The present invention is generally directed to an artificial dielectric composite having an electrically non-conducting substrate, an electrically non-conducting pattern on the substrate, and an electrically conducting coating on the pattern. The substrate may be a textile such as paper. The electrically non-conducting pattern may comprise palladium. A direct-write device, such as an inkjet printer, may be used to print the pattern onto the substrate. The electrically conducing coating may comprise nickel, gold, palladium, cobalt, iron, copper, or any combination thereof. Also disclosed is the related method of making the artificial dielectric composite.