Saturday, March 24, 2012

DIY Decorative Coasters

I'd like to thank the various blogs that have inspired me to try my hand at designing coasters from tiles, including www.madebyjacqueline.blogspot.com and
http://www.curbly.com/users/diy-maven/posts/6125-curbly-video-using-paper-napkins-to-make-decorative-tile-coasters

So far I have used printed paper for one technique and paper napkins for another. Each is made using a 4"x4" ceramic tile. For the first set, I cut a 3 3/4" square using my Cricut. I used the Cricut Classic Font set on the Italic square on page 72 of the manual. The clock paper is from 7 Gypsies, the Paddington collection.

Step 1: Paint mod podge across the tile and across the back of the printed paper.

Step 2: Place paper on the title.

Step 3: Paint at least 3 or 4 layers of  mod podge across the tile, letting each layer dry at a time.

Step 4: Spray acrylic clear finish over the top of the coaster at least 3 times, letting it dry between spays.

Step 5: Place felt adhesive pads on all 4 corners on the back of the decorative coaster.



Since there is a wonderful video and tutorial using paper napkins on ceramic tile, there is no need to repeat it here, go to:
http://www.curbly.com/users/diy-maven/posts/6125-curbly-video-using-paper-napkins-to-make-decorative-tile-coasters

Friday, March 16, 2012

The Circus Pop-Ups with Graphic 45 and Cricut

Well it's no secret Graphic 45 is my favorite paper company and I doubt that you didn't know that cigar boxes and pop-up cards are running in second place, as far as favs go! In these projects I get to use all three plus my wonderful Cricut Expression!

The Graphic 45 Le Cirque paper spoke to me and said circus cigar boxes. So after a lovely black cigar box was finished, I noticed I had 2 more boxes that were narrow and wouldn't it be so neat to open a box and see a circus act inside? Well of course it would and I figured I was up to the challenge.


First using Beacon 3 in 1 glue I papered strategic areas of the boxes with those wonderful illustration and patterns. I used Tim Holtz feet on one box and I used his curio knob on another. Next I looked through my Cricut cartridges and decided on the images. The first with clowns and a tent are from Paper Doll Dress Up page 58 and the second pop-up is from Everyday Pop-Up cards pages 24 and 66. No, I didn't use the cartridge pop-up cuts. The op ups were done with the same cube technique, I had used in the past. It was a bit tricky, taking time to make them work and fit in to the box, but when they worked it was fun to see the surprise on peoples faces!

I entered this post into several linkys this week!
My entry into A Crafty Soiree sponsored by Appliances Online and the Bosch Washing Machines.

Friday, March 9, 2012

More Altered Cigar Boxes



Congratulations to the 30 artists who made the cut into the second round of the Graphic 45 design team call. Graphic 45 paper is just so inspirational, just check out my latest boxes! These two boxes were created and inspired by the "Steampunk Debutante Collection."

Beacon 3-in-1 craft glue was used to adhere paper and embellishments to each box. I used Tim Holtz feet on both, his sprocket gears on one and a curio knob of his on one also. The amber knob was in a bin at Michaels and my husband cut the shank to fit the box. The clock 3D sticker is from Jolee's boutique.



I sure hope you come back to see what I'm working on now...inspired by another Graphic 45 paper collection.