We had fun this afternoon, making our Father’s Day presents, using nothing but plates and pens!
It’s so easy and didn’t cost a lot: just ยฃ1 for two plain white plates from IKEA, and a pack of Sharpie permanent markers, which were about ยฃ10.
I should have also used an apron… Anyone got any genius ideas how to get permanent marker out of clothes?!
Anyway, I just washed the plates and set the girls loose with the pens! They absolutely loved it.
I discovered that if you’re quick, you can wipe off any smudges or mistakes with a baby wipe. I wrote their Father’s Day messages and the date on the back, as I’m planning to do this every few years as they are growing up.
According to several things I’ve read on Pinterest, putting the plates into a 180 degree oven for half an hour, and allowing them to cool should fix the pen and make it permanent. However after some tests with an old mug, I found pink lasted about four runs through the dishwasher, but black washed off after one. So after more research I discovered I bought the wrong kind of Sharpies – they should have been oil-based.
Ours will only be for display anyway, so apart from the odd wipe with a duster, they will be left alone. I baked the plates anyway, and I was pretty pleased with the results.
It was supposed to be a surprise, but Ryan related this conversation to me:
A: “Daddy, can I tell you a secret?
R: “OK.”
A: “I made a plate for you for Father’s Day, with a castle on it.”
R: “I think that is supposed to be a surprise!”
A: “Just don’t think about it.”
So much for that secret then!
Find more Father’s Day Gifts here, if you don’t want to make your own.
Personal gifts are just the best and I prefer presents like this than anything you can buy. Such a lovely idea and they look like they had fun creating them. Thanks for linking up to #ToddlersAndTeens over at Mummy2Monkeys
How creative and fun for the kids and yet no mess really. My kind of crafts for the kids. hahaha Thanks for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme
So glad I came across this post ๐
Been wanting to do these with the girls for a long time! My partners mother turns 60 next month and my taid’s birthday too! so another great present for them I think ๐ I cant wait to make some with the kids! Great post and love their designs ๐ and I love how she told her daddy the ‘secret’ haha xxx
Oh good I’m glad it’s useful! Just remember to tell them not to wash the plate, it would be a shame for their lovely artwork to be washed away! Xx
Ahh how lovely, something to look at in years to come ๐ I love that the surprise isn’t quite a surprise anymore, kids eh ๐ Thanks for linking up to the #bestandworst and hope to see you again next week!
Helen x
Yeah it’s virtually impossible to keep anything secret round here! And the pen on Thea’s top was a dead giveaway that we’d been up to something. Thanks for hosting #bestandworst! x
What a fab idea and they do look awesome and so unique. I bet Daddy is dying to see them now he already knows what he is getting! Reminds me of when my brother told me I was getting bubble bath for my birthday! Lovely post and hope Sunday is a great day! Thanks for linking up with #bestandworst and see you again soon xx
Hahahaha this is mint – thats soooo funny! We did this with mugs on mothers day (theyre like 30p in ikea) its brilliant! I love kids ideas of secret keeping haha its brilliant! x #bestandworst
Ah mugs is a great idea Mary! I’ll remember that for next year โบ๏ธ x
What a great idea! Shame it’s not quite going to be a surprise but I’m sure he’ll love them. Sorry, no clue how to get permanent marker out – I still struggle with getting tomato out of clothes! #bestandworst
Ugh tomato is dreadful isn’t it! Thanks for your comment, I hope he’ll like them x