Here's a fun afternoon project for the days leading up to Christmas. Use the message supplied on the template, or personalize the plate with names and dates. Curing the paint in the oven (see "Designer's tip", below) means the plate can be used for food and cleaned in the dishwasher.

You need:
• Christmas Eve Cookie Plate template
• White ceramic plate (about 21 cm/8-1/2 inches in diameter)
• Transfer paper
• Black felt-tipped pen for ceramics*
• Green, red and gold ceramic paint*
• Paint palette or plastic lid (such as a yogurt lid) 
• Glass cleaner (such as Windex) and paper towel
• Masking tape
• Pencil
• Medium-size paintbrush
• Fine-tipped paintbrush or toothpick 
• Baby wipe (optional)

*Such as Pébéo Porcelaine 150 felt-tipped markers and paint; available in art- and craft-supply stores. Follow package directions for air-drying and heat-curing paint.

Take a look at a larger image of the finished decorated plate for Santa.

To make:
1. Download and print Christmas Eve Cookie Plate template.  
2. Using glass cleaner and paper towel, clean plate.
3. With masking tape, attach top of template to plate. 
4. Slip transfer paper under template, coloured side down. Using pencil and pressing firmly, trace template design onto plate. Remove transfer paper and template.
5. Using marker, trace lines on plate, outlining leaves, berries and words. Add decorative dots to letters, if desired. Let dry.
6. Transfer small amount of green paint to palette. Working carefully and keeping paint as flat and smooth as possible, paint holly leaves using medium-size paintbrush, repeating layers until leaves are desired colour. (Brush marks will disappear when paint is cured). Set aside to dry.
7. Repeat Step 6 with clean medium-size paintbrush and red paint for holly berries.
8. Using fine-tipped paintbrush, apply gold highlights (see photo).
9. Allow to air-dry for at least 24 hours. Following manufacturer's directions carefully, heat-cure paint. 
10. With damp paper towel or baby wipe, remove remaining pencil marks. 

Designer's tip: For best results when using ceramic paint, read and follow package directions. Many manufacturers provide additional information – even video demonstrations – online. Just search for the paint's brand name, followed by the words "ceramic paint."

What the pros know:
When painting, work from top to bottom so that you don't drag your hand or sleeve through work you have just done.
– Carol Knowlton-Dority, artist

This story was originally titled "Snacks for Santa" in the December 2012 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

Read more articles like this in Crafts.