Cork Coasters - Easy Gift

We've been working hard to create some fun, creative, easy and economical hand-made Holiday gifts.  We know if you're making your gifts, its important to start early.  So, we're stocking the store with products and will be featuring ideas regularly on the blog.

Everyone loves fun coasters.  Create a set of four and give them as a hostess gift or to a neighbor or co-worker.

Use a stencil, or cut an image from masking paper using a die.  I used the Saying Hello Tranformables Die-namics die for the speech bubble coaster.  The other was a stencil from Crafter's Workshop.   I like using the masking paper and die technique.  The masking paper is sticky on one side, so the image sticks nicely to the coaster keeping the paint from seeping under.  It's easier to get a crisp image this way.

If you use a stencil, use painters tape to secure it so that it doesn't move.  Then, use a small amount of paint and work it into a stiff brush.  If you use too much paint, you won't get a crisp image.  The paint will seep under the stencil.  Use a "pouncing" motion vs. a brush motion to apply the paint.  Using a brush motion pushes the paint under the stencil and/or mask.

FREE Saturday "Make and Take"

Join us on Saturday for our FREE "Make and Take".  We'll be using stencils and fabric paint to create these Fall cotton bags.  Fill them with roasted nuts and include them in your Fall place settings.  Or, use them to wrap up a simple gift or treat for a friend.

Our FREE "Make and Take" is available on Saturday, between 1PM and 3PM, while supplies last.

Mary's Countdown Calendar

Look what Mary's been up to!  She created this beautiful Countdown Calendar using the new Joyous Collection from My Mind's Eye.  You've got to see it in person!!

She designed the calendar around this set of countdown tags.  No need to make your own tags, number and decorate them.  Open the package and they are ready to use!

Here's a close up look at the tags attached to the board.

I love what she did next.  She added chalkboard paper to the back of the tags.  Great idea!  This allows you to write a tradition to complete or a fun Holiday saying that can be changed each year.

Stop by the store for a closer look.

Hanging Ornaments from Memory Box

Have you seen all the new Holiday dies from Memory Box?  It's hard to get into the Christmas spirit while the weather is still warm and before Fall has arrived.  However, these beautiful new dies have managed to inspire us.  We've been making Christmas cards.

Emily created this beautiful card using the Hanging Ornaments die from Memory Box and the new Cozy Christmas Collection from Simple Stories.

She cut the ornaments from gold foil cardstock.  Love it!