A Love of Crafting, Rooted in Tradition
By Kelly Caldwell
I’ve always been drawn to creating things with my hands. Some of my earliest memories are sitting at the kitchen table surrounded by scraps of fabric, ribbon, and buttons—treasures my mother and grandmother collected over the years. They had a gift for turning something ordinary into something special, whether it was a handmade ornament, a stitched table runner, or a painted mason jar filled with flowers from the garden.
Over time, crafting became more than just a pastime for me; it became a way to connect — with my family, with my community, and with the season itself. There’s something magical about slowing down, gathering your materials, and watching an idea come to life. It’s a reminder that beauty doesn’t have to come from a store — it can come from your own two hands, a little creativity, and a lot of love.
For this issue of Christmas at the Lake, I wanted to capture that same spirit. Inspired by the charm of old china, this simple project transforms everyday glass plates into personalized keepsakes that feel timeless and thoughtful. It’s the perfect way to elevate a homemade gift — or to start a new crafting tradition of your own.
Supplies
• Christmas tissue paper or patterned paper napkins (with a repeating design)
• Mod Podge
• Craft paint (white)
• Gold metallic paint (for glass)
• Paint brushes (including a sponge brush)
• Clear glass snack plates
• 1 clear glass dinner plate
Instructions
1. Apply Mod Podge to the back of each plate using a clean brush.
2. Separate the napkin layers, keeping only the decorated layer. Carefully place it decorated side down onto the back of the Mod Podge–coated plate. Smooth out any wrinkles and let it dry completely.
3. Once dry, paint over the back of the napkin with white craft paint to make the design pop. Allow it to dry again.
4. With a sponge brush, cover the back with gold metallic glass paint for a soft shimmer. Use a fine brush to accent the edges in gold for an elegant finish.
Notes
• These plates are food-safe once dry, but not dishwasher-safe — hand wash gently as needed.
• Perfect for gifting homemade treats or using as display pieces throughout the season.
• I picked up glass plates at Dollar Tree. So this craft is an extremely affordable way to give a gift without breaking the bank this holiday season.
