Back in the olden days when I held down a 9 to 5 job, Friday was celebrated because it was the prelude to the weekend.
Now, it's because there's a Party... a Paint Party ... and it's on Fridays!
I've always had a bit of a 'thing' for coasters, and thought I'd have a go at making some.
The local "Cheap as Chips" - type shop were selling cork coasters 6 per pack for $1.99, so I snapped them up.
Here are some pics of the finished coasters. The photo quality is very poor because of the dips and unevenness of the cork coaster. I've sealed them with a high gloss and can't work out how to photograph without all that light refraction.
Never mind, it's all between friends isn't it. I love how we can share so freely.
I've also popped in my home-grown process after the pics:
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| "Roses" |
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| "A Touch of Gold" |
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| "Lilacs of Pink" |
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| "Lollipop Florals" |
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| "Gum Blossoms in the Moonlight" |
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| "Forget Me Nots" |
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| "Potted Gum Blossoms" (my favourite) |
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| "Baby Pink Bottlebrush" |
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| "Wattle" |
🎨 The Process:
I made it up as I went along - was too keen (and impatient I guess!) to do any research... still haven't
😉
~ Three good coatings of black acrylic (thoroughly dry between each coat)
(... I eventually worked out that a kind of patting-on motion alternating between the flat part and the tip of a size 20 flat brush really gets the paint into the myriad nooks and crannies of the cork)
~ Then I gave those 3 layers of black a full week to dry.
~ Then I painted the designs.
~ Allowed another full week to dry.
~ Next, 2 layers of clear gloss sealant - leaving several days to dry between each layer.
(My thinking was that they have to withstand the heat of a cup of hot drink on them, so that's why
I made sure everything was dry before applying another layer... probably overdid it, but I had the time :D) )
☕ It worked! Yay! They can withstand the hottest of hot cuppas! ☕
🎨🎨🎨
Thank you to Bob Burridge, my inspiration for learning to paint flowers:
Linking up with Eva and Kristin's Paint Party Friday.
If you'd like to join in, or just pop over for a look at all the gorgeous creativity, you'll be made most welcome ... click on this image:
Oh my so delightful! I love flowers and these are spot on. I can see these hanging on the wall in a group, so wonderful!!
ReplyDelete... what a lovely thought Peggy! Have a Happy PPF :D) 🌻
DeleteThese are all lovely, Sue! I agree with Peggy, I can also see them hanging on the wall in a group!
ReplyDeleteThank you too Linda ... they're really fun to make, so that's what I shall do. Cheers!🌻
DeleteSue these are absolutely stunning! I love them so much! A very cohesive set! I have a thing for coasters too! I made some last year by painting over some marked down ones! I couldn't even pick a favourite oe these, they're all so beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
Hello Giggles ... yay, thank you so much! Yes, coasters, pillows, can never have too many ;D) lol. Cheerio, my pleasure to share and I loved your visit 😊
DeleteI work from home now, so technically I could start my 'weekend' whenever I like, but I still find myself keeping regular work week hours so Friday is still something I celebrate. :) I love, love, love your flowers. So lovely! Happy PPF!
ReplyDeleteha ha, oh that's right - of course you could!! I'm totally thrilled you loved my flowers, thanks Jessica. Bye for now 😊
DeleteYour coasters are FABULOUS! Wow! Happy PPF, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteaw, 😊 Valerie, thank you - you've made me feel 'wow' Cheers!
Deletewow, these look so fantastic! I never thought of trying to make my own, you could do these as fantastic Christmas presents. Thanks for adding my link to your sidebar. Visiting from PPF.
ReplyDeleteJenn, thank you! I do like to give them as gifts (usually as 'out-of-the-blue' ones). It's a real kick to see them being used too. Lovely to have you visit - cheerio now 😊
DeleteGorgeous flowers
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Clare 😊
DeleteWhat a fun project, Sue! Done of these would make a fun gift. Hmm, I have one from a wedding I played harp for (so a sweet souvenir, but not folks I really know!) ... I might have to try this!
ReplyDeleteHappy PPF!
Thanks Nadya - yes, I really get a kick out of making these. I hope you give it a go... they're so easy to leave and then come back to.
DeleteI love the fact that you play the harp... such beautiful music.
Great to see you - bye for now 😊
A really wonderful work.
ReplyDeleteI love the different motifs, so beautiful.
Thank you for showing the production.
This is a great job.
Admiring greetings
Totally thrilled that you enjoyed seeing them Jutta. I did a few paint-overs but it was all good practice too. Trying to always keep them simple is sometimes a problem for me as I get a bit too much into detail which I can't handle!
