Since I started The Violet Hours, my most linked-to post has been the air-dry-clay rock placecards that I made for my wedding. After many requests for a tutorial, here it is!
What you’ll need: white air dry clay, a sponge, cooking oil, small letter stamps, paper towel, q-tip, glossy varnish, sponge brush, parchment paper, rapidograph pen
Form clay into an organic rock shape, about 3″ long x 2″ wide x 1″ tall. Smooth with wet sponge and let dry for ten minutes.
Dip your finger in olive oil and smear across the surface of the clay. Stamp letters into the clay to spell names (the oil allows for a clean release). Blot oil off with a paper towel, and smooth any dings or divots with a wet q-tip.
Let rocks dry completely on parchment paper, which may take a few days due to density of the clay.
Using a sponge brush, coat dry rocks with varnish just over the name. This will dry in less than an hour.
Using a rapidograph ink pen (the tip is very fine and almost functions like a syringe dispensing ink), fill in the letters with dark ink.
Let ink dry and coat entire rock surface with a final coat of varnish.
Even though it was a hundred degrees, with a hundred percent humidity and a threat of tornado, I made it to the Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn yesterday. After passing many a silk-screened onesie booth, here were some of my fave finds…
There is something so precious about these little book charms by The Black Spot Books.
I have always been a fan of The Small Object, so it was fun to see her whimsical products in person.
If it’s embroidered these days, I love it, which is why I was so drawn to the sweet products of Coral & Tusk.
I started obsessively scanning The Style Files today; you may see many links coming from that blog. It’s that good! Here are some cool ways to arrange your walls…
Hankies are plentiful at all flea markets, and when I actually have the patience, I’ll go through the stacks to find dainty ones, unusual ones, colorful ones. Here are some good ones and some good ideas of what to do with them…
Not only is the packaging adorable, but the hankies by Harrington & Squires are letterpress-printed with the words BOOHOO, SNEEZE AND ATSHOO. Found via Tea for Joy.
Just when I think I’ve seen all the table numbers ideas, I stumble upon a new one, like these number-printed hankies wrapped around a bottle. Via Design Sponge; made by sian keegan.
Framed in simple square frames, handkerchiefs make great wall art. Found via Poppytalk.
I’m lovin’ these lovely hankie hanging vases, complete with a how-to. Found via Once Wed.
Bird & Banner made these awesome handkerchief cards. They are each hand-printed with sayings, and come with a stitched to/from tag. I’d be thrilled to get this in the mail. You?
I’m at the beach with my husband’s family, and while much creativity is happening all around me (more on that later), I’m feeling like having a lazy beach/blog day. Here is some great beach inspiration, all found on The Bean and the Bear (she must have vacation on the mind too!).
I’ve always wanted a indoor swing, and I think finally I live in an apartment that can accommodate one (at least one for the little one on the way). Here is the beginning of my hanging chair research…
Handmade Charlotte blogged about this adorable swing that doubles as a rocking chair. Wish list item number one.
For a more stable child, Ikea has this simple swing for the bargain price of $14.99.
I love this Lincoln Log style indoor swing. Found on Ouno blog.
Anything made from wool felt goes on my list. I love these German swings by Mohr Polster. Found via Ohdeedoh.
And just for fun, this swing is, in fact, a necklace! I love how Huck Finn it looks! Found on Minor Details.
Just like I’m not big on boxed parties (except these), I’m not a huge fan of craft kits. I’d rather give kids a table of fabric scraps, pipe cleaners, glue, and a pile of magazines and see what they invent, rather than giving them a picture to follow. But there’s always an exception to the rule, especially when it comes to good design and packaging.
This really isn’t a kit exactly, but more like a goody bag of tools that encourage a child’s imagination. Developed by Karen Kimmel, the canvas bag includes different organic-like stencils and colored pencils, with no instruction book. I’ve seen kids in action with these tools, tracing, layering, and rubbing to create masterpieces. Visit Kimmel Kids to find retailers near you.
Even though the kits by The Little Experience are rather directed, they are are just so darn cute! And bonus, each box comes with instructions of how to turn it into a prop that accompanies each craft.
The vintage packaging of these Wild & Wolf kits just sends me. I spotted these at the Stationery Show this week and I can’t wait to see them on shelves in the US.
