Coffee Break

Today I thought I’d show a little home project, again using the State Fair collection by Studio Calico.

I really like tile coasters and I’ve always been tempted to buy a few, but then I stop myself as I think – ultra thick embossing enamel - do your own!  Okay, not ceramics, but I thought I could get a similar look from revamping old cork backed coasters.  I’ve have some old dog-eared coasters that really need to be shown the bin, but I held onto them and finally, got to give them a make-over. 

Firstly, get your finger nails and a sharp knife to hand and have a good scrape at the covering peeling off as much of the top layer as you can.

Then, using a file (or sandpaper) sand it all down to smooth.  Spread the top with plenty of wet glue and adhere your chosen paper.  Leave to dry, trim the edges and then using your file/sandpaper, file the edges.

Once done, and dry, decorate as you wish, however, nothing too bulky as you want your cup to sit comfortably once done.  I’ve stamped, used extra cuts of paper, a journaling pen and rub ons.

Finally, using a clear pigment inkpad, stamp all over the top of the coaster and sprinkle a generous layer of clear ultra thick embossing enamel.  Repeat a second time.  This really brings out the colour in the papers and ink and gives a lovely, slightly uneven, glossy top.  Once this has dried, I did spray with clear radiator enamel to seal.