Easy DIY Handwritten Recipe Plate ~ Gift Ideas

What You’ll Need To Create A Recipe Plate

So, how does one go about making a recipe plate? Well, it’s almost too simple. Here’s what you’ll need.

Gather Your Supplies

• black sharpie pen (fine point) permanent marker
• gold sharpie pen (medium point oil-based)
• rubbing alcohol
• Q-tips
• painters tape
• microwave, oven, and freezer safe plate (Dollar Store)
• oven
• D ring picture hanger (I have been known to use a coke can tab also. It works!)
• E 6000 craft glue (to glue to picture hanger in place)

Read this before proceeding:

*I’ve read a ton of other blogs on this subject, and most agree that unless you want the permanent marker to be “permanent” on the plate, you will need to use an oil-based marker. I used both on this plate, and even after washing it in the dishwasher, it didn’t rub off, but it did fade a bit. This recipe plate is meant for decoration only, but if you must wash it, wash it by hand in cool water with mild soap. That’s my recommendation.

Lay Out Your Recipe On Paper First

Before you take off writing with that permanent marker, here are a few TIPS that will help you prevent making a permanent mistake. This was my second attempt to create a recipe plate, so I learned the hard way. Always happy to share my failures. 🙂

1. Lay your recipe out on paper first to get an idea of how much space it will take on the plate. I created a word document and printed it off. This will help you know the size of the lettering. If the recipe is long and detailed, you may need to use a large platter. You can only write so small with a sharpie marker. Use the fine point for writing.
2. Make sure the plate is clean before you start. Use rubbing alcohol to remove any oils from the plate and allow it to completely dry. This won’t take long as the alcohol evaporates quickly.
3. Don’t obsess over your handwriting. I’d like to tell you that my script is amazing… but after 33 years of nurses’ notes, well let’s just say that mine resembles that of a doctor’s penmanship. That’s why I print. 🙂

My Grandma’s recipes? Most of them were barely legible as they were scribbled on random pieces of paper. They are precious to me, and I know your loved ones will feel the same about yours no matter how you write.

Use Painters Tape As A Guide As You Write

4. Use painter’s tape as a guide to keeping your words straight and in line. Start with the title of the recipe and work your way down. You can use the same piece of tape and move it as you write down the plate. Just be sure to replace the tape if the permanent marker comes in contact with it. It will leave a mark on the next line. Again, it’s simply a guide, and I wrote just above the tape line.

Correcting Minor Mistakes On Your Recipe Plate

5. This will happen! Your hand will shake and slip, and you will more than likely spell something wrong. I missed a whole ingredient in my first attempt. If it’s a minor mistake, you can remove the marker with rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip. This can get messy if you use too much alcohol on the Q-tip. Blot the alcohol on a paper towel first to prevent drips and runs on the plate. Do this immediately while the marker is fresh.

Setting The Permanent Marker

7. After you have completed your recipe, you can also decorate your plate if you want. I used a GOLD oil-based marker to create lines around the edge of the plate and some tiny dots. Have fun with it and create your own designs. Allow the recipe plate to dry for 24 hours before the next step.

8. Place your plate in a cool oven, set the oven temp to 425℉, and bake for 1 hour. Turn off the oven. DO NOT remove the plate from the oven. Allow it to remain in the oven until it has completely cooled to room temp. I like to do this before I go to bed; that way, I won’t be tempted to open the door. It’s like baking cookies. You gotta look!

9. Add a D ring hanger on the back so it can be hung on the wall. I used E 6000 craft glue.

Add The Goods To Your Recipe Plate!

I can’t wait to see the surprise on his face after eating all those cookies and seeing his favorite recipe. Now he can have those cookies anytime he wants. That doesn’t mean that you get to quit making them for him. They’re always better when Mom makes them. Oh, and don’t forget to sign your plate. I flipped mine over on the back and left my “xo, Love Mom.” Who knows? Maybe he will pass it down to his children someday.

I hope you have enjoyed this simple but oh-so-meaning full-gift idea. Sharing great food is all the sweeter when you share it with loved ones.

People that love to eat are the best people.

Julia Childs

Until the next project… xo, Do