Easy, Inexpensive Gift Idea!

Woo Hoo!  

Christmas is finally on the horizon!

Ok, so I'm not actually THAT excited about it.  

The thought of shelling out tons of money on gifts for our ever-growing list of family and friends stresses me out!  My stomach hurts just thinking about it.  So this year, I've jumped on the homemade gift bandwagon!  At least following this crowd will have us putting more thought into our gifts and maybe a little less money.  

I'm also getting the kids involved.  There are several things I want them to take away this year:

1 It really is the thought that counts.

2 Money can't buy the best gifts.

3 Jesus is the WHOLE reason we celebrate!  As we make each and every item, the boys and I pray for the recipient.

I'll try to post as many gift ideas as I can in the coming weeks without showing EVERYONE on my list what they will be receiving this year!  

Christmas Coasters

For these super cute, totally customizable Christmas Coasters, you'll need:

4x4 inch tiles

scrapbook paper

Mod Podge or similar product

paint brush or sponge

sealant

felt

hot glue and glue gun

scissors & other cutting tools desired

Start off with your 4x4 inch tile

Cut felt into 4x4 inch squares and put hot glue around all edges

Line up and press down on back of tile

Yay!  Now it won't scratch the recipient's table.  

That's not the kind of gift I want to give.

Gather your cute Christmas or other decorative papers

Cut them just shy of 4x4 inches square

These are the products I used to apply paper and seal my coasters

Apply Mod Podge with brush or sponge.  

I apply directly on tile in a thin layer.

Place paper on tile and let dry 15 minutes.  If ripples appear, smooth down while wet.

Apply layer of Mod Podge on top of paper - but only when it's dry!

Allow Mod Podge to dry.

Spray sealer outside (!!!!).  Dry 15 minutes, apply again.  

I did 3 layers.

These were a few of the finished tiles.

I packaged 4 coordinating coasters together for a teacher gift.

And I'm sure she'll love it!

These coasters I show above are waterproof as long as you seal them well (I've tested mine).

I did very basic designs for the example on here, but others will have names or initials stamped on them, etc.  I'm also doing several sets that are not in Christmas themed paper so they can be used all year.  There are so many possibilities!

Tips I learned the hard way:

*If using photos, have them printed at the store.  Inkjet printed photos will change colors and run.

*Allowing Mod Podge to dry between layers greatly reduces ripples.

*Using a brush will leave brush strokes in the Mod Podge.  This does not bother me, but if you don't like that, experiment with sponges and other applicators.

*Be creative, but be careful of too many layers of paper - you want the glass you be level on the coaster.

Find me here:

http://tinselcompany.blogspot.com/