: January 2015

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Raindrops on Roses Anniversary and Looking Ahead

This past month marks the anniversary of this little space on the internet. I started Raindrops on Roses as a way to share my artwork and creative ideas. It has been a challenge to keep up with the

blog over the past several years between college, wedding planning, etc. But, this past year has been the biggest year yet!

It has been so fun to see growth and success this year! I am excited for the next year of my little creative business and am anticipating some great things!

In looking at the next year, I wanted to establish a goal and purpose for Raindrops on Roses.

THE MISSION

To inspire others to use their creativity and means within their grasp to add beauty to their own lives and the lives of those around them...

I so often find myself looking at others through social media who seem to live beautiful lives complete with gorgeous elaborate parties, perfectly decorated homes, and expensive stylish wardrobes. These are all fun and inspiring to look at, but I found that I begin comparing myself to these women, discontent, and ultimately trying to become more like them.

I realized that I can still have creativity and beauty in my life without spending a fortune or losing my own style. I decided instead of trying to achieve what others have, a better way is to take inspiration I find and do it my own way with what resources I have.

I would like to make this a place to share creative ideas that utilize resources that are inexpensive and accessible. To add beauty to our lives, homes, and wardrobes in attainable ways even if it means thinking outside the box!

I know you may say "time is money", or "DIY is not my thing". Then, let me do that part for you! I've had friends ask me to address their envelopes, design invitations, and even purchase the finished product of a DIY project I've shared. If you see a project you like, email me for details for a custom piece! Be sure to visit the shop as well!

I have many new things in the works for 2015 including a Thank You Card package and Calligraphy Services. I would love your feedback on what you'd like to see whether it be types of blog posts or items in the Etsy shop. Thank you, my friends for following along and supporting me along the way!

Friday, January 16, 2015

How To: Baking Soda Coasters

I have been wanting to add pretty wintery coasters to our living room. During the Christmas season, I kept seeing gorgeous, white ornaments made from baking soda dough. I tried a batch and created coasters!

You will need:

Baking Soda

Cornstarch

Water

Parchment Paper

Cookie Sheet

Rolling Pin

4" Bowl or Cup

Clear Gloss Spray-on Sealer

1 Sheet Red Felt

Scissors

Glue gun

Stamp (optional)

Glitter (optional)

1. Follow this recipe from Tips From A Typical Mom

for baking soda dough.

2. Roll out your dough on a sheet

of parchment paper coated with corn starch. Coat your rolling pin as well. Roll the dough until you have an even approx 1/4" thick piece.

3. using a 4" Diameter bowl, cup, or mug, carefully cut out circles. You will want to be sure that your circles are slightly wider than most of the bases of your mugs.

4. Using a flat metal spatula, carefully transfer your circles to a parchment lined cookie sheet. Run your finger gently along the edges of your coasters to smooth them out. At this time, if you are planning to add a stamped design, press your stamp gently into the dough. You only need to add slight pressure, the stamp does not need to go deep into the dough.

Feel free to gather your dough scraps and re-roll it out for more coasters. However, you will want to prevent the dough from drying out. Dry dough will create cracks when baked. Add a couple drops of water to keep the dough moist. Bake the coasters 175°F for 1 hour.

5. After you bake your coasters, you will want to seal them to protect them from liquids. I used spray glossy sealer from Walmart. Immediately after spraying the first coat, I added glitter while the gloss was wet. Spray your coasters front and back with at least 3 coats of sealer.

To add a felt backing, cut out a circle using your coaster as a guide. I trimmed my felt to be just slightly smaller than the coaster.

6. Glue your felt down using a hot glue gun. Rather than adding all the glue before pressing the felt down, add glue a small section at a time, pressing the felt down as you go. This is allow you to secure the felt before the glue dries.

Christmas is over and my decorations are put away now, but winter definitely is not behind us. I will be drinking hot cocoa out of this adorable mug from a friend and using these coasters for a while longer!

Friday, January 2, 2015

2014 As Told By the Rings

I know everyone is saying 2014 flew by, and I'm with you, this past year seemed like the fastest year yet! It was great to spend my first full year in Utah and married!

2014 also marks my first online art sale which was followed by many successful sales. It was exciting to see this little business take off. And I have you, my friends, to thank for that success! :)

I wanted to share a few of the ring shots Wes and I took along the way this year. Some are just from my phone, but its fun to look back at the things we've done together!