Friday, October 26, 2012

Mod Podged Tile Coasters

This project is all over the web right now, but I decided to join in since needed some practice using Mod Podge. I have a big project coming up that I need to use Mod Podge on and the one time I tried it before was a disaster--bubbles, wrinkles, you name it. This time I made sure to do my research before I started!

This first thing you'll need to do is gather your supplies.


You'll need four 4-inch tiles; a map (or whatever you're going to Mod Podge on to your tile); Mod Podge; a paintbrush; an xacto knife; and some sort of instrument to help you get the bubbles out. I used a pastry roller -- which worked very nicely -- but I'm sure a rolling pin or your fingers would work as well. You'll also need a pencil, scissors, and some ribbon, which I neglected to gather for the picture.

Place your tile on the selected area of your map and trace around the edges of your tile with a pencil. Next cut out the area with scissors.


After you've cut out the map section brush a thin layer of Mod Podge on the front of your tile.


Next brush a thin layer of Mod Podge on the BACK of your cut out. This is critical and this is where I messed up last time. Don't forget this step!!


Gently place the map (backside down of course) on the top of your tile.


First press the map lightly with your fingertips and then roll over with the pastry roller to get out any air bubbles that might have developed. You'll probably notice some excess glue has squeezed out on the sides so just take a paper towel and gently wipe it off.


Now leave your tile to dry. I left mine overnight but an hour or two would probably suffice. Make sure your tile is dry and then take an xacto knife and trim the edges of the map to make them even with the tile.


Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge on the top of your map. Once it has dried, reapply. I did three coats for mine. Here is a finished tile that I did last week.


Now you'll want to put something on the bottom of your coasters to keep them from scratching your tables. I  cut squares out of a roll of cork sheeting that I had handy. The little felt dots you put on the bottom of chairs would work as well.


TADA -- you are finished! You can also spray them with a can of acrylic sealer if desired for some extra protection. Stack all four and tie with a pretty ribbon. Now you have an inexpensive, personalized, handmade gift for giving!


Friday, October 5, 2012

Turn the WHITEr shade of pale

If you remember my antique dresser reveal from back in August, you'll remember that I painted it in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (ASCP) Old White, applied the clear wax and then the dark brown wax, and then stained the top a deep brown color. The only thing I did different here is that I used ASCP Pure White and I thinned the dark wax using mineral spirits--so as not to make it quite so dark.

I've had the chest itself for many years. It dates back to my very first apartment and has made three moves with me since then. My grandmother picked it up for me at a yard sale for $20. It sits in a corner in my master bedroom so I decided to lighten it up a bit.

Unfortunately, the before picture I have isn't very good. Scratch that -- it's terrible! Alas, I had already started work and completely forgot to take a picture. BUT...you can see what shade the wood was at least.



Once again I had to use two coats of the ASCP. I applied the clear wax and then thinned the dark wax with mineral spirits. It was still a little darker than I wanted so I applied some more of the clear wax. I sanded the top and stained it a dark, rich brown--Kona by Rustoleum. The hardware is original to the piece. I didn't do anything other than take it off and put it back on.

And here she is all finished! I especially love the detailing on the top two drawers. And those sweet little pulls!




I'm partying here:
Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed
Frugal Friday at The Shabby Nest
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove
Inspiration Friday at At the Picket Fence
Transformation Thursday at Shabby Creek Cottage