How to make a Birthday Plate

Birthdays were a huge deal when I was growing up. I plan on sharing lots of the birthday traditions we had that made our birthdays special. But for today, I will share one tradition that is easy to make and will help make birthday meals that much more special. I remember my Mom making a birthday plate for us and I wanted to make one for my own family. So here is the how-to. I had lots of fun making this and am so excited to use it for my husband's birthday in March.

What you will need:

• a clear glass plate (I got one for $.50 at a thrift store)
• a paint brush
• mod podge
• birthday tissue paper. Now, good luck finding tissue paper. Our birthday plate was made out of very vibrant tissue paper that had presents all over it. I looked ALL over for birthday tissue paper and the only place I found it was Wal-Mart. It was $1 for more than you will need. If you find any other more festive tissue paper, leave a comment so we know where we can find it!

Lay out your plate over the design to make sure you have what you want showing.

Cut out a piece of tissue paper that is a few inches larger than your plate.

Lay your plate with the eating side face down on top of a canister or oatmeal container. This will make it easier to spread mod podge and keep from getting the edges messy. Then spread a generous amount of mod podge on the bottom side of your plate like this: (make sure you get it all the way to the edge of the plate)

Then lay your piece of tissue paper on top of the mod podge. Be sure to smooth out all wrinkles.

Let the plate dry completely. Then cut off the excess tissue paper.

Cover the bottom of the plate at least one more time with mod podge. Then viola~you have a festive birthday plate!

Remember--the plate is no longer dishwasher safe. After you use it, just use a damp rag to wipe off the top of the plate. Getting the bottom of your plate wet will ruin it.

You could make a generic one for all members of your family to use or make a personalized one. Seriously, this whole project cost me $1.50 and I have enough tissue paper to make at least 5 more! This could also be a fun way to take a birthday treat to someone.

Let us know if you find any cute birthday tissue paper anywhere!