Embellishing Soap

I have started making things again, so get ready to see some fun new projects!  This idea came to me, clear as a bell, while I was watching TV late one night.  Embellishing soap.

I know that this was a popular craft project back in the 1970's, but I couldn't find any reference to it online.  So I am bringing it back!  Attaching paper images (scrap or scrap art) to small hotel soaps using clear nail polish (a strong top coat).  It is super easy and when the right shade and size of soap is paired with the right image, the look is not crafty, just fabulous.

You will need a collection of really thin paper images - something you would decoupage with (see some here).  I used the butterfly page from a value pack called "Romantic Scrap Art Paper" by Artifacts Inc (click the link to see their entire collection for sale online).  My value pack was from Micheal's Craft a few years ago - check their decoupage section in store.

I also think that a lot of the charm is in the small size soap.  It becomes just a touch of botanical by the sink.  And I think everyone has a few extra hotel soaps tucked away.

I chose a moth/butterfly that I thought looked pretty against the pale mustard soap, brushed a little clear nail polish on the back of the moth like glue, and then placed it on the soap.  Then I gently brushed the entire top surface of the moth and soap with clear top coat nail polish to seal it.  Be sure to leave the sides and bottom of the soap uncoated so that they will still suds.

These are the ones I have made so far.  I think John Derian would be proud, don't you?

John Derian for Target

Wonderful news! John Derian (famed New York decoupage artist) has partnered with Target again for a limited edition collection of melamine trays, dishes and coasters. Do you remember when I bought some of his pieces at Target two years ago? I love them!

A few weeks ago, I received an email from Gilt.com that they would be having a 3-day sale of the John Derian collection for Target. It started online at noon on August 20th. I think things like this are very fun and I took the "starting at noon" very seriously. So glad I did! I sat at my computer and was ready at noon on the dot.

I selected a few things and when I checked out at 12:08 PM, some my items were already sold out! Interior designers and collectors everywhere must have been ready to pounce on these pre-sale items.

I am happy to say that this gorgeous feather tray made my pre-sale order and that is why I am able to show it to you today.

The in-store collection was scheduled to be on the shelves (or available at Target online) on September 5th, so now you can shop for it too. But if you like something, buy it. The last John Derian collection did not appear to be re-stocked, so get it while you can.

I also chose a few other pieces that I love and I know that they'll appear in future blog posts. Stay tuned...

Trying Decoupage

I make things, all kinds of things, all the time.

I like the look of layered paper images - clip art (like this Birds & Butterflies), foreign stamps, fortune cookie fortunes etc. John Derian decoupage plates have inspired me for years and lately I have been brainstorming about what my plates would look like.

When I tried my hand at decoupage, the plate above (intended for my living room) was my first attempt. I took this photo after the placement was determined, but before the decoupage step.

Unfortunately I was overzealous with the glue, the inks ran and it became "antiqued" in a hurry. I am telling you this because I want your crafting to go well. Whenever you a making your way through a new craft, consider photographing your progress. Because I took this photograph, I can recreate my plan, but with restraint this time. I can also look back at it objectively and see that the "woman" must go. She brings a little too much Victoria to the plate. I think I can find something better - a statue of a woman, perhaps?

Decoupage is all about layers, spacing, mood and message. What could be more fun?

John Derian

I have loved the precise and beautiful decoupage work of John Derian for years. On my first trip to New York City, I gave my friend Kerry a half hour monologue on his work before we entered his studio. Seriously. That day I bought a small plate that combines botanical images with script (shown here) and I treasure it.

Fast forward a few years, and (be still my heart) John Derian has a limited edition series at...Target! I went the day it was released and bought all four melamine trays in the series. The "butterfly tray" is shown here in my living room, next to a real sea fan. I must say, this vignette makes me very happy.