Sign Me Up by Judi Kauffman

It all started with a stack of dollar store coasters, the kind that come in packs or eight or twelve. You know – one of those ‘I’ll use it someday’ purchases. These sturdy circles were light blue with oranges and watermelon slices printed on them, summery and bright, ready for a picnic or barbecue. But who uses coasters at a picnic? Not I!

Time to give the coasters a facelift… I turned them into signs: One to welcome guests, the other three to send as an alternative to folded greeting cards.

StencilGirl® stencils: 

Crackle stencil by Nathalie Kalbach

Lacy Lotus Repeat stencil by Jessica Sporn

Paisley Floral Repeat by Jessica Sporn

Clustered Leaves stencil by Cecilia Swatton

Other supplies:

Black gesso

Acrylic paints in red and gold

1” paintbrush

Stencil brush

Cardstock in shades to coordinate with paint colors

Ribbon and trim

.25” hole punch

Die cutting machine
Adhesive-backed velvet paper in black and red (Elizabeth Craft Designs)

Shimmer Sheetz in Fire Opal Gemstone (ECD)

Metal adaptor plate (required for die cutting Shimmer Sheetz)

Cutting dies (words) – Live, Thank You, Welcome, Be*, and Happy* (Suzanne Cannon’s A Way With Words Collection from ECD)

  *Be is from the ‘Eat Drink and Be Merry’ set, Happy is from ‘Happy Birthday’

[photo 1]

Step 1 – Paint the coasters with a coat of black gesso, let it dry, then randomly brush on some red paint, and let it dry.

Step 2 – Stencil favorite patterns with a rosy shade of gold paint. Option: If you decide you want a set of matching coasters use only one stencil (or a mixed set with several), stop with this step and add a couple of coats of acrylic sealer!

Step 3 – Die cut word sentiments from adhesive-backed velvet paper sheets or Shimmer Sheetz backed with double-sided adhesive tape prior to die cutting. (Reminder: A metal adaptor plate is required for die cutting Shimmer Sheetz – review Els van de Burgt’s YouTube video tutorial if you are new to this technique.)  Depending on the complexity of the stenciled pattern and the look of the word(s), also die cut a 2.25” circle from adhesive-backed velvet paper.

Step 4 – Arrange and adhere optional circle and word(s) to the stenciled coasters. To my eye, words look best at an upward angle, but this is a matter of personal preference.

Step 4 - Using double-sided tape, adhere each coaster to a cardstock circle. (Shown: Coasters are 4” across, circles are 6”. Use smaller cardstock circles if you prefer a narrower border/frame.

Step 5 – Punch a hole at the top of the outer circle; add ribbon or trim to make a loop for hanging.