Saturday

DIYP -Birthday Platter



Project #1:  Birthday Platter

I'm not artistic.  But I'm a talented copier.  I saw personalized platters at a craft show.  And they cost a fortune.  I made one for my daughter's birthday.  I made one for her friend's party.  And I've been making them for teacher, retirement, baby shower and congratulations gifts.  I've even had people ask if I take orders.  And, no, I don't.

Buy a platter or plate.  I bought mine at Garden Ridge Pottery.  They were $1.  You can't beat that. 


You can use colored Sharpees, if this is going to be a keepsake item.  If you want to eat on the plate too, I suggest buying porcelain markers, they are a bit pricey, but they last forever.


Draw a cupcake (or something that signifies the occasion).  And don't say, "I can't do that."  It's really simple.  And we're going for whimsy here, so no two look alike.


The great thing about Sharpees is they wash off with spit water.  So, if you goof, just use your fingernail, scratch it off and start over.

Color in the cupcake.  Write Happy Birthday, personalize with a name and there you have it!


(Here's one I have waiting in my craft cabinet).

I like to wrap them in pretty tulle and attach a Sharpee marker for guests to sign the platter.  

You have an inexpensive fun present!  These are also great for anniversary gifts too!  Everyone just loves them because they are personalized and a memento to remember the special occasion. To keep the ink on permanently, bake the plate/platter in the oven on 350 degrees for 10 minutes.


This is the finished project.  (This is one we gave to my daughter's friend).

41 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is an awesome idea and a much better gift than what kids usually receive. Now, to find platters at $1!
Thanks!

Melissa said...

That is really neat! I have also admired those celebration platters but have never purchased one. You are so clever to make your own.

World's Greatest Mommy said...

Awesome idea! I'm totally boring this for gift ideas. Thanks!

Wifeof1Momof4 said...

Ok, that wasn't so bad .. I CAN DO that.

Feet in water ... THANK YOU!

Rose said...

Love It! Off to the Dollar Store!

Kisha said...

OK I am eye-ing the pool. I wish I could do this for a the baby shower tomorrow but oh well, I will find something or reason to do this. LOL that's what happens when there are 5 mommies pregnant and do about the same time, lol. (Gotta grab my towel so I can jump in)

Valarie Lea said...

This is awesome!! Surely I can even do this.

Anonymous said...

I love it. I have spent a small fortune at those art places where you buy the pottery, use their paints, and they bake it in the kiln. You make it sound so easy and doable! Now, I have to find a pottery place like the one you have around here. Hmmm...

Lisa said...

That is so cool. I will try that when my grandson comes to visit this summer. I love projects that are simple AND fun. I think that is a great vacation Bible school project as well. Thanks for sharing.

Kristen M. said...

Great idea for a teacher's gift too.

Threeundertwo said...

Completely brilliant. I can do this.

Anonymous said...

what a lovely idea :)

Anonymous said...

oops forgot the http://

Dawn @ simply transparent said...

Now that's doable!

Great gift's for a buck ;0)

Anonymous said...

Resourceful, as usual, you Prov 31 woman. I have one that you made and I love it!

Grateful for Grace said...

Man, why couldn't you have posted this fabulous idea yesterday or two days ago when I was trying to think of a bday gift for my dd's friend?! Today's the party so it's too late, but next time I'm in town/the big city I'll be buying some of these and the markers to keep on hand. Thanks!!

Angela Nazworth said...

This is awesome! Wow. I'm going to have to give it a try.

Miss Erica said...

I'm always looking for inexpensive but cute gifts that mean something, but things like this (especially going to those pottery painting places) cost gazillions. And yes, that's a real number, and yes, they cost that much. This is so cute, and I'm totally gonna over-use the idea. Thanks!

Heather said...

Wow. I feel really dumb for paying $40 for our birthday plate.

Anonymous said...

Those are very cool. Is the plate already clear coated when you decorate?

Michelle@Life with Three said...

That is such a great idea! I am definitely going to be on the lookout for some cheap porcelain plates. Thanks for sharing!!!

The Fritz Facts said...

That is a great idea! Thanks

Unknown said...

Simple and very cute! Love it!

TAMI said...

wow! great project. Thanks for the idea! I've never heard of porcelain markers . . .

Marni's Organized Mess said...

That is AWESOME!!! I LOVE it!

Anonymous said...

Oh, my. That is an awesome idea!

Amanda said...

I absolutely love this idea! I'm stealing it and making my kids one every year for their birthday!

I tagged you over at my blog. I just need to say something - there's a lot of carnival blogs out there that I usually just stop by for the carnival, but really don't care for the blog, but I really love your blog! You rock, girlfriend!

Heather J. said...

That is so friggin CUTE. What a fabulous idea.
You are the BEST!!!

Tammy said...

That is such a marvy idea. However, I'm afraid my cupcake may turn out to look like a mushroom. Maybe.

Thanks!

3XMom said...

oh my gosh - soooo stealing this. THANK YOU!

cajungal01 said...

I'm most definitely in on this one! I love it! I sure hope I can find some plates similar to that...I'll be checking out all of our Garden Ridges! Thanks so much! :0)

cajungal01 said...

Ok...so if you do Sharpees then do you tell the recipient that it is for looks only, not to eat off of it? I'd like for people to be able to use it but not real sure how expensive the porcelain markers are...
thanks again and sorry for my slow brain!
:0)

Vintage Dutch Girl said...

Cheap fun gift that gets rave reviews??? I'm in!

Kate said...

I'm not sure if I totally understood one part...

if you make the sharpie ink permanent by baking it on - can you eat off it then? Or will it eventually wash off?

Kate said...

PS - Thank you for sharing, this is AWESOME! :-)

gina said...

What a cute- and inexpensive!- idea. :)

Rachel said...

I love this idea!! I'd use it if I hadn't already ordered an 'autograph monkey' from oriental trading co. for my son's first birthday party. I'll do it next year...if I remember!

Ps yours is so pretty, mine would not turn out that nice.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea! I think I could handle that! :-)

Overwhelmed! said...

Love this idea! Thanks for sharing. :)

Marni's Organized Mess said...

http://marnisorganizedmess.blogspot.com/2009/01/diyp-1-birthday-plateplatter-gift.html

Come and look I did my own! :D

Trac~ said...

This is AWESOME! Thanks for sharing - I will be trying this too! :o)