How to Make Decorative Copper Coasters - DIY Craft

Ever since I had a copper counter installed in my home, I can’t get enough of this metal. I created these coasters to add to my collection of copper home decor. I designed some monogram, floral patterns and even a wood design. These copper coasters would make great housewarming gifts and the monogram and wood designs would be perfect for Father’s Day.

Experiment on some pieces of copper before creating your final piece. You might like the way it embosses with a pointier pencil or a pen or even a wooden skewer. You may like the “back” or “front” of your design better. Emboss a combination of back and front like I did. This project is not the simplest but the results are worth it. Cut copper can be VERY SHARP, so please be careful. Have fun! Step by Step below.

Facci Designs Copper Coaster DIY step by step

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Air Dry Clay (I used Crayola Air-Dry Clay in white)
• Toothpick
• Ruler
• Craft blade or kitchen knife
• Designs printed out size of coaster
• Tape
• 36 Gauge copper sheet* (purchased online at Whimsie.com) or in craft stores.
• Scissor
• Dull pencil
• Decorative Tacks
• Duct Tape
• Felt

*Be very careful, cutting and cut copper is sharp!


1. Flatten out your clay to about a 1/4”- 3/8” thickness with your hand or rolling pin. With your ruler and knife, cut your coaster to size. I cut mine at 3.5 x 3.5. At 1/2” from each corner, create your nail hole by inserting a toothpick. Let coaster dry completely. This can take anywhere up to 2 days.

2. Gather your supplies. Print out your designs in actual size. If you want to do an initial, print it out backwards.

3. Cut your copper out at least 1” larger than the coaster. Place your air dried coaster in center of copper and trace around edge with your dull pencil. (this will help you keep your designs within the square and also help to bend it around the coaster later on.) Tape your design onto copper.

4. With your dull pencil, start to trace your design, adding some pressure to make sure you emboss the copper.

5. I traced the main parts of the flower and leaves...

6....then turned it over to add the veins to the flowers. Experiment and have fun!

7. On the back of my design, I added more pressure to the leaves so they would pop.

8. Here is the monogram version where I added more pressure to the front of the coaster.

9.  Once finished, cut each corner at an angle. see picture       

10. Fold back and trim. Be careful of sharp copper.

11. Flatten out folded pieces with the edge of your pencil.

12. Now measure 1/2” from each corner and with a pointy tool or the tip of the scissor, create your hole for your tacks.

13. Place your coaster in center of copper, fold edges over and tape them down. I tried to use glue, but found tape was just better and easier.

Glue some felt to the bottom so it doesn’t scratch your surface. Insert your tacks. You may need to add a little glue. (These are mostly decorative.)

14. Your copper coasters will patina over time but if you want to hurry up the process. Just spray with an equal amount of salt and vinegar and let sit for a day. Wipe off and see if you like the color. Spray again for a darker patina.

The edges of the corners of your coaster will be sharp. Dull them down with the edge of your pencil or scissor.

TIPS:

• Try adding dots to your coaster with the tip of your pencil. I love the way they look in groups. This works perfectly for the center of your flower or to fill in a lot of space with texture.

• Emboss the sides of your coaster. Try dots or vertical strips. Hey, write out a name, a message or a date on the side.

• You could use a thick cardboard inside instead of clay which will create a much, much lighter coaster.

• Try using different decorative tacks, screws or nails or nothing.

• Make it even more personal. Have your child write out his dad’s name and emboss it onto the copper.

So excited Facci Designs is featured on Racked.com

You can view the entire article here

Order your own Facci Designs Sloth or custom dog here

Shell Stamping DIY Towel & Napkin Craft

I recently demonstrated this shell stamping craft on ABC's The Chew. What a great time I had! (You can view here)

It's a simple project, just perfect for kids this summer. Have them collect some shells on the beach or purchase some at your craft store. The flatter the shell, the better. Try stamping dish towels or cloth napkins, pillow cases or even curtains. Use an old towel, pillow case or scrap of fabric to practice on before committing to your final piece/pattern. I purchased very inexpensive dish towels at Walmart to practice on but then ended up using them instead of the more expensive ones for my finished pieces!

Supplies Needed
• Dish Towels/Napkins
• Fabric Paint - I used Martha Stewart Acrylic Craft Paints, which work on fabric
• Paint Brush
• Shells
• Towel

1. Collect your shells
2. Paint your shell with fabric paint
3. Corals and shades of blue work nicely
4. Don't be shellfish...make sure to add enough paint to your shell
5. Place a folded towel on your work surface. This is for two reasons, you need something soft and cushy so your shells will stamp correctly and also, you don't want your paint to come through your fabric and stain your work surface.
6. Press your shell onto your fabric
7 & 8. Gently lift to reveal your design

Try creating "petals" for a flower pattern; use starfish, or create a "scalloped" edge, like in my top photo. (my favorite look)

Let dry and wash as needed.
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"Girls Night In" Menu Board Craft

Having your girlfriends over for a beauty party? Bring "Girls Night In" to another level by showcasing a simple dinner menu on this DIY chalkboard craft.

There's no need to slave over the stove, make some simple grilled cheese bites and while you're at it, enter your recipe in The Grilled Cheese Recipe Showdown® using Wisconsin cheese for a chance to win $15,000! Contest ends May 15. Enter at www.GrilledCheeseAcademy.com. Serve your bites with mini bowls of tomato soup. And for a guilt-free dessert, offer Weight Watchers Salted Caramel Brownie Bliss®...they are so good!! As you can see, I already devoured 2 brownies while working on this project and I know my girlfriends would really appreciate the portion-control.

The evidence. Weight Watchers Salted Caramel Brownie Bliss®...not a crumb left!

Not serving food? Well use this crafty menu board to jot down and share your favorite beauty routine, nail colors or spring lipsticks. I recently tried Maybelline SuperStay 24 hour Lipcolor and I have to say, hours later it was still on. This would be the perfect lipstick for those cheesy grilled cheese bites and would also make a great party favor!

Not many supplies are needed. You might even have some of them on hand...if you’re a crafter...or have a kid. An old or new picture frame is the main star here, chalk board paint and chalk seal the deal. If you happen to have some Chalkboard stencils, all the better!

All my supplies, other than the frame, are from Martha Stewart Crafts® : Chalkboard Paint, Brushes, Eraseable Liquid Chalk and Chalkboard Stencils.

I used an 11 x 17 frame, but any size frame will do. I removed the glass and backing from the frame, then painted the backing with the Chalkboard Paint. I let dry, then painted a second coat for even coverage.

Once the Chalkboard Paint dried, I placed the Chalkboard Stencil down on the board and dabbed on the Eraseable Liquid Chalk. I removed it immediately as the paint was still wet. And, if you make a mistake, no big deal! What’s really great about the liquid chalk is that it won’t smudge - hmm, just like the lipcolor :) - and can be wiped off with a damp paper towel.

Martha Stewart Crafts Stencils make it easy for anyone to look like a professional chalk artist.

Write down your offerings and insert the chalkboard piece back into the frame...with or without the glass. Present your classy menu to your friends, start eating and enjoy your girls night in.

disclosure: this post was sponsored by Martha Stewart but all opinions expressed are my own.