This is one of those easy DIY projects that was just so. much. fun. Photographing it was the best. While other bloggers were carefully curating their craft projects with pretty washi tape rolls and cacti, I was over here doing this:
It's no secret that I've become on of those people: totally smitten with my pup. I had a dog before Szuka and, although she was wonderful, I do not remember being as deeply committed to my Jack Russel Terrier as I am to Szuka. That says a lot because sometimes Szuka's stubborn Komondor ways make her difficult to love (like when I'm frantically running down our road and crashing through the woods, bra-less and in my pajamas in the pitch black - because there aren't street lights in the country - trying to lure her home after she escaped during her bedtime pee break).
But still, look at that face!
Sometimes she's just the coolest dog around. We took her for her first canoe ride this summer and she was so chill! Now when we paddle around the bay, she rests her head and watches the shore, stopping to bark at that bitch Gracie (a miniature Schnauzer she loathes), but otherwise just enjoying the ride. I can't help but be smitten with this dog!
When I came across a shop on Amazon that makes rubber stamps of various dog breeds, I immediately looked for a Komondor. Sold!
I bought it to hand stamp some fabric, but I thought I would do a little experimenting first. I used my stamp to make a set of DIY Komondor coasters and I love how they turned out:
Obsessed with your dog too? Here's how I made my Komondor emblazoned coasters (they're SUPER simple):
Supplies:
Birch log/branch and chop saw - or purchase ready-to-go birch slice
Varathane Ultimate Wood Stain in White Linen (optional)
Dog shaped rubber stamp
Acrylic paint (I used Artist's Loft, metallic cobalt blue)
Watco Spray Lacquer (Clear)
How to Make Personalized Birch Slice Coasters:
Just like with my painted birch slice coasters, I cut birch slices with a chop saw and then sanded them smooth - peeling off any really loose layers of birch bark. Next I applied a thin coat of white stain, to lighten the wood a bit so the stamped Komondor outline would stand out more clearly more. The stain is totally optional, though!
When the stain dried, I brushed some paint onto the stencil, evenly spreading it out. I tried a few stamps on a scrap piece of paper to get a feel for it. I was never much of a scrapbooker or card-maker so this stamping thing was new to me! I found that trying to apply even pressure took some practice. With the stencil evenly covered in paint, I eyeballed the center of the birch slice, pressed down and lifted straight up - no wiggling or it smears the design.
I let the paint dry overnight, then applied a few coat of spray lacquer.
You can glue on a felt bottom or flip it over and spray the other side as well. You could even paint the other side the same color as the stamp for a reversible coaster. So many options!
I am really pleased with my Komondor stamp, which is from a company called Rubber Hedgehog. They have a cute paw print stamp, if your pup's a lovable mixed breed. There's also a dachshund rubber stamp that's too cute for words. I can't even look at its face... Next up, I want to stamp a white blouse with an all over Komondor print. Then a tea towel. Then everything Hubby owns while he's at work.
P.S. Have extra birch slices? Check out my painted birch slice coasters and these DIY wood burned birch slice ornaments!