Washi Tape Coasters

MY STORY

     I am happy to see that the Washi Tape trend is far from over.  I love this product -- it comes in a large array of colors, patterns and widths.  It is easy to use -- to cut and apply and it sticks on almost anything.

    I had a bunch of photo coasters left over and thought that Washi Tape would be a quick and fun way to decorate them.  I have used these photo coasters on other projects so I thought they were perfect to use for this, even if the photo part is covered up.

     You can also use plain white tiles from the home store which you can get at really low prices.  This is a nice housewarming or hostess gift and you can even use these finished tiles as home decor items. 

YOUR TURN

   Choose the Washi Tape colors/patterns  you want to use.  I recommend using three different colors, in at least two different widths.  I tested a few different layouts and for me this looked the best.  And now I am currently obsessed with Tiffany Blue and Gold.  But this project can be adapted to any holiday or event, simply by choosing different tapes.  These are all readily available online and at craft stores and the rolls go a long way.  (HINT:  I tried using duct tape but the washi tape works much better.)

   Simply lay out patterns and play with what looks best to you.  The tape sticks well, but is easy to remove if you want to change your design.  Lay out and I like leaving tails off the edges as it is easier to trim that way.  When you are ready to trim, lay the coaster upside down as it is easier to trim that way. Smooth out any bumps you may have on the tape.

   Once you have applied the tape, use Mod Podge as a sealant.  Mod Podge comes in different finishes.  I choose the Antique Matte finish for this product, but any finish would be fine.

   Apply a thin coat with a foam brush.  Let dry.  Apply two more coats, making sure each coat dries before applying the next layer.  The Mod Podge dries clear, so don't worry if it looks cloudy at first.

   The photo coasters also came with a stand which I added tape to for a quick hostess or housewarming gift.

   And that's it....it is so easy and it becomes addictive after a while.  You will be using Washi Tape on everything!  

Decorate To Celebrate Design Challenge "For Dad"...coasters using kids artwork

 MY STORY

     As I was thinking of a project for the current assignment for the Decorate To Celebrate design team, "Father's Day", we were also going through some home remodeling.  As I was going through old files, I found stacks of my son's artwork.  Now, if you are like me, your child is a genius, a Picasso in fact, but there is only so much wall space and refrigerator surfaces that you can cover.  Although my son is a US Marine Corps Lance Corporal overseas, there was no way I was throwing out some of his "classics".

    In my local dollar store, I found photo coasters.  They even came in a wooden display box.  And that is when the idea struck me - photo coasters using kid's artwork.  So, here you are!

YOUR TURN

    Pick out some of your favorite pieces and color copy or scan them.  Unless you want to cut up your baby's originals, copies are the way to go.  Your other supplies:

All you need:  artwork, scissors, glue, photo coasters, washi tape

     Take out the template from the coaster and place around your artwork, finding the parts of the drawing, etc., that will fit the template.  For some pieces, you can get multiple pieces - lay out like a sewing pattern:

     When you have your pieces, glue lightly onto the template.  HINT:   You can use both sides of the template but don't use the same imagery (see above).  If you are creating a "theme" make sure you have different images on each side of the template.

     Optional but you can place some washi decorative tape on the wood holder to jazz it up even more.

   These coasters are great for their original use, but also make cute paperweights for your desk.  These are so easy you will get addicted.

My son's drawing of NYC, pre 9/11

     Changing up the images gives you a whole different vibe, and you can easily store the extras behind your main image.  And they look just as cute in their stand.

    I liked some of them so much, I ended up hanging as mini gallery frames....defeats the whole purpose of saving wall space, but a Mom has got to do what a Mom has to do!!!  Now, get all those little Picassos and Van Goghs working so you will have great Fathers Day gifts.

    Happy Father's Day to all the Dads, Grandads, Uncles and all the men who are involved in a child's life.