#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--PHOTO COASTERS WITH MYSTERY AUTHOR JAYNE ORMEROD

Jayne Ormerod is the author of more than a dozen novels, novellas, and short stories. After nineteen moves in conjunction with her husband’s military career, they, along with their two mutts, have settled in a cottage near the Chesapeake Bay. The influence of coastal living can be seen in many of her humorous cozy mysteries. Learn more about Jayne and her published works at her website and the Mutt Mysteries website.  

Greetings fellow crafters! My name is Pilar Pruitt, and I am the amateur sleuth in “Pawsitively Scandalous,” one of four cozy novellas in To Fetch a Scoundrel, Four Fun “Tails” of Scandal and Murder. I am a party planner by trade, which means I often need unique party favors for special occasions. Thank goodness my mom passed along her creative gene! 

These photo coasters are a fun project for any kind of stuck-indoors day (and we’ve all had more than our share of those lately…) I’ve used them for Christmas gifts (stacked, and tied up in a pretty ribbon) or at weddings showcasing photos of the bride and groom for attendees to take home. I recently used them at a Puppy Shower I threw for one of my clients. Each attendee went home with a stack of coasters decoupaged with adorable mutts. Who doesn’t love that? 

You ready to share the memories? Ok, then…On your mark, get set, CRAFT!

Materials:

~ 4x4 stone tiles (available at any home improvement store in various neutral shades from cream to taupe.)

~ Stunning pictures (could be precious pets, cute kids, extraordinary events, or lovely landscapes…basically anything you want to put on a coaster). Have them professionally printed on photo paper. (Ink-jet printed photos will not work for this project.) Keep in mind the photos will need to be cropped to fit on the coasters, so plan accordingly. You may want a 4x6 print, or if there is a lot of background that can be cropped out, go with a 5x7 size.

~ Small piece of cardboard cut in a 4”x4” square

~ Pen/pencil for marking cutting lines

~ Paper cutting tool--could be scissors (flat or decorative cut), traditional guillotine cutter (watch your fingers!), utility knife (used with a metal-edged ruler), or trendy Trimmer (a must have for any serious crafter.)

~ Modge Podge

~ 2” paintbrush, either bristle or foam

~ Clear spray-on glaze

46” of 1/2” pliable rope for the back

~ Super Glue

~ A can of your favorite beverage (full or empty)

Directions:

Place cardboard over the image you want to go on your coaster. Trace cutting lines.

Cut the photo inside the cutting lines to avoid leaving marks on the finished project.

Apply a thin coat of Modge Podge to the tile face. Press the photo onto the tile. Make sure it’s centered. Push out air bubbles. (Very similar process to hanging wallpaper, if you are old enough to know that kind of agony.)

Seal the photo by applying a thin coat of Modge Podge on top. Be sure to wipe any drips off the edges.

Balance the finished coaster atop the beverage can to allow it to dry. If you are making multiple coasters at one time, you may need to consume multiple beverages. (That’s my excuse, and I’m sticking to it!) If you are making more coasters than the number of empty cans you have, there are other options for setting your tiles to dry. Anything less than 4” square and 6” high. Wait 20 minutes.

Repeat Modge Podge/Wait steps. Repeat again and again, if you desire a thicker, more protective finish, up to 5 coats total. Allow to dry for 24 hours.

Spray with clear glaze, one with a hard, heat-resistant finish. Allow to dry per manufacturer’s guidelines.

Now for the back. Using Super Glue (or any strong adhesive that dries clear), start in the center and apply the rope in a tight circular pattern. Press rope firmly to ensure it sticks. Make sure the end is glued tightly. I am the first to admit, this method can be time consuming. I’ve seen other crafters use adhesive spray and apply a piece of 3-1/2” x3-1/2” cork. You can also use felt pads or furniture pads pressed to the four corners. To ensure proper adhesion, be sure to place a heavy object on top while they dry.

Fun. Fancy. Functional. What more could you ask for in a craft project? Time to stock up on Modge Podge and get to work!

To Fetch a Scoundrel

Mutt Mysteries, Book 2

The mystery-solving mutts are back! To Fetch a Scoundrel, the second in the Mutt Mysteries collection, features four tail-wagging novellas. Each story puts pups’ noses to the ground, as scandals are unleashed and killers are collared. Once you’ve finished reading these tall “tails,” you’ll no longer wonder “Who let the dogs out?” You’ll just be glad somebody did! Stories include:

“The Fast and the Furriest” by Heather Weidner

Isn’t there enough action under the lights at the Amelia Race Track without the drama of a love triangle? An altercation leads to murder, and owner Cassidy Green and her Rottweiler Oliver have to uncover clues and find the killer before the bad publicity destroys her business.

“Pawsitively Scandalous” by Jayne Ormerod

What’s with the crime wave in the Grant’s Garden neighborhood? First a respectable member is arrested for crimes unknown, and then another neighbor dies under mysterious circumstances. Pilar Pruitt and her black lab/mix Natti are on the case, and the secrets they uncover are paws-itively scandalous!

“Ruff Goodbye” by Rosemary Shomaker

Does everyone bar owner Len Hayes knows have a secret? Yes, and secrets unravel after a funeral home visitation for Len’s late friend Curt. Miniature poodle Cloud signals danger. A certain black Lab may safeguard the truth. Will canine intervention ensure no one pays the ultimate price?

“A Doggone Scandal” by Teresa Inge

Catt Ramsey, owner of the Woof-Pack Dog Walkers, is back on the case when she receives a mysterious note in her pet supply order. Convinced the sender’s motive is scandalous, Catt packs up her SUV and heads to the Outer Banks with her sister Em, family friend Jonathan Ray, and pups Cagney and Lacey to solve the mystery.

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