Stacy's Paper Crafts

RESIN Tile Coasters :)

 
 This stuff is awesome! Resin is commonly used in jewelry making but apparently it has several other uses too! I will admit it's a little tricky to work with. It takes a lot of time and patience. 

It's also absolutely IMPERATIVE that you work in a dust & lint free environment when using resin otherwise you'll have those specks embedded on your tiles. The resin needs about 72 hours to fully cure but after 24 hours the resin hardens enough that you won't have to worry about dust or lint. 

  

You'll need to prop up the coasters before applying the resin, I used plastic cups turned upside down. Even though this is a pour-on version I applied the resin using a foam brush. The surface of the tiles are small, about 4.25 x 4.25 inches, so pouring on the resin will cause it to drip down the edges forming puddles underneath the tile. Once it hardens it's difficult to remove them and you really need a flat surface to apply the cork pads. If the resin begins to drip down the sides while you're applying it, just use your foam brush to remove the excess. 

Air bubbles may form in the resin after you apply it, you can use an embossing gun or blow dryer to remove them. You don't have to apply the heat long and you don't need to position the gun or blow dryer close to the surface. I applied a second coat of resin after 48hrs. The end result is a beautiful glossy coaster that is suitable for hot AND cold beverages! It looks store bought but you can be proud to say it's handmade! To clean it, you just wipe it with a damp cloth. 

The resin I used to create these tiles is sold at Michaels in the adhesive & spray paint section. I've also seen it at Home Depot. It contains two bottles, one bottle of resin and one bottle of harder. For this brand you mix equal parts of both to create your resin mixture, then you just pour it on your project!

 

Coasters... revisited

Hi all! I wanted to share a fabric coaster tutorial I found while browsing The Long Thread I really love this idea! I'm learning to sew and I've found that I end up with random lengths of scrap fabric that I have no idea what to do with. This is a great solution!

Speaking of coasters... several weeks ago I shared with you how I create coaster tiles using patterned paper. Unfortunately I've discovered that hot beverages + Triple Thick sealant aren't the best of friends. 

My hot mug clung to the coaster temporarily. After my coffee cooled I was able to get it unstuck, however the imprint of the ring on the bottom of my mug is now permanently etched into the coaster. So I'm looking for another alternative coating/sealant and will let you know if I come across one that works well. 

I think the Triple Thick sealant would work best for decorative photo coasters like these You can display them using a table top easel similar to this one You can find them at Michaels or another framing store. Hope this helps!

Tile Coasters

A great way to use up your paper scraps. I absolutely adore Basic Grey patterned paper, especially this print. I purchased a LOT of it. So I decided to make good use of it :) This tile coasters should last a long time so long as they don't get dropped. 

 

I experimented with two types of Triple Thick sealers and I think I prefer the spray version. I like the "glue paste" version because you can apply it once and it sets like you've applied several. But it's MESSY.... messy, messy, messy! It has an odor but it isn't terribly overwhelming. 

The spray sealer doesn't set quite as thick it seems, but it dries fast. I used 3 coats. I applied the first, let it sit for an hour, applied the second coat and allow it to sit for a day, and then applied the 3rd coat and left it alone for 2 days. The spray sealer has a STRONG odor. Kinda like spray paint. I highly recommend using it outside because of that and also it releases a powdery like reside when you spray it. It's not necessarily visible but my work table is covered in it. So use a cardboard box or something similar under the tiles before applying. 

 

These tiles are white glazed 4.25 in squares and can be used as drink coasters or as an accent piece for a candle or other small decorative item.

I cut the patterned paper into 4 inch square pieces and applied Zip Glue(another strong scented adhesive) to the back of the paper and on the tile. Apply generously!! Other adhesives caused the paper to warp buckle and wrinkle. You might be able to use a spray adhesive and get some great results but the sealer was all the spray I could handle LOL.

 

I found that heavier patterned papers work best because after you apply the sealer, the colors would darken or brighten. With this paper it ended up being a good thing. I like it better darker.

 

But not so much with this one. It looks ok, but It looks much better as it was. This was my last scrap of this print. It's from The Angel Company's Catelynne patterned paper collection. 

Thanks for looking!