Sunday 13 January 2013

Bugs In Love - Valentine's Tile Coasters For Handmade Monday



I know we're still only a few days into the new year, by my brain is already buzzing away with ideas of things to make for Valentine's Day. In fact, buzzing is an apt description because i've gone down a slightly alternative route with some insect themed love tokens! (If your romantic tastes are more traditional, i have a very pretty Valentine's day collection in the pipeline which i hope you're going to love :))

But back to the bugs!


'Bugs In Love' Valentine's Day Tile Coasters

I've been looking forward to having a go at enamel painting on tiles (a flat surface, yay!), and i've had great fun with this little collection.

I wanted to keep my 'Bugs In Love' designs pretty simple to help make the concept easy to grasp. The idea started with the bee's.


Bee's In Love





I painted a similar design in acrylics years ago as a little pressie for someone and i popped into my mind when i was thinking about design ideas. The idea of a bee declaring its love for its mate by writing it in the sky like an aeroplane really tickled me so i was soon thinking of other bugs declaring there love for each other in different ways appropriate to their species!


Caterpillars In Love





I don't know what type of caterpillars theses are as i have made up their markings! I'm sure they will turn into beautiful butterflies though :)



Snails In Love






It took me a while to think of a way to make a snail trail look sufficiently pretty and romantic to be an appropriate design for a Valentine's gift but i'm pretty pleased with how it turned out... i hope you like it too!



Spider's In Love






Apologies to any arachnphobic readers! I know spiders aren't everyone's cup of tea... i'm hoping those with some love for these little creatures will find the idea of this loved up spider image on a coaster cute and quirky rather than creepy.... let me know! :)

That's all the bugs in love so far. I've added scratch resistant felt bottoms so they don't ruin your coffee table!




I haven't listed them for sale yet but they will be appearing in all my online outlets over the next few days. They will be priced at £8 each or £12.95 for two.

I do have plans to create some designs for tiles than can be used in the traditional way i.e. on kitchen and bathroom walls... any ideas for what you'd like to see? I'm thinking sheep at the moment, or fish, or flowers, or cats...


Valentine's Tile Fridge Magnets


I've also started having a little play with some mini tiles which i've added a magnetic back to to turn them into fridge magnets.




So far there is a little bee to fit in with the bugs in love theme...




... and this 'I love you' trio...




... simple, but kinda cute i think! :)

These magnetised tiles will be £5 on their own, £8 with a friend, and £11 for a set of three.


Handmade Monday


That's all from me for this week. I'm hoping to have something rather lovely to show you next time on the 100th Handmade Monday...! And its to HM headquarters over at Handmade Harbour that i'm headed right now to link up with lots of lovely fellow crafters and find out what they've been up to :)

Thanks for visiting! x

40 comments:

  1. I really like this idea. They are all so friendly and cute looking. The spider one is good as it is a bit more subtle so will work for those who are a bit shyer. It may also appeal to men more? Not that any of this matters as I really like them.

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    1. awww i like the idea of shy people liking the spiders :)

      thank you for your lovely comment! x

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  2. What a lovely idea - or collection of ideas, really. I love the idea of having two creatures on each and the little declaration of love. I like the bees in the sky best!

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  3. Love the spiders a great idea

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    1. yay! I'm glad they're getting some love (other than from each other :)) x

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  4. Not to sure about the spiders lol. The little caterpillars are cute, love their little spots, bet if they were real they would turn out to be an elegant butterfly.

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    1. ha! No worries, i know we're not all spider fans :)

      I like to think they'll be pretty butterflies too :) x

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  5. I love the tiles and although am not a spider fan, your design reminds me of the Charlotte's web Cartoon - my daughter watched it so much the tape wore out!

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    1. It is very like that story isn't it... perhaps that's what bubbled up from my unconscious to give me the idea! :)

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  6. Nice ideas. I really like the love bugs.

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  7. Love, love, love the caterpillars! So cute!

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  8. Oh, I can see a spring is comming and it's a great to see it too !

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    1. Its so lovely to start spotting the first signs isn't it :) x

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  9. I love your Love Bugs, they make a great series.

    Jan x

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  10. All so lovely. Your designs are such fun. Hope you have a good week.

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    1. Awww thank you! I definitely had fun with these :) x

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  11. Great ideas - the bees have to be my favourite (not a fan of spiders!) and I like the fridge magnet idea.

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    1. Thank you!! I'm a big fan of fridge magnets too, they really brighten up the kitchen i think :) x

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  12. What a great collection for valentines day, you've been a very busy bunny

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    1. Thank you Clare! Yes, i good to get back to creating again after the Christmas break :) x

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  13. Wow, fabulous things. Think the bumble bee is my favourite, it really caught my eye. Xxx

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  14. Oh love these designs. Your creative brain must be working over time. My favourite has to be the bees. Have a lovely week.
    Ali x

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    1. Thank you Ali!

      I might have guessed the bees would be your favourite :) x

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  15. What a fun idea. I am rather partial to the caterpillars!
    Wendy x

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    1. Thank you Wendy! I'm glad you like them :) x

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  16. Your tiles are so cute!! I love them all, but I think the ' l <3 U' trio is my fave!
    Have a good week!
    Xx

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    1. Thank you very much Sarah :)

      I hope you have a fantastic week too! x

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  17. Ohhh they're gorgeous! I love the bee sky writing - seriously cute! As soon as they're ready I will share on my FB (in the hope that my hubby will cotton on!) as I'd love one for Valentine's Day!!

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    1. Awww thanks Simmi! I'm really glad you like them :)

      They are listed on Etsy now so point your hubby in that direction :) How cute that he gets you a pressie for Valentine's day! x

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  18. Loving all your designs this week, but the spiders in love are definitely my favourite and the snail trail made cute is a triumph! Would be cool to do a range of all sorts of messages like this :)

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    1. Thank you very much for your kind words :) I'm really glad you like them :)

      I'd love to do more designs like this, i've had so much fun with them! x

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  19. I've just started on Valentine's stuff to, but taking the hearts route. Love your bee

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    1. Thanks Helen! I'm working on some hearts too :) x

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  20. Love the whole series of love bugs. It's nice doing something different from the traditional Valentines creations.

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    1. Thank you Stephen! Yes, its always fun to do something a bit different isn't it :) x

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Your lovely comments are much appreciated x