Christmas Eve plates are a wonderful tradition for leaving out treats for Santa and his reindeer. With a touch of creativity, you can create a beautiful, personalised plate that captures the festive spirit and becomes a cherished keepsake for years to come. Whether you’re painting with kids or trying your hand at a fun new hobby, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to paint your own Christmas Eve plate using acrylic paints and water-based varnish. What You’ll Need Before we get started, gather the following materials: A blank white ceramic bisque plate (unfired glaze-free plate). Acrylic paints (red, green, gold, white, and black are festive staples, but feel free to get creative!). A selection of paintbrushes: flat brush for base layers, round brush for details, and a fine detail brush for small touches. Water-based varnish (for a protective finish). Festive shaped stencils (great for adding detail without painting free hand). A pencil and eraser. A paint palette or tray (great for paint mixing). A cup of water for rinsing brushes. Paper towels or a rag for wiping brushes. A plate stand or paper underneath to protect your work surface. Step 1: Plan Your Design Start by deciding what you’d like your Christmas Eve plate to look like. Here are a few simple and festive ideas: A message like “Cookies for Santa”  or “Santa & Rudolph’s Treats.” Festive illustrations like holly, candy canes, or a Christmas tree. Sections for different treats, such as “Carrots for Rudolph” or “Milk for Santa.” Use a pencil to lightly sketch your design onto the plate. Don’t press too hard – you’ll paint over it later, but any dark lines may show through the dried paint. Step 2: Paint the Background (Optional) If you’d like a coloured background on your plate, use a flat brush to apply a thin, even coat of paint to the entire surface. Tip: Light colours like white, pale blue, or gold work well for Christmas designs. Let the background dry completely before moving to the next step (this usually takes about 15-20 minutes for acrylics). Or use a hairdryer to speed up the process. If you prefer a white base (perfect for a classic look), skip this step. Step 3: Add Your Main Design Use a round brush or detail brush to carefully paint your main design, following your pencil sketch. For text, use a fine detail brush (or paint pen) and take your time to keep your letters neat. Block letters and festive fonts work well – you can even trace letters printed from a computer if you’d like. For festive decorations, such as holly leaves or stars, start with the largest shapes first and then add smaller details like berries or highlights later. Tip:  Thin your acrylic paint slightly with water for smooth, even lines. Don’t over-dilute, as this can affect the paint’s opacity. Step 4: Add Festive Details Now it’s time to make your plate truly magical! Use metallic paints (like gold or silver) for accents – these add a festive sparkle. Add highlights and shadows to your design by layering lighter and darker shades of your colours. For example, use a lighter green on the edges of holly leaves to make them pop. If you’re painting snowflakes or stars, use a white paint pen or the tip of a small round brush for precision. Stamp in detail. Festive shaped stamps are a great way to add detail without the need for free hand decoration. Lightly dip you stamp in the paint, or paint the stamp surface with a brush, then apply to your plate. Tis the season to be glittery. Christmas is always a good reason to go big with glitter. Add loose glitter whilst your paint is still wet and shake off the excess or use glitter glue to add some sparkly details. Step 5: Let It Dry Allow your plate to dry completely. Acrylic paint dries quickly, but it’s best to wait at least 1-2 hours before moving to the next step to ensure there are no smudges. The good old hairdryer will help speed the process along, if you like to limit your waiting like me. Step 6: Seal Your Design Once your paint is completely dry, apply a layer of water-based varnish to protect your design and give it a glossy finish. Use a soft, clean brush to apply the varnish in even strokes across the entire plate. Apply several layers of varnish, as per manufacturers instructions, for ultimate protection. Let the varnish dry for at least 24 hours before using the plate. Important:  Painted plates with acrylics are for decorative purposes only and should not be used for food directly. If you want to use the plate for snacks or treats, line it with baking parchment, or leave painted areas away from contact with food. Or use wrapped treats. Varnishing allows the surface to be gently wiped clean with a slightly damp cloth. Step 7: Enjoy Your Plate! Your Christmas Eve plate is ready to bring festive cheer to your home! Use it to leave out cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer, or display it as a decoration throughout the Christmas season. Additional Tips for Beginners Practice Makes Perfect:  Test your design on a piece of paper before painting the plate. Clean Brushes Regularly:  Rinse your brushes thoroughly with water between colours to avoid mixing unwanted shades. Embrace Imperfection:  Hand-painted items are unique and charming, so don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Create Your Own Festive Tradition (Now you know how to paint a Christmas Eve plate) Painting a Christmas Eve plate is a fun, creative way to prepare for the holidays and make special memories with your family. Whether it’s a new family tradition or a thoughtful handmade gift, your plate will bring joy year after year. Ready to get started? Check out my Paint Your Own Plate for all the materials you need to make your own festive creations. Don’t forget to share your painted plates with me on social media using the hashtag #ArtyPaxCreation ! Happy Painting and Merry Christmas! 🎄