DeleteLovely to have you here, bye for now 😊
They all are really LOVELY! I adore your talents to paint flowers so well.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful PPF and happy weekend xx
I appreciate your lovely comments as always Sirkkis... thank you 😊
DeleteOMG!!! These are gorgeous! My favs are A Touch of Gold and Gum Blossoms! Love the glimmer of gold...Sweet of you to explain the process. You have been really patient! Great job Sue! (y)
ReplyDeleteI had done a couple of coasters long back when I was in Dubai. I had tried decoupage for it and painted where needed.
Hello Deepa, I love to hear favourites - thank you... yes, getting loose with the gold paint is quite a thrill. I love those little glimmers it gives when the light touches.
DeleteDecoupage would be another way to do them - yes, I have some good glue... I must give it a try. I keep all cards we're given, perhaps a lovely use for them! Thank you for all your thoughts here 😊
They are brilliant Sue! Thanks for sharing the process, I shall be looking out for some cork mats now. xx
ReplyDeleteOh good Lin, I can imagine how beautiful they'd turn out in your hands!
DeleteI'm so happy you popped over, cheerio and I must check whether you're still on holiday... bye now 😊
These are lovely! Really beautifully done :)
ReplyDeleteHello Sarah, thank you so much - I really appreciate your thoughts.
DeleteI went to your blog but I couldn't find where to leave a comment. I'm a bit slow with the new style of formats. Have you entered a painting on PPF? I'd love it if you'd send me a link. Cheers 😊
These are so pretty Sue! Happy weekend! No creative work here, I have been reading Raymond Carver's short stories :) They are terrible, so realistic but so good!
ReplyDeleteThanks Riitta!! - so happy to read your comment.
DeleteA good read is always worth the time it takes, and whatever makes you happy eh!
Cheerio and see you soon 😊
well look at you Sue-you go girl!! These are absolutely delightful painted coasters! Thanks for sharing your process too. Happy PPF!
ReplyDeleteaww Linda - thank you - so cool to read that! 😊
DeleteGreat to catch up again xx
These are delightful! Very clever of you and thank you for sharing. The pink bottlebrush is my fave but they all are lovely. Happy PPF
ReplyDeleteSuper lovely... thank you Susan - great to read your comments 😊
DeleteOh, these are fun! I love the texture of the cork shining through. My favorites are the bottlebrush and the gum blossoms in the moonlight :-)
ReplyDeleteoh Denthe, thank you, I worried about the funny way the pics turned out, so am glad to see your reaction.
DeleteThanks for mentioning your favourites too - cheerio 😊
Your coasters are so pretty, I would hate to put a glass on them. Thanks for sharing the process of how you made them. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly Arnoldo, that's sweet 😊 Lovely to have you visit.
DeleteLooks like fun, I would not have thought of doing that!
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny, it was! I'm not sure what put the idea in my head - it kind of popped in - thanks for popping over 😊
DeleteI am totally overwhelmed by these fantastic paintings.
ReplyDeleteCool!! Thanks so much - I love that you left your comment 😊 happy painting GA !
DeleteSue, what a fabulous project! You are so patient to wait between paintings that long, but I know the result is worth it. Each one is a beauty. I love the way the gold shows up to highlight them.
ReplyDeleteHello Faye, I appreciate that, but I did them in batches of 8 (they filled a particular size board to sit on), and it was a good easy project to come back and forth to.
DeleteThanks, I love any opportunity to start wielding that gold paint around... in fact I'm going to use it even more - why not eh!!! Cheers now 😊
Hi Sue. I've been up and down your post several times, what a gorgeous group of coasters! I just love the first one (roses) and your gum blossoms, but they're all to drool over. You have a special talent, and creativeness! I have to tell you I have started a sketch of a still art picture that I am copying from a calendar page. I'm hoping to paint it once I'm done. I tried to pick something simple. I just think it's amazing the way you paint vases! Happy Friday to you!♥
ReplyDeleteHello Suzanne, aw thanks for that - I'm really happy you enjoyed them.
DeleteHow cool that you're sketching now with a view to painting, that's great! I was really thrilled when I read that.
Have fun and I can't wait to see your artwork - when you're ready and in your own time, no pressure... the main thing is that it's enjoyable and all-absorbing for you. Happy Painting 😊 xx
Hey Sue! How awesome invention, the use of cork material basis for the painting! Cork makes a fine living surface. Did you use regular acrylic paints? Have a nice weekend;-)
ReplyDeleteLovely to read your comment Anne, thanks heaps for visiting and taking a look.
DeleteYes, just regular acrylic paints 😊 Cheers now!
