Sunday, November 9, 2014

Ladybug Coasters for our Back Porch

I wrote this post back in the Summer, then sort of forgot about publishing it.  The idea would translate nicely into holiday hostess gifts, so here you go!  ;-)  Just use different shapes.

 
We have a wonderful table on our back porch where we hang out these lovely mild evenings.  One problem though, it's an open grate style and sometimes the condensation from our drinks will drip on our toes.  Not painful of course, but it does sort of startle visitors!  ;-) 
 
'Time for some fun coasters!
 

The project begins with inexpensive cork trivets and large cookie cutters.  Leaves and ladybugs would be cute, right?  I had expected to just press the cookie cutters into the cork, but mine aren't strong enough. 


So, I whipped out this bad boy!  After tracing around the cookie cutters, I used the hot knife to slice through the cork.  A regular craft knife would work fine, too!  It's just cork.


You might remember I like decorating gourds using leather dyes.  That stuff is so awesome on wood and such because you can still see the natural flaws.  I LOVE LEATHER DYE!  It doesn't cover the texture of the cork, just colors it.


The ladybugs turned out super charming, but the leaves, well, you be the judge.


To me they look like Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree!  ;-)  Peanuts comic strip is a favorite around here!  Maybe we could figure out a whole set of Charlie Brown stuff!  ;-)


 
Anyway, it was a fun project and our neighbors are happy that there are no more drips into their flip flops!  ;-)  Tell me about your back porch!

;-)  -Marci

11 comments:

  1. Those are so cute! I have never heard of a hot knife, but now I kind of want one! LOL! Love the brightness of those leather dyes on that cork too! I cannot wait until next spring to make some things for my patio!

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  2. These are so cute :) I wonder if your guests will have the heart to put their cups on such gorgeous coasters.
    Love the bright colors. Well done!

    -Tanya
    http://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/

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  3. These are so cute . . . I love getting new ideas, especially this time of year.
    Have a lovely day and thanks for sharing.
    Your blogging sister,
    Connie :)

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  4. ohhh love the lady bugs and agree about the tree/leaf lol. That is one thing I always found a bit distracting - condensation dripping down to your toes while relaxing in the sun. Great idea on the coasters. I haven't used leather paint but I love the colors you used and the way the cork shines through!

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  5. The lady bugs are so cute and this craft idea is fabulous. Saw you at Tues. with a Twist link Up #84. If you can, look for me on there too. My blog is about How to Take Action with Your Food Shopping Dollars.

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  6. I love this project and will be featuring it at Garden Up green at Tuesdays with a twist. I hope you stop by and link up at my blog. Ladybugs are a favorite of mine and I think this would be an awesome Christmas gift. Thanks for sharing with us. -Carole @ Garden Up green

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  7. What a great winter project. The ladybug coasters are adorable. Thank you for sharing with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop! I hope you’ll join us again next week!

    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick
    http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com

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  8. My grandma would love these! She loves anything ladybug.

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  9. These would make great gifts! Thank you for sharing at Merry Monday!

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  10. Very cute coasters! Thanks for linking at You're The Star Blog Hop!
    Mel - Decor Craft Design

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