Springtime barbecues are a must-have.

Before you break out the plastic tableware, think about jazzing up the party a bit. Here's a spunky way to celebrate the season, and it will take only a few hours of your time.

This idea came to me when I discovered that, throughout the years, I had collected a variety of mismatched silverware. Instead of donating the pieces, I decided to give each one a cheery face-lift that would make them a set. With less than $12 worth of polymer clay, I was able to cover a dozen utensils. I detailed the first set for spring, and I'm happy to say I have enough pieces left over for the Fourth of July.

If you don't have extra forks, knives and spoons hanging around, visit your local thrift or dollar store.

Springtime Tableware

Supplies:

Assorted forks, knives and spoons

Rubber mat

6 to 8 ounces of polymer clay in a variety of colors

X-Acto knife

Clay-crafting accessories (optional): presses, roller, squeeze tube

Water-based brush-on varnish

Directions: Wash and dry the tableware, then, using rubber mat for your work space, cover all the tableware handles with a layer of clay: Take approximately 1 ounce of the clay and roll it into a thin sheet. Cut it into strips big enough to cover the handle of each utensil. Use the X-Acto knife to trim edges. Bake in oven according to directions on clay package.

Remove tableware from oven and let cool, then repeat the process (but this time don't bake). Now that each handle is covered in two layers of clay, begin to add three-dimensional designs. Take pinches of clay and roll out strips, balls or other shapes. If using the clay accessories, punch out circles, squares, etc. Apply clay embellishments to each utensil and press into place. Once you've completed the set, bake in oven according to directions on package. When cool, brush on water-based varnish.

Washing instructions: After all this hard work, it's best to use this silverware only for special occasions. Gently wash the metal area with a dab of dishwashing liquid. Do not wash in dishwasher.

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Labels: home decor