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DIY Twig Plate Chargers

This DIY Twig Plate Chargers tutorial will show you step-by-step how to make twig plate chargers for so much less than the inspirational ones I found.

I’ve been planning my spring decor since I put away the last of my Christmas decorations.

When I saw some twig placemats at Pier One Imports, I was like, “Oh my Gosh!”

“They are perfect!!“

“I’ve got to have them!”

Then I saw the price!

Yikes!!!

Do you ever have sticker shock let down? Well, I certainly did! I couldn’t justify the expense to create my table setting for spring.

Then a light bulb went off!!

Do you remember my Top 10 Thrift Store Shopping Tips?

The one about “be willing to sit on something until inspiration hits”?? Well, I remembered that I had purchased a set of six tarnished silver plate chargers for just $.99 a few months ago.

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First, I Need To Find Those Thrift Store Chargers

First, I had to find where I’d stored the chargers.

Cheap Thrift Store Plate Chargers
Six for only $.99

So then my idea began to form. Should I paint them?

I liked the vintage feel of the tarnish! I decided that might work for me.

Plus, one less step. Win-Win!

Cheap Thrift Store Plate Chargers that are tarnished.

Gather Supplies for DIY Twig Plate Chargers

Next, I went into the woods and gathered some grapevine for the twig plate chargers

We have an abundance growing wild around us. I just clipped some branches and pulled them from the trees.

After I got my supply home, I braided the branches until I had several good size pieces that were somewhat under control.

Foraged gathered grapevine that is twisted into manageable pieces.

You can use other twigs from your yard if you don’t have grapevine available. Just be sure they are not dead. You want them flexible enough to bend with the curve of the charger. You can also soak twigs and grapevine in water to make them more flexible.

Additional Supplies

Prepare Chargers

Begin by punching holes in the rim of the charger using a heavy-duty nail and hammer. You can see how the holes are spaced in the photo below. I punched 12 holes in each charger.

Punch holes in thrift store chargers with nail and hammer

In addition, you will want to cut six pieces of wire approximately 10 inches long.

Use wire and wire cutters

Then run the wire from the back side of the chargers as shown here. You need the wire spaced evenly because you will secure the grapevine with the wire.

Add wire to plate chargers by threading through the punched holes.

Add Moss to the Plate Chargers

Next, add moss to the charger’s edges by applying a bead of hot glue along the edge and gently pressing the moss into place.

Yikes!!! Watch out for those burnt fingers.

Note: I now use these finger protectors.

Also, don’t get ahead of yourself. Work in small sections at a time because the hot glue dries quickly.

Use hot glue to attach moss to the plate chargers to make twig plate chargers.

I repeated this process to the inside rim as well.


Attach Grapevine

After the moss was applied, I wrapped the grapevine around the top and secured it by twisting the wires around it.

Attach the grapevine to the thrifted plate chargers with wire for DIY Twig Plate Chargers.


Once the grapevine is attached, go back and add smaller pieces to fill in and make sure the grapevine appears balanced. Then cut off any extra wire and bend the exposed ends into the grapevine.

In addition, cut off any twigs running to the center of the charger because they will prevent the plate from sitting on the charger evenly.

Finally, remove any unsightly areas with moss, using hot glue to attach them.

Continue to fill in with the moss until you are satisfied with the appearance.

Cover all the wires with moss on the DIY plate chargers.

Make sure to cover all the galvanized wire with moss.

Trim the grapevine, leaving the center open for plate placement on DIY Twig Plate Chargers.

Keep adding vine and moss until you get the desired thickness!


You will also love how to make Moss Shamrock Placemats for St. Paddy’s Day and these Easy Twig Napkin Rings as well.

Trim the grapevine, leaving the center open for plate placement on DIY Twig Plate Chargers.


Here are some other creative charge ideas that are inexpensive & free – DIY Packing Material Plate Chargers

I love how it looks with just a simple white ironstone plate!

Add white ironstone plates to DIY Twig Plate Chargers - rustic farmhouse style tableware.

The vine and moss adds so much texture and your table will look beautiful.

Add white ironstone plates to DIY Twig Plate Chargers - rustic farmhouse style tableware.

Here is the Pier One version that started this whole thing.

This one was $19.95, and I completed 4 for less than $11.00. I love the hint of tarnished silver that you can see peeking through the grapevine. It gives me that Trash to Treasure feel that I adore.

See how cute these look on my Spring Easter Tablescape & Bunny Blog Hop!

I recently used these DIY plate chargers on an Outdoor Dining Table. I love how perfectly they held up for another season.

Add white ironstone plates to DIY Twig Plate Chargers - rustic farmhouse style tableware.

See this outdoor dinner table setting here.


Please share your opinions with me. I love hearing from you. If you have questions, please ask me here.

Have the Best Day!

PIN IT

Paula

Sunday 29th of January 2023

Love, love, love these! So cute for vignettes elsewhere in the house when not in use for dining!

Rachel

Monday 30th of January 2023

Paula, You are right. I need to keep them out more. Thanks for sharing your idea.

Renae

Friday 27th of January 2023

Absolutely stunning, my friend. I would love to share this on my newsletter. HUgs to you.

Rachel

Friday 27th of January 2023

Renae, I appreciate this. Thanks for sharing.

Chloe

Friday 12th of August 2022

Rachel, I bought six of those placemats on clearance at Pier One and so wished I a bought more of them! When styling a table with them on the blog, I often get asked where someone can get them. I am offering them a link to your page here so they can make them for themselves! Thanks for sharing!

Rachel

Saturday 13th of August 2022

Chloe, Oh that is so great. I really appreciate this.

Set a Fall Tablescape With a Still Life Inspired Centerpiece - Celebrate & Decorate

Friday 12th of August 2022

[…] I set my dining table for this dinner party for four. When there are only four of us gathering, the dining room is the perfect spot. I considered my fine china for this killer fall tablescape, but decided on a heavier dinner plate for the meal. I bought the woodland placemats on clearance sale at Pier One, but my friend, Rachel from The Pond’s Farmhouse has created her own and shows you how here. […]

Rachel

Saturday 13th of August 2022

Thanks so much.

Angie

Friday 5th of August 2022

These twig chargers you made look so nice.

Rachel

Monday 8th of August 2022

Angie, They have held up so well. Thanks so much.