coasters Archives - Linda Nelson

CANVAS CLOTH CRAFTING

January 31, 2018

Say that three times fast. No, don’t, you’ll just end up tripping over your tongue.

So……. I was working on some new greeting card designs last week, and canvas cloth was one material/element used in the design. I have quite a bit of yardage on hand, ready for any orders placed at the upcoming NY Now trade gift show. Thus, I’ve been in canvas creativity overdrive, and had to make some other things to burn off some of that surplus energy. I love this stuff. It’s neutral in color, weighty, washable, easy to work with and brings back memories to when I was taking oil painting classes and we were required to stretch and prime our own canvas.

Anyway, a couple yards draped across my work table made me think of those fabulous hand painted floorcloths, though I didn’t want to commit myself to such a project; I really need this canvas for the greeting card orders. So, I just decided to make a “mini me” floorcloth.

Isn’t it adorable?

©Linda Nelson 2018

Pictured below are the materials I used to make mine, but there are many other options that would be suitable to use. After cutting out my canvas circle, I frayed the edges, washed it, threw it in the dryer and then steam pressed it. Next, I applied a base coat of white gesso that I tinted with just a drop of blue acrylic craft paint. When dry, I made some free-hand surface designs using ChartPak ad markers, then followed up with two coats of acrylic gloss medium/varnish.

©Linda Nelson 2018

I’ll probably use mine as a surface protector, but this type of activity is such that you could take it in so many directions. I imagine dollhouse and fairy garden enthusiasts could make some really neat miniature floor coverings for their displays and setups. Handmade journal book hobbyists could make some pretty awesome covers using this method, too.

©Linda Nelson 2018

And, there’s always this crafty default – a coaster!

©Linda Nelson 2018

On another note, look who was tending to my garden yesterday. I don’t recall hiring anyone to prune my shrubs – that’s my job! Aren’t they adorable, though? This photo was taken from my kitchen window.

©Linda Nelson 2018

Now, my “deer” friends, go grab some canvas cloth and get creative!

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CHEERS TO 2018!

December 31, 2017

I can’t believe that people are actually going to gather around at Time Square tonight. They are crazy! It is so stinking cold out, not to mention the wind gusts. Single digit temps are expected this evening in eastern NY. Besides, for security purposes, no backpacks are allowed in that particular vicinity, which means no way to pack extra items to keep you warm. No thank you! I will be ringing in the New Year gathering at the warm and cozy home of some very dear friends who live close by.

And, this is how I’m doing it in a crafty way…..

…. with a little feature in Stampington & Co’s Jewelry Affaire 2018 winter issue!

©Linda Nelson 2017

Here’s a little peak at one of a few things that made it into this issue.

©Linda Nelson 2017

And here are a few pieces that are not in the magazine, but do you see the weathered, chippy-finish theme going on here?

©Linda Nelson 2017

I also whipped up a few more scrappy little fabric coasters. I love making these because the less finished and more imperfect they come out, the cuter they are. It’s a quick and easy way to use up surplus fabric pieces.

©Linda Nelson 2017

Anyway, cheers to 2018, whether you’re freezing your tootsies off or basking in hot, sunny weather.

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HANDMADE HUMBLE HOSPITALITY

November 17, 2017

Oh, it’s getting quite chilly where I live, and my gardening work season is drawing to a close. Cozy, crafty activities are on my mind, and I look forward to having the wintertime to enjoy it wholeheartedly. I seized the opportunity to stay indoors and whet my crafty appetite one recent rainy day, and I’m thrilled to share with you what I made.

Do you have a humble little stash of scrap fabric? I’m sure you do. I came across a 10″ square piece of green and pink floral patterned fabric while rummaging through one of my fabric bins. It’s been in my possession for many, many years, but I was never moved to do anything with it….. until the other day.

I present to you some humble little holiday coasters.

Wait! There’s more………

A humble little ornament.

Humble little place cards…….

And, finally….. some humble little gift tags.

That’s quite a bit of creative mileage out of one little scrap, don’t you think?

Now, you go get scrappy and crafty.

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