Grab a paper plate and copy these fantastic ideas

From soggy to savvy, paper plates can show their value above the table as well as under the food. If you’re looking for a craft that uses maximum creativity with minimal expense and effort, paper plate crafts can’t be beat. They're inexpensive, easy to work with and ubiquitous.
To elevate these everyday items from practical to posh, apply high art practices such as perfection, repetition, imagination and restraint. Using expensive materials carelessly doesn’t create as good a result as using inexpensive materials with great insight and care. These decorative art pieces can be used in every room of the house, and wouldn’t that be fun to surprise guests after a walk-through by admitting that all the beautiful art in the house has a base of the lowly paper plate!
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How to make a paper plate garland
Garlands are traditionally made of fresh flowers, pine boughs or even herbs. They may be for religious or ritual reasons, but they're always inspirational and bring a festive feel. What’s more fun than a Hawaiian lei or a Christmas string of popcorn or a string of fresh daisies in a young girl’s hair? The problem with real garlands is that they become dry and brittle as their colors fade with the life of their plants. But here's a garland with all the color and hope of spring that can last throughout the year. Get the tutorial here.
How to make a table runner with paper plates
Table runners add grace and style to a table, but when made of paper plates they're a quick pick-me-up to any occasion. This craft is so easy it could be repeated in shades of red and pink for St. Valentine’s day, in green for St. Patrick’s Day, in red, white and blue for Presidents Day and so forth. If you're hosting a wedding brunch, this easy craft is ideal, considering the many expenses and work to be done. All you have to do is quickly paint and glue a dozen plates in the bride’s color palette for a bright and cheerful table. Get the tutorial here.
How to make a paper plate wall hanging
High concept art on a budget? No problem. Mix the shapes and colors in whatever way speaks to you and proudly display this wall hanging in a living room or office. Echo the colors of the couch, rug and accent pillows for a finished look. Get the tutorial here.
How to make a paper plate organizer
Are you sometimes drowning in little notes? In the bedroom or office this quick and stylish paper plate organizer hangs easily on the wall to keep your desktop neat. In the bathroom you could fill it with mascara and eyebrow pencils. Or, you could hang it by the front door for all those don’t-forget items like maps or sunglasses. Get the tutorial here.
How to make hanging decor with paper plates
For those who love sophisticated geometric shapes, this one can be made simply. The interest comes with the interplay of light between the plates and the ridges on the edge of the plates. The plates could also be painted in silver for a metallic vibe. Get the tutorial here.
How to make wall art with a paper plate loom
If you love woven baskets or textile arts, this might be the craft for you. A simple process of winding yarn in and out can create a piece to adorn a wall for years to come. Use native colors, or match to the room's décor. Get the tutorial here.
How to make a paper plate art canvas
Clean designs can sometimes have the most impact. Using the concepts of simplicity and repetition, this project has a stunning result. For best results, use colors with the same luminosity or within a single color family, but feel free to experiment! Play with the idea of neutrals as well as contrasting colors. Get the tutorial here.
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