I am so pleased to share a DIY Christmas gift idea from the talented Erin Souder of the blog House of Earnest. In the winter issue of Delighted (see page 49) she gives step-by-step instructions for creating faux bois napkin rings which are not only useful but oh-so pretty!
DIRECTIONS
MATERIALS
Oven Bake Clay
Rubber Wood Grain Stamp
DIRECTIONS
Each block of clay makes four napkin rings. Start by cutting the block into four pieces and rolling each piece out on a non-stick silicone baking mat. Roll each piece into a strip approximately 5 inches by 2 inches. Transfer the strips to a self healing mat or cutting board to cut each one to a 4 inch by 1.5 inch rectangle.
Transfer back to the non-stick mat to apply the faux bois effect. Stamp each rectangle with your wood grain stamp. Carefully peel the clay from the mat and loop the strip into a ring. Press the ends together and carefully place on a baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes at 275-degrees, ensuring that the rings go into the oven just as you'd like them to come out.
As soon as they come out of the oven, they'll still be a little playable, so be careful not to squish them. After the rings have cooled, they'll be fully hardened and ready to give. Pair the napkin rings with a set of cloth napkins and you're all set for giving!
Tutorial and Photos courtesy of Erin Souder, House of Earnest