FITD DIY: Tile Coaster Tutorial

Whenever I'm at someone's house, and they offer me something to drink, for the most part it is accompanied by a coaster. And then I'm like, "Note to self. Must buy decent set of coasters, so I can live as civilized human being.

(I think the last time I owned anything resembling a coaster was back in college when I left the bar with one of those cardboard numbers.)

So, call it Providence, call it divine intervention, call it what you will, but on the phone today with my BFF, I discovered that she, in fact, was making coasters.

After a quick rundown of how it was done, I was running to Home Depot for supplies on how to make coasters of my very own.

And guess what? Not only is it super easy, it is also inexpensive, and if you're into any paper crafts whatsoever, you will most likely have what you need on hand.

What You'll Need

• Set of tiles from Home Depot/Lowes--mine were 4"x 4".
• Set of self-adhesive felt pads
• Mod Podge (sold at Michael's and Target)
• Craft paper/stickers/stamps
• Acrylic sealant (I am using what I use on my canvases.)

Directions

First, you're limited only by your imagination. :)

1. If you're using craft paper, cut down the craft paper to the size of your tile. (I do this by brushing my tile with Modge Podge and placing the paper against the tile and cutting around the edges. 
2. Decorate your tile with stickers or more paper or however you wish. Brush a layer of Mod Podge and let dry overnight.
3. Affix the self-adhesive felt pads to the back of tile--one in each corner. (Feel free to secure with gorilla glue if needed.)
4. Spray with protective sealant and let dry.

And voila--you are done!! Perfect for teachers' gifts and kids' crafts or just a wonderful, homemade gift.  I can't wait to make more! (I love the cherry theme in mine.)

 

 

 

 FITD love!!

xo,

B

 

(images courtesy of Framed In The Doorway)

 

Springtime: Bath Salts

Since Christmas, I have not done much in the way of crafting.

I thought about doing some special crafty gifts for Valentine's Day, but sometimes life gets in the way, and I simply did not have the energy for it.

Recently, I had a friend ask me for some additional bath salts, so I thought it would be fun to make spring-themed ones for both her and her mom.

I used charms and ribbon puirchased at Michael's as well as a leftover mini-mason jar.

I thought it would be fun to layer the salts in pastel green and white with a hint of pink at the top.

Enjoy! :)

Oh--and in honor of my upcoming fairy garden, a friend at work bought be my first fairy figurine! People are just so thoughtful.

Happy Friday!!!

FITD love!

xo,

B

And the Cup Ran Away with the Spoon...

So, in keeping with my promise to give homemade Christmas gifts this year (candles, hot chocolate, soap, bath salts), I added chocolate-covered spoons to the agenda. I'm gifting these along with my mini-mason jars of hot chocolate.

I picked up some vintage spoons during my antique shopping as well as some mini-spoons from China that I picked up on eBay.

Using a microwave-safe container (I like Pyrex), melt chocolate chips (I used both dark and white). Add a little vegetable oil to ensure the chocolate melts smoothly.

Pipe or spoon the chocolate into your spoons.

 

Decorate spoons with the topping of your choice: marshmallows, M&Ms, red hots...whatever catches your fancy. I found these little ginger guys at Michael's.

Chill the spoons until set. (We have a wine fridge downstairs, so I usually chill overnight. And look at the ginger guys. :) )

The handle of one of the spoons...LOVES

Wrap spoons in saran wrap or candy bags and tie with ribbon. (I'm showing the spoon with a candle I made using a vintage teacup.)

Hot chocolate with the mini-mason: peppermint and cinnamon hot chocolate (with marshmallows)!! (And the little ginger guy!)

Enjoy!!

FITD love!!

xoxo,

Bran

Salt 'n' Soda

Okay, I'm a huge fan of Any Type of Bath Product. If it has a chi-chi name and cute packaging, I'm in.

So, inspired by my BFF (who is inherently crafty), I decided to make my own bath salts (the good kind!) and share my results with y'all!!

What I love about this particular project is that it allows me to be creative AND be forward-thinking about holiday (gulp!) gifts.

It is also appealing because you can tailor it to suit your own taste.

Let's get started!

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/4 cup epsom salt/sea salt (sea salt optional)
• 3/4 cup baking soda
• food coloring
• essential oils
• cute jars
• ribbon/bling for decoration (optional)
• small funnel (optional)
• ziplock bag (optional)

Directions 

1. Assemble ingredients

 2. Measure salt and soda.

3. Gently stir mixture.

4. Depending on the size of your jars/options/project, transfer salt mixture into another bowl. Set aside the oils/color of your choice.

 5. Add essential oils and color food to your liking. 

 6. Transfer mixture to jar.

 

7. And decorate!

Final product!!

My Musings

 What I love about this recipe is that it can be modified to suit your tastes. AND you can make it from what you may already have around the house. It's also kid-friendly! (Hey, it involves food coloring and can make a nice holiday gift for teachers.)

In hindsight, I probably added too much oil (and I now smell like vanilla almond)! My advice: add color/oil slowly. :)

I made too much salt mixture and have stored the extra in a ziplock bag for future use.

Also: I add a small funnel for transferring the salt. I suggest you use a piece of rolled-up paper instead--see picture. 

xoxo,

Bran