Becky's name plates
Becky Shaul Norris, of Verden, Oklahoma, is a true Flea Market Gardener. She is known to tackle the biggest garden projects, despite physical limitations, including her Big Patio Project of last spring. Here we take a peek into one of her private spaces in the garden….a wonderful garden room.
Her garden ‘shed’ is a feminine and frilly with its creamy white paint, pink and white striped wallpaper and comfy cushioned sofa. Tall windows allow her to look out on her cottage gardens and she can play in to her heart’s delight in a special space of her own. And just look what is the newest addition…
Becky says, “My hubby finally found time in the cool of the morning to help me hang this garden sign I made from old saucers. I have found so many pretty saucers and just had to find the right project for them. I drilled a hole above the center of each plate, then screwed the saucer to this lovely old door header I got from my friend, Julie. Isn’t this the coolest piece of wood to use for the sign?”
Becky says, “I used a diamond drill bit, the type used for drilling glass or ceramics and drilled one small hole in the top 1/3 of the plates. This way when they were nailed to the board they hung in the right spot. I put them where the letters would cover the small hole left by the nail. I used E-6000 glue on the back of each piece and glued it to the board, then put the small nail through the hole. and the nail had a head just a little larger than the hole that I drilled. The board was already old and distressed and I did not do a thing to the board.”
Tip: “One thing to know is that all plates do not drill. I actually broke one when drilling. The pieces I have found that do not drill well are the ones like Corelle, or the older glass plates made with white or colored glass. I have had no problem drilling ceramic plates,” Becky says.
Becky used vinyl letters to put her name on the plates. If you do not have a cricut machine to cut your own, check with a local sign company and see if they would be willing to cut the letters for you. Once they are cut out they are peel and stick She has had them on this sign for over a year and they show no sign of turning loose or fading, she says. If you can’t get the letters then you could use a stencil or paint freehand with an enamel paint such as they use to paint car and plane models, Becky advises.
“I made this some time ago, but didn’t have the time to hang it. All of the plates came from an auction at one time or another. It was the first thing I wanted to do once I got the chance! I’m glad it’s now hanging and no longer in danger of getting broken while sitting around. I had such a fun time making this,” Becky tells us.
She says, “This photo taken today shows the hot pink Gaura blooming next to the door of my garden room. I love this area of the garden and spend a lot of time on this little porch. I’ve seen a lot of hummingbirds on this plant! I’ve had these since spring and they bloomed the first couple of weeks I planted them, then nothing till now. Maybe it was just too hot for them. My white Gaura has bloomed all summer long,… the butterflies also love it!”
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Becky, love to see other Oklahoma gardeners and crafters. I think this is a difficult state to grow flowers and the weather is so unpredictable for outdoor projects. I love your garden shed. If you don't mind, I might just drop by for a cuppa coffee someday.
Becky ...I always think of you when I see pretty 'pink' FMGing projects! Your garden shed area is beautiful! & the plates are just so adorable! Tho your weather is hot, hot, hot this year, your gardens still look luscious! TFS!
I love your sign and garden shed. Wish I could do the same here but with the high humidity in NW FL its hard to keep the mildew away. I have to run a dehumidifier in my workshop. Keep on crafting and gardening.
I am glad you all like my garden room. I am able to enjoy it year round with a fan in the summer and a small heater in the winter. I sit here and dream about what plants i need to move, where I need to put new plants, and spy the weeds I need to pull, all from one very convenient location. Alice Huff, drop by anytime and we always have a pot full of coffee. Would love to visit with another Oklahoma Gardner.
Becky,
Another great project that I'll need to copy and keep in my "file of garden wishes" :)
I love the "shed" too.
Love the sign you made! I think I will have to copy this...so unique and absolutely stunning! And wow, what an adorable garden porch room. You must enjoy being out there all year long.
Debbie :)
Adorable! How very resourceful and creative you are. Your porch looks inviting, too. I'll bet your family and friends like to visit you. :-)
I love this idea but never would have thought of it. It looks perfect there. I love your little garden room, your plants,... everything looks very nice.
Myra
I've got lots of pretty saucers and would love to make one of these for my shed. So pretty! What kind of paint did you use to do the lettering on the china?
Hi Tuckshop Gardner. I used vinyl letters to put my name on the plates. If you do not have a cricut machine to cut your own, check with a local sign company and see if they would be willing to cut the letters for you. Once they are cut out they are peel and stick I have had them on this sign for over a year and they show no sign of turning loose or fading. If you can't get the letters then you could use a stencil or paint freehand with an enamel paint such as they use to paint car and plane models. good luck with making a sign.
Hey Becky I was wondering how do you drill the holes in the plates without them breaking the plates thanks and God Bless TC PODZON
Hi tcpodzon. I used a diamond drill bit, the type used for drilling glass or ceramics and drilled one small hole in the top 1/3 of the plates. This way when they were nailed to the board they hung in the right spot. I put them where the letters would cover the small hole left by the nail. I used E-6000 glue on the back of each piece and glued it to the board, then put the small nail through the hole. and the nail had a head just a little larger than the hole that I drilled. The board was already old and distressed and i did not do a thing to the board. I hope you have success making one. One thing to know is that all plates do not drill. I actually broke one when drilling. The pieces i have found that do not drill well are the ones like Corelle, or the older glass plates made with white or colored glass. I have had no problem drilling ceramic plates. Good luck.