Tuesday, August 10, 2010

DIY: How to Customize A Utensil Crock

As you may know, I recently "almost-finished" my kitchen.{I am never fully done with anything!}
Since then, I have been looking for accessories
and items to add those final touches.
I made my beautiful {if I do say so myself!} tea towel and place mats,
but I do not like things too matchy-matchy,
so I was looking for something else to adorn some other accessories.

I had a not-so-cheap-stainless steel utensil holder that turned out to be a dud - too small and it cracked - I did not know stainless steel could do that! I was on the hunt for a nice big crock to put those utensils in, but couldn't find one that was not $50.00 or with some design on it that did not suit me...then it hit me...duh!
Make my own!...
Or at least buy a plain one and make it better!


Now, I was set out to make my crock rock!
And while I was at it,
I made some super cute cloth napkins
{I am trying so hard to do away with paper napkins and paper towels!}
Seriously, it seems like a lot of steps,
but don't let it scare you...it is not that bad!
After you do it once, you'll see and be hooked on this process like I am!
You get a professional looking finish - it is awesome!
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Bon Appetit Crock

 Supplies
-Image from Olive Rue (or image of your choosing)
-Waterslide decal paper {available online or in some art stores...email me for info} - there are a few brands. I am trying out a new one soon. For this tutorial I used Lazertran.
-Crock, white {purchased at a kitchen store}
-Bowl with lukewarm water
-Oven
-Decal squeegee and/or paper towel

DIY It! Bon Appetit Crock
1 - Print image onto waterslide decal paper - if your image has words, you will want to print a mirror image of the design.
NOTE: For the process and paper I used, the background turns a vintagey tea stained color in the curing/baking process, so I added an oval border {super simple to do in almost any program}. There is another method to using waterslide decals to avoid this, but I like this look. Again, I just purchased a new brand of paper and will report back!
2 - Let image dry for at least 15 minutes {this drying time varies based on the paper and method used, consult paper directions}, so that the ink does not run. I let mine dry for a few hours.
3 - Cut image out - either closely around border or closely around the image itself. 
4 - Determine placement or image and prepare crock {or whatever you are transferring the image to}.
5 - Add lukewarm water to a bowl, large enough for the cut image to be submerged.
 6 - Place image in water for approximately 1 minute. The image will immediately curl...gently uncurl.
7 - After removing paper, position the decal in the correct place on the crock {with the words reading correctly}.
8 - Blot the image with a soft towel and smooth out {or if you have the proper squeegee, use that} to remove air bubbles {This step is important...my first go around I thought I had it and...nope - lots of air bubbles!}
9 - You may want to use a hair dryer to assist in adhering the decal to the piece and removing those remaining air bubbles too.
10 - Let piece air dry for 1 hour*
11 - Set oven to 200 F and bake piece for 1 hour.
12 - Set oven to 300 F and bake piece for 1 more hour.
13 - Set oven to 350 F and bake piece for 1 more hour.
14 - Set oven to 400 F and bake piece for 15 minutes.
15 - Remove from oven and let cool  - the image will be shiny and the background will have the light patina coloration.
16 - wipe piece {being careful of the image} with a damp sponge to remove excessive adhesive {it is brown - you will see it.}

*The new paper I have purchased, it supposed to be clear and does not require baking process.
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Bon Appetit Napkins 
Click HERE for printable pdf napkin tutorial
 Supplies
-Image from Olive Rue
-Cloth napkins, 100% cotton {I purchased mine in a 6-pack at Target}
-Iron
-Pillow case or light cloth
-T-Shirt Transfer paper for light colors


DIY It! Bon Appetit Napkins
1 - Measure the size you would like your design to ultimately be on the finished napkin. Mine is about 4.5" x 6"
2 - Layout images on the computer. You should be able to fit at least 2 images on each sheet of transfer paper.
3 - Print image onto transfer paper.  
NOTE: YOU MUST USE THE MIRROR IMAGE setting {located under page set up/printer/advanced settings for most programs} to have the image appear exactly as you see it on the screen once it is ironed.
4 - Cut around outline of image, as closely as you can and place on the napkin. I like to fold my napkins in half and then in thirds, so ultimately my image in placed in the center of the napkin {when folded in half}.
5 - Preheat your iron to settings as specified by the transfer paper you use.
6 - Place design face down in position and place pillowcase or cloth on top.
7 - Iron/Press design into place using slow and hard movements - most transfer papers recommend not using an ironing board but a hard surface.
8 - Let cool and peel backing off! Voila!
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Signature
DISCLOSURE: As part of the DIY Club, I have been supplied with vendor sponsored products to complete my projects. The opinions are projects are my own. See, my disclosure policy for more information.
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28 comments:

  1. That turned out PERFECT! The flatware print is soooo adorable. The tea towel is my favorite. <3

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  2. These look AWESOME...Great Job

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  3. I'm never fully done with anything either. But that print is too cute

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  4. These look like you bought them at a high end housewares store...beautiful! I haven't tried the water slide decal paper...I'm almost afraid if I get started....

