EMBROIDERY IMPRINT COASTERS

Use decorative linens to create pretty patterns on these useful accessories.

You will need

✿ Original white Sculpey clay

✿ Old rolling pin (no longer used for food) ✿ Melamine tray, plastic mat or smooth chopping board (no longer used for food) ✿ Embroidered linens ✿ 88mm scalloped biscuit cutter

✿ Foil ✿ Flat baking tray ✿ Old flat plate ✿ Acrylic paints (primary red and crimson used here) ✿ Sponge roller ✿ Paintbrush ✿ Strong kitchen roll ✿ Sculpey Satin Glaze (available from Craftmill) ✿ Self-adhesive foam sheets, such as Fab Foam (available from Hobbycraft) ✿ Scissors

To make

❶ Knead a piece of Sculpey and roll out to 5mm thick on a flat surface such as a melamine tray, plastic mat or smooth chopping board.

❷ Place a section of embroidered linen face down on to the Sculpey and roll over two or three times, making sure it doesn’t move. Peel away the linen, leaving an imprint of the design.

❸ Position the scalloped edge cutter centrally over the design and press down firmly to cut it out. Repeat to make more coasters.

❹ Lay the coasters on a sheet of foil on top of a baking tray and follow the Sculpey instructions to harden the clay in the oven.

❺ To decorate the coasters with a solid colour, squeeze a small blob of paint on to a flat plate and cover the sponge roller with an even, light layer. Gently roll over the top of the coaster. Alternatively, to add colour to the imprinted part only, add a little water to the acrylic and brush over the design quickly. Use damp kitchen roll to wipe away any paint on the flat surface, being careful not to touch the design. Allow to dry.

❻ Apply a couple of coats of Sculpey glaze, leaving to dry after each one.

❼ Cut discs of adhesive foam 1cm smaller than the coaster and stick on to the back of each one.

You could also press real leaves and flowers into the clay for a similar effect.