🎨 How I Hand Paint Each Personalised Plate & Platter - A Guide to your Bespoke Ceramic Gift Order

There’s something special about a personalised gift, especially when it’s hand-painted and one-of-a-kind. I wanted to share a behind-the-scenes look at how your unique platter comes to life in my little ceramic studio in the UK.

Step 1: The Message or Name

Every platter starts with your words

Whether it’s a couple’s initials for a wedding gift, a favourite quote, or a special date, I sketch out the text by hand, adjusting spacing and style until it feels just right for the piece.

I love it when customers include stories behind the names -those little personal details make it even more meaningful.

How I Hand Paint Custom Ceramic Platters | Circle of Willis

 🖌 Step 2: Planning the Layout

Before I pick up a paintbrush, I map the design lightly in pencil onto the ceramic platter. I balance the lettering, dogs, people, buildings, florals, borders or patterns so everything flows nicely in a natural, organic way - especially on larger platters.

🎨 Step 3: Painting

This is the meditative part. Using ceramic paints, I carefully hand-paint your design, working in layers for depth and precision. The bisque sucks up every committed brushstroke.

Each design takes at least a day, sometimes more, depending on how detailed it is.

Every plate is full of meaningful motifs. I like the idea that you might see something new every time you look at it, now and in years to come.

🔥 Step 4: Kiln Firing

Once dry, the platter is dipped in glaze and fired in the kiln at high temperatures to permanently set the design. This process takes a few days from start to finish. It's always a mix of anxiety and excitement opening the kiln to see how the colours deepen and come to life.

📦 Step 5: Packing & Posting

After a final quality check, I wrap your platter securely in eco-friendly packaging. Then it’s off to the post, ready to make someone’s day.

 💝 Why It Matters

In a world of fast, factory-made gifts, I believe in slowing down. Every platter I make is crafted by hand and from the heart, designed to be used, treasured, and remembered. And that is "How I Hand Paint Custom Ceramic Platters" by me, Karen of Circle of Willis.

Want something custom-made?

Have a wedding coming up or a special someone in mind? I’d love to create something just for you.👉 circleofwillis.shop 👉 circleofwillis.shop@gmail.com