When starting out, it is important to choose simple, symmetrical designs and have a lot of patience.

Paper crafting has long been a popular art form in many cultures, from Japanese origami to Mexican papel picado. Swiss and German papercutting, known as Scherenschnitte, typically features a white cutout overlaying black paper. Many of these designs are extremely intricate life or nature scenes. Today this art is still quite popular with artists in the Pennsylvania Dutch community.

When starting out, it is important to choose simple, symmetrical designs and have a lot of patience. Many professionals use expensive papers and an X-Acto knife, but here we will use tissue paper or another thin substitute, and a normal pair of scissors in order to create simple patterns to decorate dinner plates.

1. First, clean and dry your flatware – here I will use a black polycarbonate plate.

2. Fold a piece of white paper in half. Trace one half of your design (in order to make the pattern symmetrical). Cut and flatten. Be sure that when you attach the piece, the side that was not drawn on is showing.

3. Cut a square or other simple shape from the black/dark paper.

4. Place the plate so that the front is facing up. Paint a thin but even coat of decoupage paste on the surface. Press the dark design onto the plate, then coat its back with more paste.

5. Use wax paper and a roller to smooth. Wait to dry.

6. Place the white shape so that it partially overlaps the dark shape. Roller to smooth.

7. If desired, use silver glitter glue to add simple embellishments to your plate. Be sure that the glue is applied in a thin stream because a chunky application may rub off with use.

8. Paint the back with clear glass varnish, so that it will be more water resistant. Wait to dry. Coat twice.

Enjoy! This plate may be used as a wall decoration, or used to eat off of. Do not put the dish into the microwave or dishwasher. Instead, hand wash gently with a cloth and do not leave submerged in water.

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