There are some beautiful serving pieces cropping up around blogland, using all sorts of great materials, and I’ve been wanting to do something similar. In browsing Anthro a couple of weeks ago (I know I know, I actually went in the store – but I had a good friend on speed dial in case I succumbed to anything too crazy) I came across a serving tower made from beautiful white dishes and cups, stacked on top of each other.
Now because I was in an Anthro-high-price stupor, I did not take a picture of this lovely item. And of course it is nowhere on line. This is the closest thing I could find on their site. You get the idea.
I wanted mine to be a bit more colorful though . . .
I scoured our local thrift store and found a great selection of pretty plates and cups.
In trying to decide what would be best to glue these dishes together I came across the DIY Club Challenge – which requires you to use certain projects to participate. One of the projects is Gorilla Glue. I thought this would be a great option. I ran out and picked up some and started gluing! Some of it even ended up on the plates. :)
To start I wanted the bottom plate raised just a bit, so I used an upside down dessert plate as the base.
For each layer, I measured the two pieces that would be glued together and traced a circle with a removable marking pen so I would know where to put the glue.
I added the glue to the base plate.
And placed the dessert plate on the glue ring.
Then I wanted to add some weight to the plates, similar to a clamp. And what better to weight down some lovely dishes – but the classics. :)
Pretty easy right? I just repeated these steps for each layer. The glue holds really well. I checked each level as I glued it and everything held very tight.
And again. . .
Until Ta Daaaah! We have a lovely serving tower.
And more pictures – cause I’m in love.
Now I need some chocolate. And cream puffs. And maybe some mini cupcakes. . . . :)
*** Update: My good friend Debbie asked how much I saved. I should have included that! I spent just under $10 on the plates and glue. I’m not sure how much the Anthro version was – but the lamp I linked to is &198. Not too bad huh?****
So cute. How much money did you save doing it yourself.
This is simply precious! Love all the dishes you used; they are gorgeous. Thanks so much for linking up to The DIY Club Inc. We greatly appreciate it! Voting will be taking place shortly so check back in! Good Luck and Thanks again! ~ Stephanie Lynn
I love your tower too, it is sovery elegant. Mine is made with malmine plates from Wal-Mart.
This is so pretty! I love the multiple tiers. Thanks so much for the details, I’ll be linking.
Thanks so much Rachel! I really appreciate it. :)
that looks just wonderful. I’ve seen lots of these around, but I really like yours the best so far. great job!
Such a cute project. If I could find plates as nice at our local thrift store.
This is so cute! Love it!
Very unique idea. Love it!
I love your tower! Would be pretty in brightly colored dishes too. Love the ones you chose. Turned out great.
I totally agree! Can you picture it with some bright Fiesta plates and cups? How cute would that be. Thanks for the sweet comment. :)
CUTE! I’m thinking Christmas plates & cups would make a darling server for the holidays. Royal Ruby cups would be sweet….hmm, if I could only find me some cheap vintage glassware I’d be set;o). Thanks so much for the tutorial.
I love your project. I love making tiered plate stands. I have done several. They are so much more affordable and so easy to make and you can make them to go with a room or for a party theme.
Thanks for entering
Cheri
Thanks Cheri for having the contest! It was great inspiration! :)
That is really cool!
Oh, fun!! I saw that at Anthro too, and was hoping to get to it… love how yours turned out! I can just imagine using this for little cucumber sandwiches or scones at a tea party sometime. :)
Blessings!
-Sarah
My word! This is the cutest thing ever! I adore Anthro, but can’t always afford it. I’m coming to your site from now on to see how I can duplicate their goodies! Nice work.
Love the dainty quality! Would look great in a Tea Party table huh? :)
Came over from Tatertots…
Hugs,
Bird
I think this is lovely! I am addicted to serving dishes. Sometimes I want to plan a party so I have an excuse to decorate a table. ; ) Thank you so much for sharing.
Honestly I’m kinda freaking out over this. Love love LOVE! I’m going to the thrift store asap!
P.S… love your blog.
How elegant and classy!! Love it! Thanks for linking up!
After seeing this, I couldn’t wait to try my own. Check mine out (and a shout out to your crafty skills) at adorkableannie.blogspot.com!
Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Thanks for commenting on my Anthro-inspired lamp. I love YOUR Anthro inspiration! Great tutorial.
great idea! it’s so cute!
greetz from germany (:
aentschie
Just finished mine that I made inspired by your design. Many thanks for the ideas. Bought the dishes at local charity shops and car boot sales, and will be selling at our church fete at the cream tea stall this weekend – can you get more English?
Fingers crossed for sunshine in Northamptonshire!
What an awesome idea! I think I might have to try this! :)
You should enter this at our DIY Monthly Contest, as well.
Cheri
It’s really cute! There are so many variations on this that could be done~thanks for the inspiration!
i love this idea, want to do the same…
Love this idea!!!
this is amazing… there’s nothing a girl + her gorilla glue can’t do!
Just wanted to let you know that
our monthly DIY contest is up and since you have never entered this into a monthly contest you can enter it. The prize package is $1,500 this month.
Cheri
Hmmm. I actually have some of the same plate patterns that you have. Think I’ll do this too to hold the See’s Candies for my Christmas party. Thanks!!
This is so beautiful! I have made something similar with plates and candlesticks but I think I like this one better. I wonder if there is any way to make the pieces detachable for easier storage.
Thanks for sharing! :)
I love this tower. So simple but eligant!
Oh yes I love your blog so so many nice ideas!
Stephanie
Found this on Pinterest, and love it more knowing it’s yours!
xo
caroline @ c.w.frosting
This is so easy to make! Would be great for a centerpiece at a lovely party! Make it grand with 2 or three!!
This is awesome. I am an EVERYTHING Tea Party LOVER..collector of china, recipes and any and all tea related goodies..this is so neat-o. I know it is an older post but you should link this awesome post up to my Tea Party Tuesday Link up for the gals..they would LOVE this. Now I am off to get supplies………………….
http://sweetology101.blogspot.com/2011/05/tea-party-tuesday-first-offical-link-up.html here is the link fyi
You can also easily drill through the pieces, use a long threaded rod, a finial at the top, then dismantle and store more flat when not in use.
We should start a group blog for Anthro-inspired DIY ;-)