First of all, the china you cut will have alot to do with whether or not you 'make it, or break it'. I do not recommend fine bone china, as it shatters.

The focals you want to cut should be in the center of the plate. If there is a footer, and there will be on bowls, not so bad on regular plates, you have to cut as you normally would to remove the footer. Once on the inside you cut out the center.

Next you take a felt pen (red, green or blue), but do not use a Sharpie, as it may not come off. You draw a heart shape, any size you want. You can also use the lid to a very small Valentine candy box, or a cookie cutter in any shape you want, to draw your line. It doesn't have to be heart shaped.

Now that you have drawn your shape, be careful not to touch the ink so it doesn't rub off. Use your tile nippers to carefully cut the shape. When you get to the top where it is a little harder to shape (this is usually where you make it or break it), you use the TOP part of your nippers and cut opposite from how you would normally cut if you have them in your hand. In other words, instead of clockwise, go counter clockwise. Go slowly, this will give you more control.

Now that you have cut out your heart, wipe off the ink, or wash your tile in water, dry, then you use sand paper (I prefer fine texture) and sand away the edges so that it is smooth and not crooked all the way around. You should now have a very nice smooth shape, ready to use in a project.

My hearts are Shabby as you can see, but blue willow plates, geometric pattern and solid dark colors would also look great in heart shapes.

Mango Moon