Dish it up!

I love to make new things from old stuff!



Well, it looks like Santa's workshop at my house. Trying to get as many gifts finished early so I can enjoy the holidays instead of feeling rushed and crazed! Half the fun of Christmas for me, is designing gifts that will be special for each person. I love themes too, and try to have one for every person to keep a common thread running through their presents. Today's project can have a theme, or not. That is up to you, this one is for my friend who likes wine. And the nice thing about it is that it is functional as well as pretty.

Today's project is:

a Decoupage Plate

You will need:

a clear (smooth)  plate or bowl (this can be a recycled one from your own cupboard)

ModPodge (decoupage goop)

a paper napkin (you only need one, see if your friends have any fun designs left over from a party)

1" brush

First you need to separate the napkin from its second layer. Gently pry apart at the corner and pull the white underside off of the design side. Then you have to decide whether to cut apart the parts printed on the napkin or use it whole. If you have a cocktail napkin, you may have a bit of trouble covering the whole plate. So finding a napkin with a design that is suitable for cutting apart and rearranging onto the plate may work best.

Once you have the pieces cut out and arranged to your liking, take the ModPodge and spread it onto the UNDER side of the plate or bowl. Gently lay the pieces down with their 'good' side facing down and smooth gently with your fingers or paintbrush. Be careful not to pull too hard, for the napkin will rip. If the napkin gets a bit wrinkly, that's okay, it adds to that Old World antique look.



Then you will cover all the pieces, GENTLY  brushing on the ModPodge over the entire back surface.

When it is dry you can turn it over and rub the edges with your fingers to get off any excess decoupage paste.

shown with a white paper behind plate to better see design

I like to add a decorative edge with a gold pen (available at the hardware store). Also sprinkle a bit of baby powder and work it around a bit, then brush or blow it off. This helps keep the ModPodge from sticking to anything.  This of course, is HAND WASH.

tip of the day:

When you are grocery shopping (especially in the winter and your hands are dry) I find it almost impossible to open those plastic bags to put my vegetables in. So what I do is tap my fingers on a celery wrapper or carrot package that has been 'sprayed' with the overhead water. Then it's a snap to open the bags with my moistened fingers.

That's all for today!

:D

Hold it right there!

I love to take old things, and make them new!

I hope you are finding my projects fun and easy to do. I’m finding it fun to look around my house and discover all the recycled projects I have done. I amaze myself at all the things I have reused. Is that a good thing?

Project of the day:
recipe or photo holder

You need:

~a container (metal is best) but you can certainly use other things.
Here I used an empty spice can.

~Plaster of Paris (available at any hobby store: Michaels, Joann’s, Hobby Lobby, some hardware stores, perhaps Walmart)

~18 gauge wire (you could use a coat hanger, but it’s pretty thick and you need some muscles for that one)

~pliers

1. Cut a piece of wire twice as long as you want your photo holder to be.

2. Using pliers, curl the end several times to create a double curl. *

3. Read directions of Plaster of Paris (you need to add water to the powder mix to the consistency of thick cream)

4. Prepare plaster and pour into your container (the plaster heats as it sets, so metal is the best. I’ve used glass, but it has broken upon heat setting. L

5. Insert wire and hold til set.

*note: I curve the end of the wire (not the photo holder end) so it will not 'pull' out of the plaster easily. We don't want a straight up and out wire fixture.

This is a great gift for cooks. Add some new kitchen towels, utensils (see my website for some awesome, classy serving utensils) some recipe cards and ingredients. Put in a pretty bowl, wrap in cello, add a bow, and you’re set to go! Or how about a housewarming gift!

I have also used this idea for a new baby gift. I bought a pair of baby shoes at the thrift shop. I used one for the wire photo holder. I poured the plaster into the shoe, added the wire, and let set.

I added some baby goodies, and put their baby announcement on the photo holder. (you could also put some money on it). Place in a basket or diaper bag. You'll be the hit of the baby shower!

What a great momento!

TIP OF THE DAY:

If you use plastic grocery sacks to line your garbage cans, here's a tip to keep them under control. Take an empty Kleenex box, and stuff it full with the plastic bags. The top of the Kleenex box should have that plastic around the opening, this works best to keep the bags inside.
You can put these in every room, inside the cabinets to have your garbage can liners ready. And you'll be surprised how many you can jam in these. It sure is neater than all those bags floating around!

For gifts, check out my website: www.arttowearbydee.etsy.com

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THAT’S ALL FOR TODAY!

:D