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  5. Wow - these are beautiful! I love that image and I love what you did with it! I hadn't heard of water slide decal paper. I can't wait to try it!!
    Thanks for another wonderful tutorial!

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  6. Anonymous11:46 AM

    Newest follower from Tuesday Tag-Along. I hope you can stop in and see me at www.hootiebee.blogspot.com

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  7. Very fun project Holly! I need to find out more about that material you used to make the crock. Very cool!

    XOX
    Jen

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  8. Stopping by and following via Tuesday Tag-Along.
    I really enjoyed your blog (nice project featured) and am looking forward to following your posts! =)
    Have a fantastic day!
    Kelley
    http://labellabasketswithkelle.blogspot.com/
    http://inkelleyskitchen.blogspot.com/

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  9. Holly, I absolutely love how your projects turned out. It's even more fun experimenting with a new medium with a good friend! I love the crock, and can't wait to get some more waterslide paper and try some more projects with you!

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  10. I LOVE those! They look great. Thanks for the wonderful instructions.

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  11. I have a plain white crock pot and it never occurred to me to decorate it. Probably because I rarely cook.

    It turned out great!

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  12. 1. Adorable
    2. I want one

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  13. I don't even care if they're vendor products because you do amazing work with them! That is seriously SO so cute. I love items like that in the kitchen. In other news, I FINALLY went to the manager's office to get my packages and I got your gift!!! Omg, I love it!!! I wore the bracelets on Sunday and then my cousin who is getting married sat on the couch and read your book all night :) and loved it. Thank you Holly though I will do a formal thank you post in the upcoming week :) Also, you introduced me to bumpkin on a swing and I'm so sad to hear of her passing, condolences to you as I know you drew a lot on her inspirations.

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  14. This is so completely awesome! What a great way to personalize things for any room!

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  15. never in my wildest dreams did i ever think i could make personalized dishes at home! that's so crazy!! i really think personalizing napkins/towels like that would be a pretty great gift, though.

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  16. That is sooo cool! What a great gift idea:) You could do anything!!
    Visiting from justsewsassy.com
    Come by and check out my fun giveaway this week!
    http://justsewsassy.com/2010/08/10/tuesday-tutorial-anthro-inspired-headband/

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  17. What a great crock! You never cease to amaze me with your never ending list of amazing DIY projects. I hope you're enjoying your hiatus!

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  18. Good skill with the kitchen in progress--it sounds like you are having fun with it.

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  19. Good skill with the kitchen in progress--it sounds like you are having fun with it.

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  20. You are so crafty! I love how it all turned out. I love the utensil crock. So cute, Holly!

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  21. I LOVE the print!!! I love it so much that I may copy it myself! If I do, I'll be sure to link back here. :)

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  22. I am so glad you posted this great tutorial - I have been sitting on waterslide decal paper for months and have been hesitant to use it - not now! Thanks Holly!

    Chelsea

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  23. I really like the print you found. Thanks for sharing the details of your project.

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  24. I just wanted to stop by and let you know that I linked to this post today from the new Home & Garden channel at Craft Gossip. :) My hope is to share many of the fabulous projects I see everyday with the vast CG audience. I hope you will not only stop by and subscribe to CG, but will tell your friends about the new category! Hope you see some traffic from it!

    Your feature will appear in the main Craft Gossip RSS feed, on the main home page and can be found directly here
    http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/design-your-own-crock/

    If you would like a "featured by" button, you can grab one here!
    http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/

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  25. What a darling graphic. LOVE it!

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  26. Love, love, love! How have I never heard of this waterslide stuff?!

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  27. Hi there! I am your newest follower from the blog hop! Lovely blog you have:) You can find me at www.bouffeebambini.blogspot.com
    Hi there! I am your newest follower from the blog hop! Lovely blog you have:) You can find me at www.bouffeebambini.blogspot.com

    WOW!! This is lovely and so is your blog

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Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation! I sure hope you come back for more!