If you’re on Pinterest, then you’ve probably seen this idea before. While this will work with Sharpies (and I’ve tried it) the result is not dishwasher safe. I love my dishwasher and get a bit annoyed by things that aren’t dishwasher safe.

Pebeo Porcelaine 150 paints and pens are dishwasher safe. They give a lovely glazed ceramic look to your work. I used the pens and like that they draw a nice even line, but if you colour in an area they blend nicely and look painted rather than coloured in. They also don’t stink like the Sharpies, which is good when you’re working with your head close to the pen to see what you’re doing. Put on my glasses you say? That would be a smart idea!

The opportunities are endless when it comes to designs. I have quite a few ideas on my Christmas Pinterest Board. They make great gifts with a pile of cookies stacked on top.

There is a bit of confusion online as to whether the Pebeo Porcelaine 150 pens are food safe or not. They are labelled non-toxic, but then Pebeo says they are not food safe. Then they also say that they are fine to use on plates that won’t be scratched by utensils. If you’re worried, then decorate a plate for the wall or the outside of a mug (but not the top where your lip would go).

If your kids are old enough that you’re happy to let them at the pens, then this would make a fun craft project with a lovely keepsake. Thrift stores are one great place to look for your cups and plates. I got mine in a craft shop for a few dollars.

Decorative Plates

You’ll need:
A ceramic plate (or mug/cup or bowl)
Pebeo Porcelaine 150 pens
A soft lead-pencil

Make sure the plate is clean and dry. Using the pencil, draw your design onto the plate. Go over the design with the Porcelaine Pens. After doing one colour, leave it for a few minutes to dry and then you can use a second colour without smudging the first.

If you have a made a mistake, it is supposed to wash off. I tried and couldn’t get mine off with a wet cloth, but I could scratch it off with my fingernail.

Once you are happy with your design leave it to air dry for 24hrs. To make it dishwasher safe, it needs to be baked. Put the plate in a cold oven and then turn the oven on to 150°C (300°F). Once the oven reaches temperature, leave the plate to bake for 30 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave to cool.

Now your plate is dishwasher safe!