Perfect Picnic

Today's adventure was in our own backyard proving that you can have a picnic anywhere! How about for Father's Day?

Get the look: Basket, Glasses, PitcherLeather Ice Bucket, Blanket - other optionBoat Plate, Fruit Bowl, Wood Serving Plate, and Nut Bowls

DIY Coasters

You will need:

  • Tiles
  • A map, or maps, of your choosing
  • Paper trimmer
  • Foam brush
  • Mod Podge
  • Adhesive felt

Select the parts of the map you want to display, then cut them out to a size that fits your coaster. Some people like to fill the tile to the edges with the picture they’re applying. You might consider leaving a border of bare tile around the picture for a chic effect.

Using your foam brush, apply the Mod Podge to the back of your picture and let it dry. This will help prevent air bubbles from getting trapped between the map and the tiles in the future. Layer the tile with Mod Podge and center the map on the tile. Spread Mod Podge generously over the face of the map. Apply three layers.

If at any point in the process, you notice an air bubble trapped under the map, “push” the bubble out with your fingers. 

To protect your furniture, add adhesive felt to the bottoms of the tiles.

Leave the coasters undisturbed for two to three solid days. Finally, the payoff. Have some friends over and brew up some conversation with your coffee.

Some tips: I strongly recommend using antique-looking maps. These look phenomenal with a border of bare tile showing around them.

 

 

DIY Candle Holders

Now you can have your oysters and eat them too! Oysters are a favorite dish of them but their exteriors are just as appealing as their interiors. Instead of throwing out the pretty shells, try turning them into candles using these simple steps.

You’ll need:

  • clam or oyster shells (deep enough to hold some wax, similar size to a tealight)
  • a double boiler
  • beeswax
  • waxed and wired tealight wicks with tabs

Melt the beeswax in a double boiler and prepare the seashells by washing them thoroughly. Carefully pour wax into the shells, making sure they stay level and wax doesn’t pour over the edges. (Here's a trick: sit the shells in sand so they don't slide around while you're pouring the hot wax.) Place a wick in the center of each one. The wicks are short and should easily stay in place without the help of a glue gun. Then let the cool and cure for a full 24 hours. It's so simple and shabby chic. Happy crafting!