Tile and Spray Paint Coasters How To

Have you got some old kitchen/bathroom tiles that you're not sure what to do with? Why not turn them into handy coasters or plant pot holders? This is a really thrifty make using tiles, spray paint and masking tape- all materials that you probably already have to hand, or can buy cheaply. With just these few materials you can create something that's both stylish and really useful for your home or desk. As you know, I love upcycling and thrifty makes, so I'm excited to share this How To with you today...

1) You will need

Tiles, spray paint, masking tape, small pieces of felt and double sided tape/glue for backing (not pictured)

A note on tiles... If you don't have any spare tiles to hand, many DIY shops sell sample tiles for a few pence each

2) Use the masking tape to cover the areas you don't want to spray paint. I chose simple striped designs but there are lots of other things you could try- try adding small snippets of masking tape to your tiles, blocking out a grid, mask just the corners or the sides- so many possibilities!

3) Spray your tiles! Building up thin coats will give you a better paint coverage than one thick coat. I sprayed my tiles with three coats of paint. Ensure you spray paint in a well ventilated area and wear a mask. Allow to dry thoroughly between coats

4) When the paint is completely dry, carefully peel away the masking tape to reveal the finished design. I didn't leave mine to dry completely and as you can see, this has resulted in jagged paint lines. I quite like the effect, but if you'd like straight lines, do leave the paint to dry completely!

5) Use double sided tape or strong glue to fix small squares of felt onto the corners of your coasters to protect your surfaces

Tah da! Make a nice cup of tea, grab your favourite biscuits and put your new coasters to good use, or use as a pot holder for your plants. Happy making!

Harris Tweed Button Bookmarks

Happy Sunday to you all! Today I'll be working on an upcoming How To that I'll share with you soon, plus spending some time with Mr Writer and family. I've also started planning to make my first quilt... oops. I have projects to finish but I can't help but think about the next one!

I just wanted to stop by today to tell you that I have a couple of colours of my Harris Tweed button bookmarks/giant paper clips available in my Etsy Shop, but I make them in many more colours. I also make Tartan and knitted ones too. They are all embellished with upcycled fabric pieces and the Tartan ones are embellished with upcycled leather pieces. As always, if you would like something in a certain style or colour that you can't see in my Etsy Shop, or if you have any other specific requirements, drop me a message here, or email me at enquiries@louisedawsondesign.com and I'd be very happy to help! 

Have a lovely day, whatever you're up to and I'll catch up with you again later in the week

Afternoon Tea Week Blackberry and Marshmallow Cake Recipe and Tea Tray How To

One of my favourite things in the world is a mug of Earl Grey tea and a slice of cake, so you can understand my excitement when I heard that it's Afternoon Tea Week! The blackberries are also ripening in the hedgerows and I thought that this would be the perfect time to re-share a recipe I came up with a couple of years ago for blackberry and marshmallow cake. You can find the recipe here - happy baking! The tray I've used here is an old metal tea tray I found in a charity shop and spray painted to give it a new lease of life- find out how in this post. Have a lovely time enjoying Afternoon Tea Week

On Instagram In July

 Happy August to you! Today I'd like to share my Instagram photos from July- I've absolutely loved the weather and getting outside for lots of walks and ice cream! Here's what else I got up to...

Walking by the river while Mr Writer catches Pokemon is the perfect excuse for an ice cream!

I love living close to the river and this is one of my favourite views of my home town

I snapped a pic of this very pretty nautical themed front door on one of our walks down to the river

The garden has been looking so lovely in the sunshine and I've enjoyed having the chance to work outside alot

The beautiful sunshine has meant that everything has been in bloom- this rose is one of my favourites this year

Wildlife watching- a Peacock butterfly enjoying the Buddleia

I've no idea what this flower is but it's certainly very pretty!

Trying out one of my Harris Tweed mini embroidery hoops as a brooch. this received a good response on Instagram so I'm going to make a little range of these

Wearing my favourite top with one of the Harris Tweed mini embroidery hoop necklaces that I made for myself

I read Gone Girl in July- give it a read if you get the chance!

WIP

Some of the handmade jewellery pieces that are available in my Etsy Shop

This pink necklace was a custom order for a lovely customer

And this one I made for a birthday gift for a friend

All the rings! This is the current range I have in my Etsy Shop

Necklace ready to go off to its new home. I love packaging orders!

Granny Square crocheted blanket WIP

I made a Custard Cream cheesecake at Mr Writer's request! It was very yummy

Nelson cat has enjoyed taking it easy this month!

He's developed a habit of taking over your book and sleeping on it if you're reading! Who knew books could be so comfy?!

Sooo cute!

So that was July and here we are in August already! What did you get up to last month?