Pretty coasters for an alfresco summer

For the first time in forever, I am the proud owner of an awesome grill. This has lead to the redesigning of our terrace (that we never use) into a charming outdoor space. Which of course, one has to accessorize. Like, with really pretty coasters. Hence, this blog post!
My pretty coasters for lovely cocktails on the terrace.
Here's to the beginning of a beautiful summer!

I started out with 2 sets of the Four Inch Trading Coasters (they come in sets of two).
I covered them in Bo Bunny Double Dot Coral Vintage paper on both sides and sanded the edges.

I inked all the edges with Brilliance Galaxy Gold and Rocket red Gold.

I then peeled a three ply napkin leaving only the top ply with the pattern on it (trust me, you may think a napkin only has two ply but they almost all have three) and tore the bits off that I wanted to use on my coaster. I used traditional decoupage technique-brushing matte medium on the coaster. laying the piece of napkin gently on top and brushing the top of the napkin with another coat of matte medium working from the center out to avoid bubbles.

 After they dried, I lightly sanded the edges off and redid the ink edges where needed.

I then painted in dot and swirl details starting with green and then white.

I gave them all a good coat of poly to keep moisture out and they are done!
A word about napkins....
Buy a top quality brand and test a bit of it before you use it in your work. Some of the cheaper napkins color will smear when the matte medium is brushed on!

SUPPLIES:
Four Inch Trading Coasters
Bo Bunny Double Dot Vintage Peach paper
Acrylic paint in white and green
Matte medium
Good quality napkin
Waterproof poly finish

Floral Fairy Dimensional Diorama

I've had my eye on the Dimensional Diorama for a while and finally got my hands dirty and made a pretty something with it.

This diorama box frame sits on a spinner to show off 4 different segments. I had thought about creating a diorama dedicated to each of the seasons... but it's far too spring-like to think back to winter.

I've forgotten about snow and Autumn leaves and instead filled each section with moss, flowers, butterflies and pretty paper fairies.

Inside I've used pages from damaged hymnals and the exterior is decorated with Graphic 45's Once Upon a Springtime collection.

I've added a simple wooden plaque as a base for the lazy susan mechanism (which comes with the diorama box).

On top of the box I've added Tudor Rose Singles and created a handle with a wooden spool and a large staples door knob from Graphic 45. Final touches include a little handmade bunting and flat back pearls.

If you'd like to create your own version of this project I have a video walk through with some tips and hints you might find helpful.

And here are all the bits you'll need!

Dimensional DioramaTudor Rose Singles 

Decorative papers (I've used Graphic 45 papers)
Paper flowers
English Fairy Garden Collage Sheet
Fairy Wings Collage Sheet
Moss
Wooden plaque
Flatback pearls (or other embellishments)
Florist Oasis
Vintage Images (I downloaded them free from thegraphicsfairy.com)
Glue
Acrylic Paint
Wooden toothpics or stir sticks

Victorian Frame and Easel

I kind of feel like I'm on the verge of a mid-life crisis. I have this strong desire to wear leopard print, snap gum and listen to old time country music about standin' by yer man. 

I'm sort of looking at 'Flo' from Alice as my new life role model. She's a sassy fire cracker who's catch phrase is "Kiss my grits!" I feel like saying that an awful lot lately so I figured I'd make a sign I can just point too when annoyed. 

The 'kissy grits' part is a very quick embroidery I just whipped up on some cotton fabric. I've placed the embroidery in a Victorian Frame and Easel and gussied that sucker up with flowers and paper butterflies. 

I mean, just because I'm annoyed, that doesn't mean I don't want things to be pretty!

This would actually be a great sized frame for an ATC, which would sit nicely with a border between the card and the edge of the frame. Or you could just go old school and put a picture in there.

I'm certain you could figure this one out yourself, but just in case, there's a video walkthrough HERE (link shortly.)

And the teeny tiny supply list!

• Victorian Frame and Easel
• Acrylic paint
• White glue if you want a crackle finish
• Faux flowers and leaves
• Paper butterflies
• Hot glue

A Timeless Grandfather Clock

This month for gslcuts.com I've created a 'timeless clock' with Gypsy Soul's Grandfather Clock.

I've used a pretty floral scrapbook paper to cover my clock. Just one sheet will do the trick. The little drawer at the bottom, and interior of the clock, have been lined with a page from an old, discarded book.

The top section of the clock does not contain a time piece (although you certainly could add one), instead being home to a nest of little eggs.

The top has been decorated with moss, flowers, an acorn and some wee mushrooms.

Inside, a butterfly garden, with moss, paper roses and pretty flying things.

This particular clock measures 11" tall. It's a nice with a goodly amount of space to play with inside for creating a little scene or diorama.

If you're interested in making your own, I have a video of the construction of this piece HERE.

And here is your supply list:

Grandfather Clock 11 Inch
(psst, there is also a smaller 1:12 scale version)

Sheet moss
Floral scrapbook paper
Paper Roses
Plastic Eggs
Flat back pearls
Twig Vine Garland
Red Mushrooms on Wires
English Fairy Garden Collage Sheet
Mini Floral Dresden Borders - Antique Gold
Narrow Gold Fleur Dresden Borders*
Pronged Metal Handles*