This versatile DIY present is inexpensive, fun and easy: our favourite kind of craft! And it’s not just for Christmas; depending on what you draw, they make a great gift any time of the year. Or use them just to fancy up your next potluck offering
By Ann-Marie Burton
Two years ago, I was inspired! These amazing works of art by momstown Milton’s Cookie Plates for Santa sent me to the dollar store, searching for white ceramic plates and mugs to create unique, homemade gifts for friends and family.
This turned into one of the easiest crafts ever! AND the best homemade gift. The kids and I created Personalized Cookie Plates for our friends and neighbours. You need a plate to share your Christmas baking on, right? Why not decorate a $1 one from the dollar store to display your baked goods?
All you need is:
- Ceramic plate (or mug would be fun too)
- An array of colourful permanent Sharpie markers
- Oven – set at 350 F
Wash and dry the plate. Remove any stickers or labels from it.
Go to town decorating and designing the plate with your markers. My two-year-old had fun scribbling all over the back of it. On the front, we traced her hand and wrote “Waving to Santa Claus."
My older daughter created detailed pictures and names for her friends and some of our neighbours. You can do a lot with a Sharpie!
momstown Milton has a great poem they included on theirs.
Once dry and complete, pop into the oven for 20-30 minutes to "set" the ink so they can be washed without the art rubbing off.
One note: The oven zaps some of the vibrancy out of the colour, so make sure you really colour in your plate before you bake it.
That's it! Once it's cool, your plate is done. We loaded them with homemade goodies and delivered as gifts! What a perfect DIY Homemade Christmas Gift!