A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Brushes for Painting Ceramic Bisque with Acrylics When it comes to painting ceramic bisque with acrylic paints, selecting the right brush can make all the difference in achieving the best results. The variety of brush types available, from fan brushes to filberts, each offer unique effects that can enhance your ceramic painting experience. Whether you're painting delicate details on a puffin or adding bold strokes to a barn owl, understanding the different types of brushes can help elevate your work. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the best brushes for painting ceramic bisque with acrylics, breaking down what each brush type is, the effects they create, and how to use them effectively. Round Brushes: Precision and Control Round brushes are versatile and are among the most commonly used brushes when painting ceramic bisque with acrylics. These brushes have a round, pointed tip and can be used for both fine details and broader strokes, depending on the size. Smaller round brushes are perfect for delicate work like painting fine lines or tiny details, while larger round brushes are great for filling in larger areas. Effect: Great for detailed lines, fine dots, and intricate designs. Best for:  Adding highlights to animal eyes or painting fine feathers on birds. Liner Brushes: Perfect for Fine Lines Liner brushes, also known as rigger brushes, are long and have fine bristles that come to a point. They are designed to hold a lot of paint and release it slowly, making them ideal for painting long, uninterrupted lines. These brushes are perfect for adding intricate details to your ceramic bisque, such as whiskers on a fox or the delicate markings on a kingfisher’s wings. Effect: Ideal for thin, consistent lines. Best for:  Outlining or creating intricate patterns, such as stripes or small feathers. Flat Brushes: Smooth, Even Coverage Flat brushes have a square or rectangular shape and are best for filling in large areas with smooth, even strokes. They hold a good amount of paint, making them ideal for painting backgrounds or base layers on your ceramic piece. When turned on their side, flat brushes can also create crisp, straight lines, perfect for adding angular details. Effect: Smooth, even coverage or sharp lines when used on the side. Best for:  Painting backgrounds or base colours on larger bisque figures like a life-sized skull or ceramic plates. Fan Brushes: Great for Texture Fan brushes have bristles that fan out and are great for adding texture to your ceramic pieces. They’re particularly useful for creating effects like feathers, grass, or fur. The fan shape helps spread the paint out evenly, creating a soft, textured effect that’s perfect for adding a realistic finish to nature inspired ceramics. Effect: Soft, textured strokes that resemble feathers or fur. Best for:  Painting the texture of feathers on a puffin or the wispy fur of a red fox. Filbert Brushes: Soft, Rounded Strokes Filbert brushes are a cross between a round brush and a flat brush, featuring an oval-shaped tip. This shape allows you to achieve soft, rounded strokes, making them ideal for blending colours or creating curved shapes. Filberts are excellent for painting ceramic bisque with smooth transitions between colours, especially when blending light and shadow. Effect: Soft, rounded strokes and smooth blends. Best for:  Creating soft edges or shading on the wings of a barn owl or the curves of a duck. Detail Brushes: Precision at Its Best Detail brushes are extremely fine-tipped brushes designed for ultra-precise work. These brushes are perfect for adding the tiniest details to your ceramic pieces, from the eyes of your ceramic animals to the fine patterns in feathers or scales. They are essential for intricate designs that require a high level of control. Effect: Extremely fine and precise details. Best for:  Tiny dots, delicate lines, and intricate details on nature inspired ceramic figures. Angled Brushes: Sharp Edges and Precision Angled brushes have a slanted tip, making them perfect for painting sharp edges and creating precise lines with ease. These brushes are great for adding intricate details where you need fine control, such as painting the beak of a bird or the fur markings of a pheasant. They also excel at painting clean, defined edges in tight corners. Effect: Sharp edges and precise lines. Best for:  Adding definition to areas like bird beaks, claws, or the edges of feathers. Best Brush Techniques for Painting Ceramic Bisque When painting ceramic bisque with acrylics, using the right techniques can also impact your results. Here are some tips for making the most of your brushes: Use Thin Layers:  Acrylic paint works best when applied in thin layers. This prevents cracking and ensures the paint dries evenly. Blending with Filbert Brushes:  For a soft, blended effect, use a filbert brush to gently blend colours while the paint is still wet. Dry Brushing with Fan or Flat Brushes:  For a textured look, dip your fan or flat brush in paint, then wipe off most of the paint before lightly brushing it onto your ceramic piece. This technique works wonders for creating the appearance of feathers or fur. Detail Work with Liner Brushes:  Use liner or detail brushes for the final touches, such as adding highlights or fine patterns. Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Brush for Your Ceramic Painting Choosing the right brush for your ceramic bisque painting project can enhance your design and make the painting process more enjoyable. Each brush type offers a unique effect, from the fine lines of a liner brush to the soft, blended strokes of a filbert. A variety of the brushes listed above will give you a great start to helping you achieve the effects you want. Whether you're painting a puffin, a barn owl, or a kingfisher, knowing your fan from your filbert will help you achieve beautiful results and bring your ceramic figures to life! Ready to paint your own nature-inspired ceramic figure? Explore our wide selection of ceramic bisque figures  and try out your range of brushes to make your next project a masterpiece. Don’t forget to tag me in your creations using #ArtyPaxCreation on social media!