Thank you so much Sue for looking at my paintings!A question I always ask people Which one was your favorite )the Open the Gates, Tsunami, Orbs in Laguna, or the bridge in China) and why was it your favorite?
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Jeannette! Happy Painting 😊
DeleteThese are terrific, Sue. I love the flowers in the vases especially but I like them all. That's very clever to make them heatproof too.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sheila... I'm really glad you visited.
DeleteIt's a real thrill to me that you like them - yes, it was a success the heatproof, I think in humid weather they like to cling to the glass or cup, but they're so light it doesn't matter - plus, it doesn't damage the painting - or transfer to the cup etc. (whew! that was a huge sentence wasn't it ha ha!!).
Cheerio and I hope Douglas is well ;D) 😊
very impressive crafting, turned out beautifully!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Christine - certainly kept me amused (and out of trouble ;D)) 😊
DeleteOh Sue, what a GREAT job and I admire your patience too. The flowers were all so pretty and what a great idea. Did you leave the bottom of the coasters cork or cover with felt? Would you mind if I used your idea for coasters? I need to make a couple sets for Xmas gifts. Mine would not be a copy of your artwork, I have my own style (smile) plus I could never paint such beautiful flowers as you do. Happy PPF and your post was awesome. You did a great job...especially for your first time. Thank you for sharing. Hugsz Rasz and have a GREAT week!
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly Rasz - I really appreciate your comments.
DeleteNo, I didn't cover the coaster bottoms with felt. However, it's a really good idea because it would give them a more 'finished' look.
That's lovely of you to ask and I'm extremely happy that my coasters have inspired you to make some of your own. I do know your style... your beautiful faces. They'll be gorgeous on the coasters. They're a great gift idea - mine have found homes amongst family and I was thrilled to see them being used too!
Have fun and thank you again, cheers now 😊
They are so beautiful. Very creative and you can paint so well.
ReplyDeleteHello Nancy, thank you very much - since I threw out any (self-imposed) "rules" that I thought I had to follow, it's been nothing but fun! Have a great weekend 😊
DeleteOh, these are so pretty! I would want to hang them on the wall! You are so talented! x Karen
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Thank you so much Karen.. cheers now 😊
DeleteI´m impressed. So beautiful and useful at the same time. And you created the process. Love it :) Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely of you, thank you very much. I always enjoy seeing the process of others, and am very happy to share when I've done it myself. Bye now :D)
DeleteVery impressive Sue, I love the painting on the coasters.
ReplyDeleteHi Bob!! Thanks heaps - beaut of you to say. Cheers now :D)
Deleteevery day is the weekend - right?? we love it that way!! i like the way the cork took to the paint or vise-versa. the bottlebrush was a favorite. these paintings are so unique and creative - you did a beautiful job on these!!
ReplyDeleteoh gosh yes Debbie - sitting on our verandah having coffee and seeing all the lovely people from our street going off to work each day... I empathise and remember the hustle and bustle of life. Retirement has its advantages doesn't it.
DeleteYes, I didn't have a clue as to whether the paint would adhere properly or not, I thought I may have to seal the surface first... but no, plunged in and it worked. Acrylic paint straight from the tube.
Thanks Debbie, I really appreciate your feedback, glad you enjoyed seeing them. Cheerio :D)xx
Another fun, useful project. I have to think up something to do with all my wine corks.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon - yes, it really appealed these little coasters, because they were something useful. Ha ha, the walls can only hold so many paintings !!
DeleteYou've set my mind a'thinking about wine corks now too - all I've used ours for in the past are as little floating things in the pond or bowls of water for our bees to land on (instead of drowning which does happen).
Lovely to have you visit ... bye for now :D)
Oh Sue, these are great ... I think my favourite is the bottle brush, although the forget-me-knots are good to.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea
Hope your weekend is going well.
All the best Jan
I really love that you visited, thanks Jan. Great to know what your favourites are as well.
DeleteYes, the weekend is going super well thanks. We've been to the local Market and Blues Festival and I've had a real good photo opp for a future (private) painting, so ... it's all go here ;D)
Thanks very much Nora - I love how you told me your preferences too... never sure why, it's just interesting what people think.
ReplyDeleteAll the best and cheers now :D)
Dearest Sue; Wow, what fun it must have been to create these coasters with floral designs♡♡♡
ReplyDeleteI LOVE forget-me-knots the best :-) To tell the truth, this flower's name has also Chinese character of my name "都”. "都わすれ. miyako wasure" Please do not forget me, haha.
How hard to choose the favorites. But I love "Baby Pink Bottlebrush", "Lollipop Florals" and of course "Roses"(♡^.^♡)
Have a wonderful coming new week, dear friend.
Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend, xoxo Miyako*
Hello Dear Miyako, oh yes, it was fun and I'm all set to do some more (lots of birthdays coming up in our dear family ;D)).
DeleteThe forget-me-nots are sweet little flowers aren't they... it was lovely to know the relation to your name and to see the Chinese character too - thank you!
It's nice to know your other choices too... and making the roses was extra fun - I never know how they will turn out🌹🌹🌹
Have a great week too and big cheerios from here in Australia. Hugs :D) xx
They look fantastic...well done
ReplyDeleteaw, thanks so much Annie - a big smile here this morning 😊 and sending it your way 🌺
DeleteSue, your coasters look FABULOUS! The black background sets the designs off perfectly. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Serena, and that's lovely of you to say :D) I'd seen a lot of paintings done that way and was really keen to give it a try... the black is also great for painting over any 'mistakes' or 'muck-ups' too. It came in handy a few times!
DeleteCheers now and thanks very much 🌷
wonderful coasters!!!
ReplyDeleteloved the forget me nots most.
your art is absolutely appealing and gorgeous!
it was great to chose black for background .
Hello Baili, thanks very much. That's so nice and I appreciate you telling me. I think the little forget me nots pop up all over the world!
DeleteLovely to have you visit again. Cheerio for now :D)
Great work Sue. And thanks for the "how to".
ReplyDeleteHi there Sandy, hope all's well in your neck of the woods! Thanks for dropping by and I'm glad you enjoyed it all. Cheers now :D)
DeleteLiebe Sue,
ReplyDeletewelch eine großartige Idee von Dir!!! Die zwei letzten Bilder sind meine absoluten Favoriten!!! Sie sind herrlich!!!
Alles Liebe für Dich
Heidi
Und vielen Dank für Deine lieben Worte auf meinem Blog!
Heidi's comment translated
DeleteLove Sue,
What a great idea of you !!! The last two pictures are my absolute favorites !!! They are gorgeous !!!
All love for you
Heidi
And thanks for your kind words on my blog!
Hello Heidi, thanks very much - I'm very happy you liked the idea. It's nice to know your thoughts and your favourites! Lovely! :D)
DeleteLiebe Sue,
ReplyDeletejetzt hatte ich doch tatsächlich etwas vergessen...
Was sind "Wurm-Gussteilen" (worm castings)?
So lerne ich auch bei Dir immer wieder dazu! Danke!
...und alles Liebe
Heidi
Heidi's Comment translated:
DeleteLove Sue,
Now I had actually forgotten something ...
What are "worm castings"?
So I learn with you again and again! Thank you!
... and all love
Heidi
Heidi worm castings (or vermicompost) are the waste from worms (worm poop) and it is very rich in beneficial micro-organisms.
DeleteI shall include this link I've found: Worm Composting and Worm Castings which includes some categories in German.
I keep a worm bin and my Husband uses the castings to make a slurry similar to your nettle slurry.
I use the liquid waste (worm wee) as a tonic for my plants.
Both must be well diluted before using - just as with your nettle recipe.
I hope this helps and it's given me an idea for a future post.
Thanks for your visit, cheerio for now :D)
Sue I just love these. I too am a coaster person. LOL this is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole, and I love that you told me that... never can have too many coasters eh ;D) Cheers and thanks for popping by!
DeleteThese are so great! I love art that is functional, too!
ReplyDeleteGloria, thank you - yes, I agree :D)
DeleteWhat fun coasters. Lovely section of flowers!
ReplyDeleteHello Eva, thank you kindly... for your comments and visit.
DeleteThank you too for co-hosting and making Paint Party Friday possible, it's so lovely and inspirational. Cheers :D)
Great stuff. Very creative. You have distinctive style that I think I could almost recognise anywhere.
ReplyDeleteThat's so sweet, it's so hard to know if I'd developed a style of my own... so thank you Vicki - it means a lot :D)
DeleteWhat wonderful coasters. They are so eye catching. Who wouldn't enjoy placing a hot cup of something on them. So glad you shared the process too. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Deborah, so glad you liked them. They're certainly something I'll keep making too! Appreciate you visiting :D)
DeleteYou're incredibly talented! I'm really fascinated with how you paint those flowers in so many different ways - all very beautiful:)
ReplyDeleteAnnie, thank you.
DeleteI look around the internet and gain hints and inspiration from "how to" videos, there are so many artists willing to share their methods. It's fun experimenting too. Your encouraging words are much appreciated :D)
what a fun collection of colorful plant paintings - nice to see!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Sandy :D)
Delete