Make a cute DIY Birthday Plate in three easy steps

I think birthdays are super important. That’s why having a DIY birthday plate to celebrate that birthday boy or girl on their special day is just a great way to show that you love them. It’s a super easy tradition to start. Do it in three steps.

*My son holding our family birthday plate*

I’m all about simple and easy crafts and this DIY birthday plate fits the bill. I honestly don’t know why I didn’t make one of these earlier. It’s just a great tradition to start with your family even if you don’t have kids. Check it out!

Step #1: Sketch your design in pencil on the plate

First, find a plain white ceramic plate that you want to use. They sell of ton of ceramic plates of different sizes at the Dollar Store and second-hand stores. Or you can just buy one on Amazon. Then, make sure it’s washed really well and super dry.

You can think of your own personalized plate design or find a design online and copy it. It also helps to draw your design on a piece of paper first to see if you like the way it looks. When you’ve decided on a design, sketch it lightly on the plate with a pencil.

*Birthday design sketched in pencil on a plate*

Step #2: Color in the design with permanent marker

Now that your design is complete, take some colorful permanent markers and start outlining and filling in your design. Go as slow as you want. And don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be perfect. That’s what makes the plate so unique and fun.

*Completed Happy Birthday design on a plate*

Step #3: Cook your plate in the oven

Once you’re happy with your finished product, place your plate in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Once the timer goes off, turn off the oven but leave your plate inside until it cools completely. Some of the colors naturally fade after the cooking process but that’s okay. Then, you’re done!

Birthday plate being cooked in the oven — *Completed Happy Birthday design on a plate*

DIY Birthday Plate Tips and tricks

Black marker: Outline your design with black permanent marker to make it stand out more.
Mistakes: If you make a mistake, use a Q-tip soaked in alcohol to rub it off and start over.
Light colors: Light colors like yellow and orange can turn a brownish color after it cooks in the oven. Just keep that in mind.
Handwash only: If you put your birthday plate in the dishwasher, the design will most likely wash off.
Birthdays only: Pull out your birthday plate only on birthdays to put the birthday cake on so it stays super special for years to come.
More than one: Try making multiple plates so each kid has their own birthday plate to show all their friends at their birthday party. Everyone else can use paper plates, ha ha.
Paint markers: I would not recommend using these, even if they say permanent. I used them the first time trying and they wash right off.

Birthday plate dinner setting — *Happy Birthday design on a plate*

I hope you liked making your own DIY Birthday Plate that you can use the next time there’s birthday at your house. Let me know how it goes in the comments below. Here’s a little video of how I made the plate for your viewing enjoyment.