How to Make an Easy DIY Instant Print Place Set

By Katelyn Showalter

Katelyn, our guest DIY writer, and her daughter smile at the camera — Katelyn Showalter is the DIY blogger behind The Show Gals brand.

Here we are, entering ANOTHER holiday in a pandemic! Can you believe this will be our second Easter under lockdown?! I would have never thought a year ago we would still be in a pandemic. This year I am determined to make easter dinner still feel special despite the fact that we won’t be celebrating with our extended family as usual.

A holiday in this house wouldn’t be complete without at least one DIY! I love the idea of personalizing a table setting. Even if it’s just the four of us it really elevates the experience and makes it feel a little extra special!

I used MyPostcard instant prints to create these super easy and fun place cards. I love the instant prints because it gives you a vintage vibe with a modern twist! I used my die cut machine for this project to create the names in vinyl but If you don’t have a die cut machine you can easily accomplish this project by using letter stickers from your local craft store.

Pin for tutorial featuring a finished DIY instant print place set placed on top of a flowery plate. At the top of the picture is a title above some tulips — Pin for later!

There are two ways you could create this project. So I will walk through both!

How to make a DIY instant print place set

On the left, a photo shows three DIY instant print place settings with photos of a mother and daughter. On the right, one place setting is held to the camera showing a little girl and her name. — *Copyright: Katelyn Showalter / @theshowgals*

What’s the benefit of using a die cut machine?

Using a die cut machine to cut a vinyl sticker gives you more creative freedom to create the exact look you want. You are also to weld the letters together achieve the look of hand written calligraphy. You defiantly do not NEED a machine for this project but this is what I used to achieve the look I was going for.

Benefit of using Letter Stickers

Letter stickers a lot easier to use! No designing, cutting or weeding required. This option is a great way to get your kids involved! Not only will it give them a sense of feeling included in the finished product, it is a great activity for fine motor skills!

The only downside to using letter stickers is you can’t achieve the seamless calligraphy look.

Why MyPostcard Instant prints work best for this project:

MyPostcard Instant prints give a perfect amount of space at the bottom of the print to customize it how you want! They give plenty of space to add the name as well as add a little extra embellishment if you please!

Making place sets with a die cut machine

4 photos show the process of cutting letters using a die machine to create the DIY print place setting in the bottom right. — *Copyright: Katelyn Showalter / @theshowgals*

What you need:

MyPostcard instant prints of each guest

(If using a die cut machine)

Transfer tape
- Weeding tools
- Cricut or other die cutting machine
- Letter stickers (If you are not using die cut machine)

How to use a die cut machine:

Order your MyPostcard Instant prints for each guest. Make sure you do this a week ahead so you will get them in plenty of time to customize them before Easter dinner!
Design the names in the font of your choice in your machine’s software. Make sure to weld the design so it cuts nicely in one piece.
Cut out your design on your machine.
Weed your design
Apply transfer tape and transfer your design onto the Instant print
(Optional) Add embellishments or stickers! This is a great way to create a place setting that matches the color scheme of the rest of your table. Let your creativity shine!
Add the place card to the top of the plate of each setting

Making place sets with letter stickers

Sheets of stickers and letter stickers shown next to the instant photo prints as an alternative method to create this DIY place set — Copyright: Katelyn Showalter / @theshowgals

Order your MyPostcard Instant prints for each guest. Make sure you do this a week ahead so you will get them in plenty of time to customize them before Easter dinner!
Apply letter stickers to the bottom white half of the Instant print.
(Optional) Add embellishments or stickers! This is a great way to create a place setting that matches the color scheme of the rest of your table. Let your creativity shine!
Add the place card to the top of the plate of each setting

And there you have it! A simple way to customize your Easter dinner!

I hope that however you’re celebrating you are able to still enjoy the holiday with your family and have a Happy Easter!

About the author

The show gals… That’s Katelyn – our guest author – and her two little girls, Macy and Ruby, who live together with dad, Tyler, in Las Vegas. Hairstylist turned housewife and mom, Katelyn is busy bringing her girls up as independent, confident – and creative! Check out her blog for tons more child-friendly crafts, baking and adventure stories for you on her blog and Instagram channel.