There are plenty of ways you can make a plate stand, but this version is inspired by one I saw at Target. I loved everything about it, except the price tag. It got me thinking…..could I make one myself?? I decided to give it a shot and I am so glad I did! It is a simple project that looks great and doesn’t take a lot of time or money- perfect!!! Here is how I made it:
MATERIALS NEEDED:
- 2 coordinating Melamine plates- 1 large, 1 small
- threaded rod- found at Lowes in the hardware section
- 4 nuts that fit your threaded rod
- 2 Bic pens to cover up the threaded rod
- drill
- measuring tape
- spray paint- I chose “Ballet Slipper” by Krylon
- hack saw (if you need to trim the threaded rod)
- Ribbon “topper” for your stand
*Edited to add that if you find your stand to be a little wobbly, you can hot glue additional nuts to the bottom of your plates as extra “feet”
DIRECTIONS:
1. Disassemble your Bic pens and spray paint the body of your pen.
2. Measure your plates to find the EXACT center. Mark with a pen.
3. Place your plate on a wooden block (or surface you don’t mind drilling in to), and drill a hole in your plate at the spot you marked.
TIP: Push down gently, and BE PATIENT as you drill your hole. If you apply TOO MUCH pressure, your plate will crack. If you are unsure about how much pressure to use, try drilling on a “practice plate”.
4. Push your threaded rod gently into your bottom plate.
5. On the bottom of your large plate, put on a nut, and make it level with the bottom of your plate.
6. Slide on one of your spray painted “pens” over the threaded rod and top with another nut.
7. Gently slide on your smaller plate, top that with a nut, then slide a spray painted “pen” and finally another nut.
8. Time to cover up the top of your tiered stand! Trim any excess rod with a hack saw, then tie a bow ribbon with some ribbon and call it good!
Pile high with goodies, and enjoy!
Cost Breakdown:
Melamine Plates: $3.50
Threaded Rod: $.97
Nuts: $1
Bic Pens spray paint & ribbon: FREE already had some laying around the house!
Total: $5.50
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sarah is the creative mom of three and the writer of the site A Little of This, A Little of That. For more creative inspiration, please stop by or follow Sarah on Pinterest.
This post was submitted as a guest post in January 2011 but was updated in October 2014.
Awesome idea thanks sharing your idea.
Love, love, love it!! I can’t believe how cheap it is to make. Awesome idea!!! Did I mention that I love it? 🙂
Love this! Thanks for the inspiration. I have Boxes of plates, bows, vases, bottles, etc., and this is another great idea for them. Pinned to my “I am not a hoarder” board Lol!
Hi, This is a beautiful idea, I´ll do it. !! SURE !! I want a plate stand, but its expensive, now I can pay it. Hugs.. and thank you to share it.
I would think if you chose a plate that had a bottom rim or lip it would take care of the wobble, as long as the nut was the same width or less than the rim. I was thinking you could also have a small plate or bowl upside down underneath the bottom plate to create a little foot for the stand.
So cute, always looking for easy ideas for my craft night, thanks for sharing! Sue
I purchased plates to make a stand – the kind with the candle stick holders in between – but haven’t done it yet because I don’t know where to store it after it is glued together. This one you could easily take apart to store. Love the idea. Wasn’t sure about the bolt on the bottom, but like the idea of adding more nuts around the bottom as little feet.
How do you keep the plates balanced w/the bolt and nut at the bottom. Doesn’t it cause it to teeter a bit not having a flat surface?
How does the tray balanace with the nut on the bottom of it? i would think it would make it tip.
I have not made this was dicussing with sister about making and instantly i thought it might be wobbly, I think to fix what would work is if you would take 4 extra nuts and hot glue to the bottom in strategic places, (see where yours wobbles) as little feet and would balance it nicely, coule leave the nuts as is may not really see them, but could spraypaint in coordinating color.
I featured this Vday craft today: http://www.jcsloft.com/2011/01/diy-vday-decor.html
Paula
Hi, I saw your post the other day and loved it!!! I got all the materials today and made it during nap time. It really went quick. But I feel like it is a bit wobbly. Was yours? I am thinking that the nut on the bottom is the problem, but I screwed it flush with the plate, like you showed in the picture. Any ideas on how to fix it? Thanks, Giana
I was thinking the same thing….how does the plate sit on the surface with the nut underneath?
I can't believe how easy this was! My daughter is having a Diva party next month and this would be so perfect to make…Thanks so much for sharing your great ideas!
This is FABULOUS! such a great idea, I'm totally doing it!
oh man. so great and easy. I'm gonna try this.
a new friend,
kathryn
http://www.thedragonsfairytail.blogspot.com
Super cute! Way to go!!!!!
Love Love Love, great job! So creative and I love the colors!
~J
Darling idea!
thank you for sharing
How cool is that!?! I have GOT to do this!!
I love this! I always love those cute little plates but never have an excuse to buy them…now I do! Thanks for sharing
http://www.craftybalancing.blogspot.com
Super cute!
WOW this looks AWESOME!
Totally loving it!
so cute, I love the colors! I want to make one of these!
Ah-ha. Very clever! BIC should pay you.
How fun is this!! It gives you the option of making a stand to match the rest of your dishes if you want!
I LOVE that idea!! Perfect for cupcakes too! 🙂
http://shannonsews.blogspot.com
Super idea, what a cute and easy way to make such a handy item. It could be used year round!
Great idea! I think a cute drawer knob would be cut on top too;)
Such a cute fun idea, made ten times cuter by those adorable plates!!
Wow thanks for this awesome idea! Genius!! I needed a project for this boring freezing day/weekend.
Pure genius!!! I bought these plates too they are so adorable. Happy Friday.
I LOVE this!! It is so cute! You could even make one for Christmas and Thanksgiving!! I can't get over how cute that is!
TOO, TOO, cute!!!! I need to make a couple of these…..they also make really good , and did I already say CUTE….storage for jewelry or to place scrappy stuff on in your scrap room!!! LOVEEEEEE this!!!!! And this is so afforadle you could make one of these for every holidays!!! WOOOT!
this turned out great! what a clever idea to use the pens!
What a great (and CHEAP) idea! Can't wait to try this!
Jennifer
Scissors & Spatulas
WHAT I'm dying, stop it! Love this idea and for only $5.50. You totally inspired me this morning!!!!!!!!
Paula
This is awesome! I am having a baby shower and a few of these would be PERFECT!!! Thanks for your inspiration everyday!
I absolutely love this! My twin girls will be 10 on Valentine's Day so projects like this have a special place in my heart LOL
totally adorable…love the bic pen idea!
I LOVE it 🙂