How to Create a Handwritten Recipe Plate for Mother’s Day

Every time I pull out my grandma’s old recipe box, I’m reminded of some of my favorite childhood memories. Her handwriting – loopy and slightly tilted – takes me back to afternoons in her kitchen, the smell of baking pie crust, and all the laughter we shared. Those little cards? They’re more than just instructions; they’re comfort, tradition, and love all rolled into one. I’m sure you have your own stashed away somewhere in your kitchen. So, take them out, dust them off, and join me in honoring our mothers, grandmothers, and close friends with a handwritten recipe plate for Mother’s Day.

This DIY project is a creative, meaningful way to preserve some of your most cherished memories. All you need is a recipe, a pie plate, and a few materials, and soon you’ll have a personalized handwritten recipe plate that will be treasured in kitchens for generations to come. It’s simple, sentimental, and makes the perfect gift for Mother’s Day…or any day you want to make someone feel special.

Tips for Making Your Handwritten Recipe Plate

• If your glass paint marker isn’t food safe, avoid placing food directly on the writing. Instead, use the plate as a decorative piece or place parchment paper overtop the writing before adding in your ingredients or batters.
• Choose a light-colored ceramic plate to make the handwriting stand out.
• If you make a mistake while tracing, wipe it off quickly with a damp cotton swab. Then, let the area dry completely before continuing.
• Consider making multiple plates, so siblings and family members can have their own treasured keepsake.

What You’ll Need

• A photocopy of a special handwritten recipe
• A ceramic pie plate
• Graphite paper
• Scissors
• Tape
• A glass paint marker

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making a Handwritten Recipe Plate

Step 1

Start by cleaning the inside of your ceramic pie plate with rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner. This removes any oils or residue, ensuring the paint adheres properly. Let the plate dry completely before moving on.

Step 2

Scan your handwritten recipe and resize it to fit the pie plate. You’ll want to make the text as large as possible while still fitting comfortably within the dish. Print out a copy of the adjusted recipe.

Step 3

Cut out the printed recipe and a similar-sized piece of graphite paper. Then, layer the graphite paper (darkest side down) behind the printed recipe. Position the layers inside the pie plate where you want the text to appear. Tape them in place to prevent shifting.

Using a pen or sharp pencil, carefully trace over the recipe. When you remove the paper, you should see a faint transfer of the handwriting on the plate.

Step 4

Using a glass paint marker, slowly trace over the transferred handwriting. Work with a light hand to prevent smudging. Stop every few words to shake the marker and press the tip down to keep the paint flowing. Allow the paint to dry for at least eight hours before moving on to the next step.

Step 5

Place the dish in a cool oven (DO NOT PREHEAT). Set the temperature to 325°F and bake for 30 minutes to cure the paint. After 30 minutes, turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the plate cool completely inside the oven before handling.

Step 6

Once the plate is cool, gently wash it with warm, soapy water to remove any leftover graphite. Now, your one-of-a-kind heirloom is ready to wrap as a gift or display in your own home!