Even though this will be my 8th convention and we only attended an Onstage back in November, this one really is super special, as tomorrow we will be the first people to see and actually get our hands on the new 2017/18 Annual Catalogue!!
The first thing I like to do is flip through and check out if any of my favorite things are retiring and then I sit down, with a cuppa and a few choccies and go through each and every page. My gorgeous friend and awesome roomie Kim and I talk through every single item on each page. I think it's one of my highlights of going to convention.
Anyway, getting back to the reason for my post today. With attending onstage comes the responsibility of making swaps and this year I decided to revisit an old design that I had made a few years back for a Christmas Craft market. Yep, the good ol' coasters.
You can find the original Swallowtail coaster post HERE. But because that stamp has since retired, I decided to make my new ones with the gorgeous Dragonfly stamp from the Dragonfly Dreams set.
Aren't they stunning and it doesn't matter how many times you make them, they honestly come out different each and every time. To actually make the background, you need a set of Sharpie pens and some rubbing alcohol.
Colour the tiles in with your chosen Sharpie colours, I find colouring in circles makes them bleed better, and then just add drops of rubbing alcohol in spots on the tiles. You do need quiet a few drops, but less is more with this technique.Once the tiles are completely dry you can then stamp on your chosen image with Stazon. I actually used a stamp positioner, like a Misti or Stamp Master, to get the image perfect. Because the tiles are smooth and the stazon is wet, you might find your stamp will slip if done by hand. I really am hoping to find a Stampin' Up! version of the misti in our new catalogue!!
Next your need to add a clear acrylic over the top, I actually use White Knights Satin (which can be found in Bunnings) When sprayed on it seems to make the colours blend a little better and then sets everything. This needs a good 6hrs to dry before you add the Polyurethane.
Now the Polyurethane is the finish that will make your tiles heat resistant. I buy the Cabots Cabothane Clear in gloss. Give the tiles a really nice, even spray and leave to dry for 24hrs.
Phew, I think that's everything. Oh and just to help you with making these tiles, I have even made a video tutorial for you to watch too!!
Well I had better get back to packing. I can't wait to share all the fun things we have been up to this weekend, so make sure you check back in with me on Monday.
Happy Crafting,
Chlo
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