Friendly)
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The design on the bowl is abstract enough that it could pass as something sold by Crate and Barrel. I wouldn't put most child art on a bowl or plate. To me, that starts to veer into severe "LOOK AT WHAT MY PRECIOUS SNOWFLAKE DID" territory.
On the similar advice of Pinterest, I tried this with a regular Sharpie marker and a favorite quote for my beloved, and the bugger WASHED OFF in the first dishwasher cycle! Apparently it requires a special pen.
I think the results are quite elegant. For me, the key would be to do this project with my 2.5 year old who really can't draw at all and would therefore produce an abstract design. If I attempted it with my 5 year old, she would draw an princess and a rainbow (cute in it's own way, but not exactly an elegant tablesetting.)
I love this project! I think this is so stylish and elegant. Can't wait to try with my crew. What a fabulous idea!!
We did this for Christmas, mugs for Papa and Grandma. My kids are 4 and 6 and I just asked them to draw something about the person and they were really precious. You're right, only a mother (or papa, grandma, etc...) could love but still so very worth it to give something handmade and see the pride in their eyes. It was a simple and inexpensive project.