Awesome Alcohol Ink Coasters & A Recipe

I'm really excited to share these small, but impactful creations with you! If you have seen my recent posts, then you know I was hosting a baby shower for an absolutely wonderful couple and great friend. During my party planning brainstorm for party favors, I was hoping to accomplish a few things: 1- not break the bank getting favors for approximately 50 people, 2- give the guests an item they wouldn't immediately pitch in the trash (be honest, we've all been there), and 3- make it homemade.

Enter AWESOME ALCOHOL INK COASTERS! Here are some of the finished products.

The best thing about these is that the designs are foolproof. If you don't like the results, just use some rubbing alcohol or Alcohol Blending Solution on a paper towel and wipe the tile clean. No wasted tiles...or money :)

Let's get started! Please work outside if you're doing several of these; the alcohol fumes can be aggressive.

Supplies

Glazed white tiles (4.25" x 4.25" were $15 for 100), paper towels,
Blending tools and felt pads, rubbing alcohol, Alcohol Blending Solution, Sharpies, alcohol inks and metallic mixatives 

Step 1:
If using Sharpies, scribble 3 complimentary colors on the tiles in random locations. If using alcohol inks, attach a felt pad to the blending tool and create spots of the inks on the pad and pounce all over the tile.

Pink, purple, and yellow Sharpies
Assembly line style :)

Step 2: Splash a small amount of the alcohol blending solution all over the tile. You will get a feel for how much you'll need to use as you go along. The solution will make the alcohol inks run and blend, similar to watercolors. Tilt and swirl the tiles until you like the patterns the inks have created. ***Tip- do not use rubbing alcohol in this step because it makes the ink grainy. Been there; done that; got the t-shirt :)

Step 3: Drip a tiny amount of rubbing alcohol onto the tile to create white spaces. I use a small plastic pipette You can then add drops of alcohol ink directly from the bottle into those spaces to achieve a look you like.

Step 4: Set aside to dry for approximately 10 minutes. You can then use a light spray of clear coat spray paint to seal them. Use a very light hand because it will reactive the inks and change your pattern or make the inks splotchy.

Step 5: Once dry, add felt pads to the bottom so the tiles won't scratch your tabletops.

These were a hit at the baby shower. I was thrilled that the guests enjoyed them! I even received a surprise text the next morning of one of the guests having tea :)

Total cost less than $50. Disclaimer: I already had the alcohol inks and blending solution, but the best way to stock up is to buy them when Jo-Ann Fabric And Craft is having a 40%-50% off sale online.  

I hope you give this a try. They make great gifts for birthdays and holidays. You won't be disappointed! Thanks for stopping by :)

*Deidre

P.S. I've had lots of requests for the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders recipe. 
1 lb of sliced turkey
1 lb of sliced provolone
1 package of Kings Hawaiian sweet rolls (make sure to get the sweet)
1 ½ sticks of butter (melted)
1 ½ tsp dried mustard
1 tsp onion powder
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp sea salt
3 tsp poppy seeds

1. Keep all of the rolls together and cut the tops of, keeping them connected. Place bottom half in a baking pan that the rolls just fit into.
2. Layer the turkey, then provolone, then replace the tops to the rolls.
3. Whisk mustard, onion powder, worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and salt into melted butter. Pour over entire pan of rolls.
4. Cover with foil and place in an oven that's been preheated to 350 F. Bake approx. 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, then uncover and bake another 5 minutes until tops are golden brown.
5. Cut, serve, and enjoy :)