Some of you who have been following Blanket Stitch for a while, might recognise the technique I have used here, and to those of you who are newbies, you might be wondering how exactly I have managed to capture this wonderful image and turned it into a coaster.

Read on, and all will be revealed!

I made these coasters a few months ago, after deciding I really ought to get on the Christmas bandwagon early, and knowing how these went down last year as presents for relatives I knew they would come out well.

For those of you unfamiliar with this, the technique used here is called Servietten Technique. Its a craft where  using the top, patterned layer of a napkin/serviette you place the image/pattern on to anything*

(*so far in my tests anything includes the following: Crockery, Tiles, Glass, Wood, Cloth bags, Candle and Plastic)

Using the image extracted from the napkin, glue, a paintbrush and A LOT of patience you can press and glue to image down.

Then using varnish (not on cloth!) you seal the image and also waterproof it at the same time!

These coasters come in a set of four, and have a beautiful Christmas scene covering them. They have been sealed and varnished, and are therefore waterproofed against any little spills that might come from your cup!

They are backed with green felt, giving them a soft backing, and stopping any scratches from the hard tiles on your furniture.

All coasters are wrapped in beautiful ribbon making a small stack.

These coasters are a wonderful present and can be found for just £10.00 on our Folksy Store.

Click the link above to buy it for yourself (or for a gift!)

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It was a little warmer this time, but the idea was still the same, it was time for another wonderful Servietten Technique workshop. Having enjoyed the last one so much, me and Carol popped along to learn new things and make some wonderful new items. 

I, of course, having built up a little production line of coasters last time, started right where I left off. The first napkin I came across was the one seen below, which had pictures of Strawberry's and flowers, and even a recipe for Strawberry Jam on one part...suddenly a plan was forming in my brain.

Wouldn't it be awesome to make a tiny set, aimed at possibly the single person (in my head I was thinking me, in my own flat for the first time would love something like this). A big coaster to stand your teapot for one on and a smaller coaster to stand you cup on. Perfect. 

So I set to work, using a large tile for the teapot stand and a smaller tile for the coaster.

I thought it was a nice idea to put the recipe on the larger tile, it gave it a quirky effect and thought it would be a brilliant addition to any kitchen, doubling up as a recipe as and when it is needed.

I don't know about you, but I think they ended up looking brilliant, and would give any kitchen that country cottage feel!

Another two coasters I made are the two above, I just loved the hearts & music, would be a brilliant present for a music fan and I thought it was just a beautiful pattern.

The herb one, I also thought would be a wonderful addition to a kitchen, you could even stand some of your pots on it on the work surface!


Below are two of Carol's coasters she made on the day, I love the top, nautical themed one and feel that might end up in her nautical themed bathroom!

Hope you enjoyed part two of the Servietten Technique workshop, and should there be a part three, you'll be the first to know about it!
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I have been dying to get this little project underway for a long time, and if you've seen my blog post on Servietten Technique & the workshop I attended then you'll know I am a big fan!

I had been waiting to get myself into gear mainly, for some of my other projects to subside and most importantly, I needed to get myself some tiles. The last point was the easiest part, yet I left that until last.  However, I finally got myself in gear, and here is how my day turned out.

I had been thinking about making a vintage set of coasters for a while, something chic and timeless, and I came across this gorgeous print that I was just dying to use.

I chose four tiles, and covered them carefully, and waited for the undercoat of glue to dry (which I must say is this hardest part of this craft, because you just find yourself wanting to keep going through all the stages).

Then it was onto the top coat, covering the coasters with the glue to set the image onto the tile, then more drying.

Now I just need to do the final stages before they will be ready.

I think you'll agree with me when I say, they are looking pretty cool.
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After being invited to a dear friends in late November, we were treated to mulled apple juice (which was delicious!!) Mince Pies and the most delicious gingerbread I think I have ever tasted! Our main purpose there was a workshop to teach us all how to make beautiful gifts using Servietten Technique, a technique in which you use a serviette/napkin/tissue to decorate a variety of objects.

The technique is simple… Choose your object, ensure you’re using the correct glue (for anything other than fabric use Decopatch glue which can be bought from Hobby Craft). Cut out the size or area of a serviette you wish to use, you can use the whole thing (see coaster above) or just individual parts (see Candle below). Then peel all the layers so you only have the top layer (this is very important!!!). Cover the area which you section of serviette will cover, with a light smattering of glue, then allow to dry. When the area is dry, cover the image on top with glue, start at the inside and work your way to the outer edge, being ever so gentle so as not to tear the serviette – this seals the image. Allow to dry!

If making a coaster, like above, use a kitchen/bathroom tile. These are great, fun & inexpensive to give as gifts, and are really effective I think you’ll agree! If doing this, ensure you varnish (2-3 coats) with a clear, polyurethane varnish to really seal the image and protect it from the heat. Also glue felt to the back to produce a really gorgeous, long lasting coaster.

With the candles all you need to do is put a very light amount of glue on the candle where your image will sit, and then leave it for a while to dry. Then all you need to do next is to put a very light layer of glue, working from the centre of the image out (being gentle so as not to tear the image) and this will seal it.

TOP TIP: Why not make a coaster set as a gift. You could use a larger tile as a teapot stand, and decorate four coasters the same to make a matching set.

Below is a photo of a set I made my grandparents for Christmas, I think you'll agree they'll look awesome.

**All this work is with great thanks to my good friend Laura, who taught me this wonderful craft, and everything I know, I know because of her! Thanks Laura! **
Check out Laura's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ArtbyLaura

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