To the cute hubby it has the appearance of one more thing I have to do. He doesn't have a full understanding of how therapeutic it can be. Plus there is always the added bonus of admiring the finished product.
I had been feeling a little guilty because I've been so caught up in life I didn't take the time to shower my kids' teachers with appreciation as I've done in the past. So it was time to redeem myself. This project is one of my favorites, so much so, I couldn't resist the temptation to make one for myself this go around.
Two Christmases ago I made these for my kids' teachers and decided I would make it a yearly tradition. I thought it would be fun to show my kids' trail through the elementary school. Unfortunately, last year when I set out to purchase the needed slates I couldn't find them. Well, the wonderful world of the great wide web came through for me and I was finally able to secure a few (or 10...you know, just in case).
Here goes:
Gather the desired number of slates and flowers, as well as corresponding ribbon and paint. You will also need some tacky glue (I use Aileen's), a drill, polyurethane finish, paint brushes, sandpaper, vinyl, and of course something to cut that vinyl with, like a Cricut.
Here is an example I will use to show the project from start to finish.
Tape the inside edge of the slate and sand the outside edges.
Paint the slate's frame. Some colors need only 2 coats, others, like the pink, need 3. I also paint a quick coat on the back to finish it.
Then it's time to protect the paint and ensure it doesn't rub off on other things. Apply a quick coat of polyurethane. I prefer to use Cermacoat's varnish. However I was committed to using only what I had in the house this go round. This works in a pinch, but takes longer to dry. And the cute hubby might just take your brush in the midst to do a quick touch up here and there around the house. :)
The next step is to mark the holes for the cute hubby to drill. Two years ago I did the drilling myself, this year I let the hubby do the honors with is new birthday toy. I find the top, center of the frame and mark it with a pencil for the flower. I also place marks 1 1/2 inches from either end to tie in the ribbon used for hanging the slate. The drill bits vary depending on the flower, but I use a small one for the ribbon (I wish I had made note of the size, sorry).
Measure 21 inches of ribbon. Slide one end through one of the side holes. Tie it off in back with a double knot. Slide the other end through the other side hole. Tie it off with a double knot.
Measure and cut two 6 inch strips. These will be glued onto the top of the frame beginning about one inch from the center hole. Glue it over the top of the other ribbon (used to hang the slate) to the end of the frame. Once it has dried, flip it over, put a drop of glue on the side and glue the remainder of the strip down on the backside. I like to glue down the excess from the knot and then glue the strips that have wrapped around from the front over the top of the excess. I use wire cutters to cut the stem off my flower so there is about a third of an inch left of the stem. I dip what's left of the stem in the glue bottle and then place it in the large, center hole.
Now it's time for the vinyl. Type in the desired name into the Design Studio software. This makes it easier to manipulate the lettering and spacing. Plus you can intermix fonts if necessary. For this go round I used 'Making the Grade' for all the lettering and "All Mixed Up" for the apostrophe and asterik placed to abbreviate Mrs.
Cut the vinyl using the software and Cricut.
Peel off the excess vinyl, leaving the desired printing on the backing.
Apply the transfer tape. Burnish with a popsicle stick, brayer, or credit card to be sure the vinyl sticks to the tape and will come off the backing when the tape is pulled up.
Position the transfer tape onto the slate as desired. Burnish in order to transfer the lettering to the slate. Viola, the finished project!
Here are a few more, including 2 void of vinyl. Sometimes I get a little carried away when I find the time to play. I'm sure I'll find a use for them. I'm thinking they might make cute birthday gifts for ALL the birthday parties the girls get invited to! Check 'em out!
The frame of this one is actually blue, but didn't photograph well. Also, I go back and forth on whether the flower is too large. I think I've looked it so long I've come to terms with it.
