Coaster Calendars

Tonight, a simpler post! If any of you try the tri-shutter from yesterday and it doesn't seem right, PLEASE let me know! I did one (well two, one to keep, one to mail) and think I caught the errors. But, I've done them before!

Following are the five versions of coaster calendars that I made for my gift exchange at a recent stamp group Christmas party. They weren't so fun in the middle of the night, but overall I like how they came out! They have magnet strips attached to the back so they can be placed on a file cabinet or refrigerator.

The background papers used are all from the Sweet Slumber Specialty DSP from the last catalog. Now retired, sorry! But most of my point in doing these was to use up some of my stash.

My first step in making these, after obtaining the coasters and calendars, is to cut the DSP to 4 x 4 squares. You should be able to get 9 out of 1 sheet of DSP.

Next step on these was to emboss the "My dear kind & wonderful friend" using Black Craft ink and clear embossing powder. Next I ran some Sticky Pages (p. 180, bottom right side) cut down into strips through the Big Shot and cut a circle with the Holiday Windows circle. I tried punches but they won't punch all the way through. The Sticky Pages are like Sticky Strip, just in a 12 x 12 sheet. Great for glitter! I sparked for days!! I used several glitters: some are Chunky Sprinkles (Crystal Iris & Light Blue), some are Fine Galaxy (Red & Champagne).

Next step was to attach the DSP to the coasters. I used the SU! glue sticks. Put some on the DSP, and some on the coaster, making sure to get close to the edge. I pressed it together all round, set it under something heavy, repressed until I knew it was caught. Then I clipped of the square corners of the DSP and sanded all the edges. That just kind of "blends" the paper into the chipboard and smooths the edges.

Finally, I dug through my room for accessories and found some Prima flowers that coordinated perfectly. Most are attached with Rhinestone brads in various colors. When I ran out of Primas, I used some punched flowers in coordinating prints.

Happy Thanksgiving all!