Today I’m sharing a Book Page Crafts Tutorial for some lovely Chargers that can be used for your Holiday (or everyday) Table! These are very inexpensive to make, they do take a little bit of time, but they’re not hard at all. I just put on a good movie and happily spent the afternoon making these!
Supplies:
- Plastic chargers (Found at Dollar Stores, Walmart, Michaels)
- Pages from a cheap book
- Mod Podge Matte
- A paint brush
- Cream colored paint ( I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, but you can use what you have)
Step 1: Paint your chargers to cover up the shiny surface. I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White, because it adheres to plastic really well! I applied 2 coats. You can use whatever paint you like. It doesn’t have to be a perfect finish, we just don’t want the original color to show through the paper.
Step 2: Once your paint is dry, tear your pages into strips and apply to the plate, with the Mod Podge and the brush. I made sure I had a little extra along the edges, to fold over onto the back, so that the edges were covered.
Step 3: Continue working with the paper and Mod Podge, until the entire surface is covered. (If you get a little tear or miss some spots, just tear off a smaller piece of the book page and cover it up) Allow to dry completely. You can add another coat of Mod Podge on the top to seal and protect, if you like.
That’s about it! Pretty simple huh?! I just love the look of these though, I think they have great vintage appeal! I paired mine up with some Antique Ironstone Plates and some pretty paper place mats. I added a little color with the Peacock feathers, but you could also add Fall leaves for Thanksgiving, or greenery at Christmas. The fact that these are so neutral, means that you can take them in so many directions. If you like Book Page Crafts, you might also like these Book Page Pumpkins.
Mistie says
Hi! Very cute! I’m wanting to do some hand print chargers for my sons class at school for Christmas. Any ideas on how to seal the paint onto a plastic charger? Thanks!
Mistie
Karen Watson says
Hi Mistie, Krylon makes some spray sealers, you can find them at Michael’s Crafts. You might want to try something like that. I would test it out first though, to see if it will work with your project.
Debbie says
I have a dozen old chargers I never use anymore, I love this idea!! I have to pin it, I love working with old book pages. Thanks!
Debbie 🙂
noor says
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Lynn at Sweet Peas Charm says
These are adorable!
JoAnne S. says
Was there supposed to be a step 3?
Karen Watson says
Ha! Yes, there is, but there was not supposed to be a step 4. I’ve just corrected it. 🙂
Marilyn Hultquist says
If the paper was Mod Podged without painting first, would it be a disaster??? Some of the colored chargers are so pretty. I wonder if the charger color would distort or blur the paper some way, or does it just not work???
Karen Watson says
Hi Marilyn, you could certainly try a few strips right over top of the charger, let dry and then see if you like the effect or not. If you don’t like it, just wet the paper and scrub off, and then start from scratch again. I hope that helps!
Kathleen says
I know etiquette varies on how to use charger plates. So I was wondering, would this modpodge method hold up under a dinner plate filled with warm food if the chargers were to be used this way? I would like to give this information to my daughter because she enjoys entertaining and would probably like to make these. Thanks for sharing!
Karen Watson says
Good question Kathleen! It would probably be best to remove the chargers before adding the hot food. But she could certainly make one and test it out, beforehand to be sure. Another idea, would be to try spraying with a sealer. Or she could use a glass charger, and just add the book pages on the underside, the same look would be achieved, but you would have the added protection of the glass surface.
Laura Strack says
Karen, this sounds like a great solution and a darling one too! You’re brilliant! I began to think of all the different paper you could use on your charger to change the look of your table and the clear plate would possibly add some sparkle. You could use chevron paper or possibly a pretty floral for Spring. The choices are endless. Thank you for your lovely ideas.
Karen Watson says
Great ideas Laura!! All of those sound lovely!!
Jamie Wilcox says
Karen, I’m so glad I saw this project and your instructions. I have lots of plastic pieces I’ve picked up at Goodwill, tag sales, etc. but was thinking I needed to buy some special paint made just for plastic. I’m so glad to see that chalk paint works well on it! Thanks so much for your tutorial (and all your fabulous images)!! Hugs to you 🙂
Karen Watson says
You’re welcome Jamie!! Chalk paint is the best!! Your plastic pieces will look fabulous, once you’ve transformed them!
Cynthia says
Oh, I love this project! I’m going to use it for my personal Thanksgiving settings, with matching napkin rings. Can’t wait! Thank you!
Karen Watson says
Thanks Cynthia! I guess great minds think alike, I’m working on the matching napkin rings now! Haha!