Coasters, coasters, everywhere coasters!

I wanted to give some homemade presents along with the store bought gifts this year.  Last year I made aprons and gave them to a few girls.  This year I am giving coasters. They are so easy, and I think they turned out great!

To do this project you need:

• tiles from a hardware store (These cost 16¢ at Home Depot.)
• scrapbook paper (I love the black and white toile from Hobby Lobby)
• a printer
• Mod Podge (I used glossy)
• Acrylic spray sealer 
• Sponge brush
• Scissors or a paper cutter

Follow these easy steps:

1. Print initials on the scrapbook paper.  I was only able to get two per piece of paper.  I printed one initial in the top left corner and one in the bottom right corner. Do a test page first.
2. Make a pattern from the tile.  You want the pattern to be slightly smaller than the tile.
3. Cut out the scrapbook paper.
4. Paint a layer of Mod Podge on the tile.
5. Lay the paper on top of the wet Mode Podge.
6. Paint a layer of Mod Podge on the paper.
7. Let that dry 15-20 minutes.
8. Repeat with another layer of Mod Podge.
9. Wait 15-20 minutes.
10. Take the tiles outside and spray with the sealer.
11. Let dry 5 minutes.
12. Spray another coat of sealer.
13. The can says to wait 24 hours before handling.  The smell will be strong at first.  Give it some time to air out.
14. Add sticky felt dots to the back.
15. VOILA!

I did a simple packaging job.  I used clear cellophane and red shredded paper from the Dollar Tree, white toole tied it all together, and I added a handmade gift tag. I created it in Word. (The tag instructions came from Life in Grace.

Check other DIY projects at:

A Soft Place to Land

Today's Creative Blog

Aprons for the girly girls

My friend, Kelli, asked me to sew some aprons for her to give to a couple of little girls for Christmas.  She picked out the fabric.  I think they turned out sooooo cute!

The Letter "M"

I found some letters in the clearance section at Walmart a couple of weeks ago. There weren't a whole lot left to choose from, BUT they did have an "M"!  It was destiny, I had to buy it for Madison.  Then, I had to decide what to do with it....paint it, decorate it, Mod Podge it, YEAH! I had a piece of scrapbook paper that mimicked the black and white tile in Madison's bathroom. So, I followed these simple steps!
1. Trace the M on the back of the scrapbook paper.
2. Cut out the paper.
3. Lay the cut-out on top of the letter. Trim where it is necessary.
4. Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge (I have glossy) on the top of the letter using a sponge brush.
5. Lay the paper cut-out on top of the moist Mod Podge.
6. Smooth out any bubbles.
7. Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge with the sponge brush.
8. Allow to dry 15-20 minutes.
9. Paint another thin layer of Mod Podge.  Allow to dry.
10. Find a special spot for it!

I LOVE IT! I can't wait to make more!

I just thought I would throw in some additional pics of her bathroom. I love her curtain and her shower curtain!

Check out other DIY projects at A Soft Place to Land

Christmas Decor 2009

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Ev'rywhere you go; 

Take a look in the five and ten glistening once again

With candy canes and silver lanes aglow.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Toys in ev'ry store

But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be

On your own front door. 

Merry Christmas!  Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Check out other homes decked for Christmas at Southern Hospitality.

Banner: play

UPDATE:  I found out where I saw the clothespin idea....Shanty2Chic.  They reposted it in their favorites for 2009.

I am trying to complete the new playroom. I got an idea from a blog to use the giant clothespins from Hobby Lobby. With the advice from _______ (I don't remember which blog I saw them on), I painted the clothespins and distressed them. Then, I made a banner using scrap fabric and felt to make the word play. I hung the letters from rustic looking rope. The look still isn't finished, but here is what it looks like so far.

Check out other DIY projects at A Soft Place to Land.

My Latest Applique Design: Football

I am having sew much fun with the applique designs!  Here is my latest. It was a birthday present for a close friend!  Happy Birthday, Will!