Better Late Than Never? I tackled this small DIY project a couple of months ago, just before we moved, so the photos still show our old kitchen counters. I’m sharing it now in case anyone else finds a cheap glass-and-wood cheese plate and wants to refresh it with a bit of patterned paper. It’s an easy upcycle that gives new life to something simple and inexpensive.
I found this quirky cheese plate at Goodwill for forty cents in December. It came with a glass dome and a wooden base with a ceramic top that read “cheese.” The retro lettering was charming, but the tiny black rat with red eyes on the ceramic plate was a little too creepy for my taste. At forty cents plus a sheet of decorative paper, this makeover cost me about $1.19 total—and the transformation was worth every penny.
To start, I used a flat-head screwdriver to pry the ceramic plate off the wooden base. It popped off pretty easily; if it hadn’t, I would have made a paper template to trace and cut a perfectly sized circle from the decorative paper. Since it did come off cleanly, I simply centered the ceramic plate on the patterned paper, traced the outline with a pen, and carefully cut out the circle.
I applied Aleene’s Tacky Glue to adhere the decorative paper to the ceramic plate, making sure the pattern was centered and smooth. After that set, I used Gorilla Wood Glue to reattach the ceramic plate to the wooden base. To ensure both layers bonded flat and tight, I stacked a few heavy books on top. The books kept the paper from wrinkling and helped the ceramic and wood cure together without any gaps.
Once the glue had dried for a few hours, I sealed the paper with Mod Podge. This non-toxic, water-based sealer gives a laminated-like finish that protects the paper from light moisture and everyday wear. Because it’s water-based and non-toxic, it’s safe to display cookies, cakes, or bowls of nuts on the plate. I do not recommend using it as a cutting surface—this is decorative and best used for serving or display rather than as a work surface.
After sealing, I found the refreshed plate works for more than just festive treats. The red, patterned paper I chose feels holiday-ready, but you could pick any pattern to suit all seasons. I’ve used mine to hold pound cake, cupcakes, holiday nuts, and even decorative objects like pinecones when it’s not being used for food. It’s an inexpensive way to create a seasonal display or a thoughtful, handmade gift for someone who likes charming kitchen accents.
This project is a great example of upcycling: a few simple supplies and a short amount of time turn a dated thrift find into a fresh piece of home decor. It’s also a small reminder of the joys of creative thrift-store hunting—sometimes the best small projects begin with a tiny, unexpected find.
As a finishing note, I’m sentimental about these photos because they include our first house in the background. It’s a little nostalgic to look back at those countertops, but I’m excited about the new home and the next set of projects ahead. For now, the updated cheese plate lives in my toolkit of small décor ideas: perfect for displaying soaps in a future bathroom redo, holding treats on the counter, or sitting pretty as part of a centerpiece.
Update: I’ve rounded up lots of favorite holiday décor ideas and budget-friendly finds in a separate post—many items are under $15 and make great inexpensive upgrades or gifts.