In the letterpress business I meet so many interesting and fun people (see previous post). Today I’m thinking of Jamie and Jabdiel.  This girl is not afraid to surf the Galapogos! And if you’re looking for a good wedding filmographer take a look at Joel Serrato’s work for Jamie and Jabdiel’s wedding last September. Invitation letterpress printed on handmade fair trade Jute paper with soy ink. Design by De Milo Design Studio & Letterpress.

Marble Humming Bird by Barb Skoog

My Aunt Sylvia had a wonderful phrase to describe bright people—the kind who are focused, radiate positive energy and are the very opposite of scatterbrain. Lunching today with South Pas marble artist Barb Skoog Aunt Sylvia’s words easily came to mind:

“She’s got all her marbles in one pocket.”

Nevermind that she’s smart (start college in math and science and end up with a writing degree) she’s a person who is open to trying anything that looks interesting. A few years ago the interesting thing was a marble paper show in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Since then she’s learned from the best and her papers are gorgeous. Barb is eager to pass on her knowledge. See a marbling demo on her website. Please overlook the pun, Barb’s definitely got her marbles in one pocket! Now, excuse me while I go gather mine up—they’re rolling all over the floor.

Cost: approximately 35¢ per coaster

Time: 1-2 hours

Skill Level: easy/beginner

Before starting, gather your supplies: Two sheets marble paper from www.demilodesign.com. One thick and one thin sheet is recommended because it’s thick enough for a coaster and easy enough to cut with a regular paper cutter. rubber cement a piece of sturdy chipboard for spreading and burnishing scissors sturdy paper cutter corner rounder (optional) ribbon, string, etc for finishing (optional) paper for printing “Sustain & Heal” gift tags (optional). Click here to download gift tag pdf template.

STEP ONE: Using the chipboard spread rubber cement on the backs of BOTH marble sheets. Use medium pressure while spreading to get an even coating that is not too thin. Let both sides dry for 10-15 minutes or until there are only a few small wet spots.

STEP TWO: Adhere sheets together. Using the clean edge of the chipboard burnish flat. Hint: Once the cemented sheets touch each other they are stuck. Be sure it’s in the right place before dropping the sheet into positon.

STEP THREE: Most paper cutters are not large enough to cut a full marble sheet. Cut it to fit your paper cutter. Start by cutting in half (about 16 inches is half). Then cut it at eight inches if needed.

STEP FOUR: Cut to final size. 3.75 inches square will yield 40 coasters from one large sheet.

STEP FIVE: Use a corner punch to round the corners. If it is difficult to press because of the thickness of the paper try pushing as hard as you can on one side and then flipping it over and punching from the other side.

STEP SIX: Finish with optional “Sustain & Heal” gift tags (download from link in the above supply list), ribbon, string, strips of paper, etc...

]]> http://www.demilodesign.com/sustainandheal/index.php/2012/02/do-it-yourself-marble-drink-coasters/feed/ 0 http://www.demilodesign.com/sustainandheal/index.php/2012/01/fair-trade-marble-party-coasters/ http://www.demilodesign.com/sustainandheal/index.php/2012/01/fair-trade-marble-party-coasters/#comments Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:15:47 +0000 sustainandheal http://www.demilodesign.com/sustainandheal/?p=285 Thanks, Kate, for planting the seed of another good idea.  Dual color Party Coasters are cut from fair trade certified handmade marble paper. Now available online in gift boxes (shown) and refill packs. Sign up for our email newsletter and receive a coupon code for free shipping.

Made from fair trade handmade marble paper, these cute pillow boxes are sized to hold jewelry, gift cards, candy, etc… Come on over to the studio! Open today until 7pm and December 21 1-6pm.

Fair trade marble bookplate cards are complimented with quotes by beloved authors.

“A book reads the better which is our own, and has been so long known to us that we know the topography of its blots, and dog’s ears, and can trace the dirt in it to having read it at tea with buttered muffins.” —Charles Lamb

I couldn’t have said it better, myself, Charles! A sweet eco and fair trade gift for readers, this little card comes with an archival quality letterpressed bookplate ready for mounting in a favorite book. The fair trade marble card includes words of beloved authors waxing eloquent about books. Letterpress printed on 50% post consumer waste paper. 20% off through December 21. Order online or come to the studio in South Pasadena and see all the other holiday goodies De Milo has this year.