Painting ceramics and pottery is a creative and rewarding hobby that anyone can enjoy. But did you know you can paint your pottery pieces at home without the need for a kiln? If you’re looking to create beautiful, long-lasting designs without the hassle of kiln firing, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through how to paint ceramics without the need for that second firing, using simple and accessible materials. Whether you’re new to pottery painting or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you create stunning pieces from the comfort of your home. Why Skip the Kiln Firing? Traditional pottery involves two kiln firings: the first to transform clay into bisque ware and the second to set the glaze. However, not everyone has access to a kiln, and the process can be time consuming and costly. Luckily, you can achieve professional looking results without that second firing by using alternative methods that are easy, affordable, and just as durable. Materials You’ll Need Before I dive into the process, let’s take a look at the materials you’ll need to paint your ceramics at home: Bisque Ceramics:  These are pre-fired ceramic pieces that are ready to be painted. At ArtyPax, I offer a wide range of nature inspired bisque figures perfect for your next project. Acrylic Paints:  Acrylic paints are versatile, quick drying, and available in a wide variety of colours. They are perfect for creating vibrant designs on bisque ceramics. Sealant: To protect your design and give your piece a stunning finish, you’ll need a clear, water-based varnish. This can be a spray or brush-on type and can be matte or gloss. Brushes: A variety of brushes in different sizes will help you achieve detailed and broad strokes, depending on the design you’d like to paint. Palette: A mixing palette is useful for blending your acrylic paints, although it’s optional depending on how you like to paint. Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Pottery Without a Kiln 1. Choose Your Bisque Ceramic Piece Begin by selecting a bisque ceramic piece that inspires you. At ArtyPax, I offer a range of nature inspired designs such as owls, foxes, and puffins, which are perfect for bringing the outdoors into your home. 2. Prepare Your Workspace Set up your painting area with all the necessary materials listed above. Make sure your workspace is well lit (natural light is the best, but any light is better than painting in the dark) and protected from spills with newspaper, a plastic sheet or a wipe clean tablecloth. Don’t forget an apron or some old clothes for yourself. 3. Plan Your Design Take a moment to plan your design. Whether you’re going for a detailed nature scene or a simple colour pattern, having a clear vision will help guide your painting process. Some people like to draw their design first, or if you’re like me & just want to get on & paint, I have a rough idea in my mind. I may mark the design out on the bisque in pencil or a fine line of black paint just as a reference of what I’d like where. 4. Apply the Acrylic Paint Begin painting your ceramic piece with acrylic paints. Start with a base coat if necessary (Tip: even a base layer of white can make the coloured layers easier to apply, as it makes the surface smoother to paint. It also makes mistakes easier to remove) and allow each layer to dry before applying the next. Acrylics dry quickly, so you won’t have to wait long between coats, (Tip: if you do want to speed up the process, use a hairdryer). Use smaller brushes for intricate details and larger brushes for broad strokes. 5. Add Details and Texture Once your base coat is dry, add any details or textures. You can create a variety of effects with acrylic paints, from smooth gradients to textured surfaces. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques to achieve your desired look. 6. Let It Dry Completely After you’ve finished painting, allow your piece to dry completely. This usually takes a few hours, depending on the thickness of the paint layers. Ensure it’s fully dry before moving on to the next step. Use the good old hairdryer again to help the process along. 7. Seal Your Ceramic Piece To protect your artwork and give it a professional finish, apply a clear, water-based varnish. This will not only make your piece water-resistant but will also enhance the vibrancy of the colours. Spray sealants are easy to use and provide an even coat, but brush-on sealants are great for more control over the application. The choice is yours, along with choosing between matte & gloss finishes. Tips for Long-Lasting Results Use Multiple Thin Coats:  When applying paint and sealant, thin coats work best. This prevents cracking and ensures a smooth, even finish. Avoid Harsh Chemicals:  When cleaning your painted ceramics, avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the paint. A soft cloth, just damp with a mild soap will do the trick. Display Indoors:  For longevity, it’s best to display your painted ceramics indoors, away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours over a long time. You can place your ceramics in the garden. All you need is to apply a water based outdoor varnish (such as Mod Podge) and bring it in when frost are due, to help protect it for many years to come. Why ArtyPax? At ArtyPax, I specialize in nature inspired paint your own ceramics, perfect for hobbyists & craft lovers looking to create beautiful art without a kiln. My bisque ceramics are high quality and ready to paint, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced artists alike. Plus, with my wide selection of designs, you’re sure to find the perfect piece to spark your creativity. Conclusion Painting ceramics without a kiln is an accessible and enjoyable hobby that anyone can do at home. By using acrylic paints and sealants, you can create stunning, durable pieces without the need for a second firing. So why not give it a try? With ArtyPax’s nature inspired bisque ceramics, you’ll have everything you need to create beautiful art that reflects your love for the natural world. Ready to start your next project? Explore my range of bisque ceramics  and get painting today! Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media using #ArtyPaxCreations . I can’t wait to see what you create!