Slates

One of my good ol' high school friends was looking for a new hobby. I am someone who has few hobbies and started decorating slates this last year when Kyle was deployed. It helped keep me busy. Kyle thinks I should make an instructional video to put on here of me making a slate, but I will settle for written directions and not having to hear myself on the video camera.
Please know that I am one of the most non-crafty people in the universe. I cannot paint at all, and my kindergarten students make fun of my drawings on a daily basis. No painting talent is needed, just a little patience.
When it says napkins it is not talking about everyday dinner napkins. It is the fancy, fun kind that you buy at at craft store, we cute designs and pictures on them. This is a great craft to do with friends, so that you can swap napkins. My friends and I here go crazy anytime we see pretty napkins! Just be warned that if you start making these, you will become a crazy napkin hunter!

Slate Making

Items Needed:
Roofing Slates
Power Drill
Primer & Finisher
Napkin
Modge Podge-Matte Finish
Folk Art Acrylic Paint
Paint Pens
Leather Cord or Wire
Paint brushes
Paint trays

Directions:
1.Scrub the slate to get excess bits of slate off before you start painting. If you don't scrub the slate, after you are finished painting some specks might fall off and ruin your finished product.
2.Drill Holes in the Slate. Place holes where you would like to place the leather cord or wire to hang from.
3.Spray the slate with white spray paint. If you don't have a white background on the slate the colors in the napkin will turn to pay.
4.Most napkins have three layers. Usually the cheaper ones are only 2 ply. You need to take the all the layers off the napkin so you have a very thin, one layered napkin.
5. Tear the napkin or cut out the design you want to be on your slate.
6.Place your napkin on the slate and carefully modge podge down. Make sure there are no bubbles in the napkin and that it is laying down flat. It is best if you start is a corner and work your way up the napkin. (The napkin will rip if you are not very careful)
7.Once the napkin is glued down and dry you are ready to paint. Paint around the napkin and/or on the napkin to make it personal. You may also use paint pens to write a message or saying on the slate.
8.Once you are satisfied with your slate spray on a Crystal Clear finisher.
9.Put leather cord or wire through the holes you drilled.
10.Enjoy your new piece or art.

Here are a few samples of slates that I have made:





I guess I have never taken a picture of my welcome sign. It is my favorite slate that I have done. I will have to get a picture of it. There is no paint on it, just all napkin!