Coaster Tutorial

I simply copied these instrustions from Beneath My Heart.  Go check out her blog... she's so crafty and has some really neat (inexpensive) ideas!

Here is all you need:

* 4 x 4 white tiles (from Lowe’s or Home Depot) You can get the tiles for as low as 16 cents a tile!

* napkins with a cute picture (I used scrapbook paper or a logo/monogram printed off the computer)

* mod podge

* cork board

* acrylic sealer

* glue gun

* sponge brush

Now here are the easy steps:
1. Cover the tile with a layer of Mod Podge.
2. Lay the napkin (cut a little smaller than the tile) on top of the mod podge.
3. I usually let the the mod podge dry just a bit, and then apply another coat on top of the napkin.
4. Let it dry.
5. Cut the cork into square pieces that are a little smaller than the tile.
(You can get cork in different thicknesses. I prefer the thinner kind.) 
6. Hot glue the cork to the bottom of the tile.
7. Spray the tops of the tiles with acrylic sealer and let dry. Be sure to do this in a well ventilated area. I usually spray mine in the garage or outside. 
The sealer allows your tiles to get wet without ruining them.
That’s it!
8. Tie them up with jute string or a bow, and they are ready to give away!     

Homemade Christmas...

For one of our family Christmas get-togethers, we were instructed to try to make something.  Last year, I simply put together a little basket of goodies, but that was cheating on the homemade part of things!

I found this idea on a crafting blog and thought I would try it out this holiday season for a few of the gifts I am giving.

Here is the coaster set I am giving away at family Christmas...

Here is the coasters I made for each of my bosses... 

Here is the coaster set I made for a friend...

Now off to get some sleep.  Tomorrow is our Christmas "party" at work!  I'm starting to get excited about the festivities this week will hold!!

Christmas Party

We attended a Christmas party at Phil & Jen's house on Sat evening.  She literally has a Christmas tree in every room of the house and so many beautiful decorations out.  Just thought I'd share...

Christmas Decorations

I am uninspired and unmotivated to decorate for Christmas this year.  I seriously contemplated not even putting a tree up, but I am glad I finally got that job done (thanks Jen!).  I put out a few trees and that is the extent of my decorations!  Now that they are up, I'm thankful and enjoying them!

I changed the theme for my living room tree.  I wanted to go with a more neutral look and ended up finding most of the ornaments at Dollar Tree.  I was so excited!

Thanksgiving

I didn't take any pics this year over the holiday, but I will have to say it was sure nice to be with family and friends celebrating.

One thing we did at Mom's house this year was go around the table and all mention something we are especially thankful for.  It was so neat to hear the different ones there vocalize their thankfulness.  Those of  you who know the emotional side of our family know it was a time that included tears! 

I did a post a few weeks back that mentioned several things I am thankful for and that list could go on forever.  Don't forget during this holiday season to take time for thankfulness!  Yes, I know Thanksgiving is over, but even as we spend time with our families over the Christmas holiday it sure is a good time to reflect!