Everyone loves a good family tradition, and it’s all the more special if it’s handmade. That’s a big part of the reason DIY birthday plates have become such a popular TikTok trend– and why local studios have caught on to the fun.
What is a DIY birthday plate? It’s a ceramic plate that parents paint typically for their children before their first birthday, though it can be for any age. Every year after, the plate can be brought out on birthdays for an eco-friendly, cherished family tradition.
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Typically, the process works like this: You visit a pottery painting establishment, pick your plate, lay down your design, leave your plate for about a week to get fired in the kiln, and then go back to pick up your finished custom creation. All tools, including paint, brushes, stencils, stamps, sponges, etc., are available for you in the studio.
Before grabbing a brush, get inspired. There are plenty of ideas on TikTok, Pinterest, Intstagram and in this article.
In St. Louis, several pottery painting studios allow families to start a tradition of their own. Although this trend is targeted towards caregivers of children, all ages are welcome in these spots.
The Painted Pot
3772 Monticello Plaza, St. Charles | 636-300-4515
To paint your special birthday plate, just walk in—no reservation required and no studio fee. In addition to pottery painting, The Painted Pot offers classes with low- and high-fire pottery, glass fusing, bottle slumping, and clay throwing. It also offers events for the whole family, camps for children ages 6–13, and all-inclusive birthday parties (they even have a Taylor Swift-themed package) that include downloadable party invites and thank-you notes.
Cost: Plates range from $20–$30, no studio fee
That Painting Spot
12798 Olive | 314-205-9000
Established in 2012, this St. Louis, family-owned DIY art studio has been bringing family and friends together to get creative. Host a birthday party or team-building event, send your kids to summer camp, or just go in and let your creative juices flow on their hundreds of pottery options. There are no studio fees, but reservations are recommended for groups of six or more, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays, to ensure you get a table.
Cost: $16–$50
Pottery Hollow
Multiple locations
With four locations in Glen Carbon, Illinois, and Kirkwood, O’Fallon, and Ellisville, Missouri, Pottery Hollow is primed and ready to make your birthday plate dreams come true. No reservations are necessary. All ages will love the enchanting, cozy vibes of the paint tree while choosing the perfect plate to paint. Pottery Hollow also designs custom platters and hosts birthday parties.
Cost: $20–$48 plates, plus $8 fee for supplies and firing
Glazed & Confused
1387 Covington Manor | 314-200-3032
For more than 25 years, Glazed & Confused has been delighting St. Louis. It has a wide variety of unique pottery to paint, whether you’re a novice or a professional, a kid or an adult. It just moved to a new location with more space for getting creative. Walk-ins are available daily, but you can also book birthday parties and corporate events, send your kids to summer camp or take advantage of the mobile studio.
Cost: $18–$80, plus studio fees (Tuesdays $3, every other day $7)
Imagination Pottery
1463 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville | 636-327-4699
Michael and Megan Kumbera bought Imagination Pottery in 2015 because, as customers who had painted there over the years, they couldn’t bear to see it leave the Wentzville community. The Kumberas just celebrated their 10-year studio anniversary. Imagination Pottery is the perfect destination to create memories and treasured projects with family and friends or attend fun events, like painting with mini cows and baby lambs, themed nights, summer camps, birthday parties, and more.
Cost: 8-inch round plate is $23; 10-inch round plate is $28; 13-inch round plate is $47
For plate design inspiration, check out these examples from the above studios:
