Crafty Creations 2: Creative Tile Coasters and Tray

When I worked at Craft Warehouse (many years ago) I did a class every Saturday doing these Creative Tiles. Creative Tile Coasters and Trays are probably the easiest to make. They are A LOT of work but very worth the process. It has been a while since I have done one. They make great house decorations and gifts. And you can actually use them as coasters and trays.

to get antiqued look on box after base paint dries use antique gel  (brown or black) and swipe across box using paper towel or gauze (not recommended to use paint brushes). for antique look on coaster after cut paper to correct size  use an antique stamp ink pad to rub in areas and around edges of paper prior to adhering to coaster. flowers on box are cut out from matching scrapbook paper to the paper used on the coasters with an antique brass brad through the center, using same process as the coaster paper for antique look. 

Materials needed:

Unfinished wood coaster set

Unfinished wood tray

Sand paper

Moistened gauze (cant remember what it is called, its been a while since I have gotten it) 

EnviroTex Lite pour-on high gloss finish

scrapbook paper and embellishments

acrylic paint

lighter (with a long nose)

craft glue (that is spreadable and scrapbook safe)
sponge paint brushes
plastic cups (disposable)
plastic measuring cup (that can be thrown away)
wood craft sticks

to get sponged look on tray and coaster box after paint dried on both dip the gauze in white paint and dab it on box. flower in tray is a white silk daisy with a yellow button glued on in the middle. white flowers on the box are cut out from matching scrapbook paper to the papers used in the tray and on coasters. tray and coasters have matching paper but are not the same paper. 

directions:

* lightly sand unfinished wood pieces with sand paper

* using gauze wipe off any dust on wood pieces

* paint all surfaces of wood that will be seen. (can paint all surfaces if that is easier) let dry completely

* cut scrapbook paper to size of area you are going to be covering with the paper (top of coasters &/or inside of tray)

* using sponge paint brush apply glue to entire area that will be covered with paper. immediately put paper on glued area before glue dries. 

* apply embellishments to tray (not recommended to put on coasters if you are going to actually use them as coasters and not decorations)

* after coasters and tray are decorated and completely dry prop up on plastic cups  that are placed upside down. one cup for each coaster and 2 cups for tray (make sure to use cups you plan on throwing away)

* mix the two liquids of the EnviroTex together in the plastic measuring cup. Mix equal parts. stir together with wood craft stick. stir together according to directions on box.

* poor the mixture over the coasters and in tray. 

* using a wood craft stick spread the mix over the coasters and tray. (there will be a lot of bubbles, you will get rid of them soon)

* once the mix is spread out use a stick to scrape the bottom of the coasters to prevent build up on the underside. this step is not necessary for the tray

* with the lighter run the flame over the top of the coaster and tray. avoid holding to close to item or in one spot to long to avoid dark spots. 

* continue last 2 steps until the air bubbles are gone and stops dripping on sides to underside of coaster. 

* once air bubbles are gone and no longer dripping on sides cover with box to keep dust from settling on items. (recommend doing this project in a place where you can leave them to sit 24 hours with out moving or being disturbed)

* let sit covered for 24 hours. then enjoy using them or decorating your home with them.