One of my very first crushes was not on a boy, but on a band. I didn’t know who they were, what they looked like, how successful they would become. All I did know, at about the age of 10 or 11, was that when one of their songs came on the radio, I was in love! 
Actually, I often didn’t even know most of the words to songs, but I got the gist.
“If it all falls to pieces tomorrow…?”
“You better let somebody love you…”
“Try and love again…” Source
I’ve had plenty of crushes on other bands since, but as an ode to my first band crush, I wanted to paint a message on a plate inspired by some of the lyrics.
I started with some thrifted plates. One is a plastic plate charger, one is an older chipped piece of English china.
I used Martha Stewart’s multi-purpose craft paint, and got to town painting.
I painted them black, then pink, then I added white to the pink for another couple of coats. I used a regular paint brush, and then a softening brush. Then I dry brushed over the white/pink with white/black (to make gray). I gave it all a light sanding in between coats.
I created two print-outs of lyrics snippets from two of my favorite songs.
I used a pencil to rub the back side of the wording.
Sorry about the lighting on this pic, I don’t know why the plate looks orange-y in this photo.
Taped the paper to the from of the plate as evenly as I could and traced the wording with a pen.
I removed the paper and then traced the wording with a black paint pen.
I sanded the wording back to get a worn plate look and then gave the plates a coat of wax.
I went with pink for our Valentine theme, but I think if I did more of these, I would go with more neutral colors because I really like the inspiration from the song lyrics, and would like to keep something like this up all year round.
I would also like to get more practice in on the transfer technique. It was super easy to do, but I think in this instance, a dark gray paint pen would have looked more cohesive.
Either way, if you haven’t guessed the band, it’s The Eagles, and this post is with an especially heartfelt tribute due to the recent passing of Glenn Frey, one of the band’s founding members.
10 Ways to add song lyrics to home decor
Thanks for letting me reminisce! ~ Amy
Linking up at: (Also see full link party page)
Claire says
I love using favourite lyrics in my craft project, I think that it really adds meaning it and makes it something special. Great upcycle !
Keri says
Amy, these plates are beautiful!! What a cool idea to put song lyrics on them!! You did a great job!! What a lovely tribute to one of your favorite bands! 🙂
Sharleen says
Love them . thanks for the inspiration
Kim @ Hunt & Host says
Such a great “tribute” and Valentine all rolled into one!!!
chris aka monkey says
the eagles are my all time favorite band,and i love this project, plates with words are very popular xx
Tammy says
Such a great idea… love the lyrics!
Carrie says
What a cute way to re-purpose those plates! I love using song lyrics in my home decor. Happy Valentines Day!
Cathy says
I love painting on plates and your rendition is oh so pretty. Love the lyrics. Cathy
Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel Vintage says
Love how your plates turned out Amy. They’re so pretty in pink, and I love the eagles too. In my house those pink plates would be up year round.
Lucy @ Patina Paradise says
Oh I have a bunch of those plastic plate chargers and have been waiting for some inspiration on how to use them. I love yours and love your unique perspective on a Valentine’s project!
Jeanette says
Wow I love the idea of this. I don’t really decorate for Valentine’s day except for a few DIY projects for the website. But this I would keep out for anytime of the year. I remember my first band crush.
Joan says
Definitely would leave these up all year..so cute. Band crushes are not just for Valentine’s Day.
Jill Flory says
These turned out great! Love the lyrics 🙂
Stella Lee @Purfylle says
Such a transformation! I’m with you on the paler colours.
Amy says
Thanks so much, Stella, yes if I make more I will omit the pink paint, LOL!
Feral Turtle says
This is such a great idea Amy! Love it. What a sad loss for the musical community. I loved the Eagles and still listen to their musi. My kids do too!
Kristina & Millie says
love your message plates! They look amazing, what a great idea to do the black first and then layer on the pink/white. They totally look fresh and yet antique! brilliant and we appreciate your sharing with us at the Valentine’s party!!
Amy says
Thanks so much for stopping by and for hosting the party. There were so many cute Valentine inspired projects!
JaneEllen says
Your plates are awesome Amy, love how you painted them and rubbed off some of it, did great job transferring the lyrics. Wonderful Valentine projects as well as something you can leave up all year to be reminded of Eagles. Your plates were a high favorite among so many other awesome Valentine projects. You gals are all such talented people.
Wow Amy, do I ever remember the Eagles. I was in my early 20’s, divorced with 3 small children at that time. My kids still say they went to sleep every night listening to the Eagles and other popular bands including Carpenters, Momma’s and Papas, Beach boys, and so many others. I had lots of records and would dance around the house, singing along with them. Luckily had record player so I could listen whenever I wanted to and I did. Ex didn’t like that music so I enjoyed it when he left. Sounds like you did too. Wish I could remember all the names of all those bands then. Like an idiot I left all those records in our pole shed when we left MT. DUH!
At time I was listening to all that music we lived in Tucson, AZ. When I got remarried we moved to CO spring for 10 months then back to Tucson for while then to San Diego for 21 yrs. after which we moved to MT, lived there 7 yrs. then moved to KY for 5 and now we’re in western CO. since Aug. 2004. No more moving tho, I’d love to move back to Mt but hubs says no more moving, we’re too old. I tend to be somewhat of a gypsy, a 75 yr. old gypsy, lol.
Have great weekend
Amy says
JaneEllen,
Thanks so much for sharing some of you love for the Eagles and your life of wanderslust. I’ve basically lived in the Chicago suburbs almost my whole life. Not very exciting. I’m thinking the Eagles should have a song for a girl like you. Beautiful, adventurous, loving life, a wee bit of a rollong stone…lol. That would be what your plate could say. I wish there was a way to get your records from out of that old pole shed, but at least they have new ways to tune in theses days. Thanks for taking the time to stop by. I think you’re so blessed to have lived in so many places. Xoxo Amy
Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel Vintage says
Hay Amy! I’m just popping back in to say thanks for sharing your pretty in pink plates at Vintage Charm. I’ve pinned them!