Appreciation. What a great concept.
Remember the call, 2-4-6-8 Who do we appreciate? I most associate this with my years playing softball. Regardless of whether you win or lose, you gather as a team and shout out this call followed by the name of the opposing team.
Melanie and I would love to know who you are feeling especially appreciative of right now. Leave a comment sharing who and why and then go do something to show your appreciation.If you're like me, you love to give cute/quirky gifts that are both useful and thoughtful. Here's just such an idea. Perhaps it is something you can use during this holidays this year.
The first thing you should know is that this is NOT my idea. I participated in what is called a Super Saturday at my church last weekend and this was one of the projects we had the opportunity of signing up for. As soon as I saw rolling pins wrapped in pattern paper, I signed up for ten.
1. Pattern paper (anybody have any?)
2. Wooden rolling pin (click HERE or find them @ Walmart for around $5.00)
3. Decoupage medium (click HERE or purchase at a craft store, like Michaels)
4. Shellac for wood (click HERE or purchase at a craft store or home improvement center)
Here's What You Do:
1. Select one sheet of pattern paper for each rolling pin you want to cover.
3. Trim the width of the pattern paper to a smidgen less than the length of the roller.
4. Practice rolling the paper onto roller once or twice and trim the length so that the paper will overlap by about an inch.
5. Apply a thin layer of decoupage to the roller and wrap with paper.
6. Apply a bit more decoupage onto the overlapped edge and squeeze out any air bubbles.
7. Let the decoupage dry completely. You can place a thin rubber band around the roller to hold thick paper in place.
8. Use a bristled brush to apply several thin layers of wood Shellac over the paper-covered rolling pin. Let each coat dry before adding an additional coat.
And just in case you were wondering, you CAN actually use these rolling pins.
TIPS.
We used a cookie sheet covered in parchment to hold rolling pins after the final coat of shellac. The handles rested on the edge of the cookie sheet allowing air to circulate under the rollers.
Don't worry too much about inconsistencies while the shellac is drying. I was certain a couple of my rolling pins were doomed to the trash bin and after they were completely dry they look OK.
I made the mistake of buying rolling pins at the dollar store. The rollers are plastic. They are fine, but I would spend an extra dollar or two and get wood rolling pins. You'll be happier.
Save the extra pattern paper from each rolling pin and use it to embellish gift tag or card. These would make a fun Thanksgiving hostess gift or delightful neighbor gifts for Christmas. You could even attach a favorite pie recipe.
One more thing ... I really appreciate you reading this blog post.
