One of my favourite brands, without a doubt, is The English Stamp Company. They create the most beautiful bespoke stamps that you can use for an array of creative projects.
I have used their products for years but it wasn’t until recently when I decided to design my own wrapping paper for Christmas that I completely emptied out their stock room and now own nearly every stamp on their website. Whoops!
Our very old cork coasters that we bought in Paris over a hundred years ago have most definitely had their day and are looking a bit withered from years of tea abuse and having a 7 month old chew them as a teething toy. So I decided to create my own (I’ll be sure to keep them out the way of infant destroyers!)
Here’s how I did it…
You Will Need:
- Fimo Professional Clay
- VersaFine Onyx Black ink pad
- Black paint
- A small paint brush
- Gloss Varnish
- Fay used the following; Woodland Fern, 2 inch Fir Cone, 2 inch Olive Leaves and 2 inch Pheasant Feather but you can of course, use any of our stamps for this project.
Preheat the over to 110 C, or at whatever temperature your clay packet advises. Take the Fimo Clay out of the packaging and cut 4 segments measuring at about an inch and a half in length.
Roll each of the clay cubes into a ball. The clay will be firm but as the clay warms in your hands it will become more pliable.
Flatten the clay in your hands, pressing it down with your palms and fingers to create an uneven and more homespun look.
You can use a rolling pin and a cookie cutter if you prefer a more smooth and finished look, but I decided on doing this project free hand as I wanted them to look a bit more rustic and handmade.
Place the flattened clay disks on a baking tray lined with baking paper and put in the oven for approximately 30 mins (please check the packaging of your clay for baking time as all clay brands vary) at the recommended temperature.
When your clay coasters have baked and have cooled down. Take a piece of kitchen roll or a cotton pad and dab it into the black ink pad.
Buff the ink onto the sides of the coaster.
Place your stamps into the ink pad and pressed firmly onto the coaster.
Take your paint brush and dip it into some watered down black paint.
Using your index finger tap the brush lightly over the coaster to create a paint-splattered effect.
Set aside for an hour so that everything is completely dry and set. Using the Fimo Gloss Varnish, take a wide paint brush and apply one coat of varnish to the dry coaster. Set aside to dry for a further few hours.
Wrap accordingly and give as a gift or keep for yourself and boil that kettle!
If you’ve enjoyed this, you can read more craft blogs by The Poncy Pantry here.
