DIY Custom Coasters

One of the last things I wanted to make (craft) for my new living room was a set of custom coasters. I found this pin on Pinterest which helped me figure out how I would make these custom coasters. For supplies, I used:

1. 3"x3" black ceramic tiles (purchased at Home Depot)

2. scrapbook paper (6 different designs)

3. foam/rubber shelf liner

4. high gloss acrylic spray paint

5. Mod Podge

6. black acrylic paint

7. foam brush

The ceramic tiles I purchased had a glossy black top, which I though would make it easy because I planned on letting some of the black on the top show. The sides of the tiles were white, so I used the black acrylic paint to paint the sides. It took two coats.

I then used the ceramic tiles to trace and measure pieces of scrapbook paper.

I measured and cut the scrapbook paper squares smaller than the tiles so the black on the tiles would show slightly around the edges. I then used Mod Podge to apply the pieces of scrapbook paper to the tiles.

After applying the scrapbook paper, I made sure to turn the tiles over and set something heavy on them so the paper could try and all edges would stay down. When dry, I applied a coat of Mod Podge to the top of the scrapbook paper to seal it in.

After drying, I took the tiles out into the garage to spray the glossy acrylic paint. I applied two coats.

For the last and final step, I cut out squares of foam shelf liner and used Mod Podge to apply them to the back of the tiles, which would help them grip on a coffee table. 

I am so glad I found this idea because it seems much better than buying a standard set of coasters that are impersonal and all matching. This way, you can customize them and have fun at the same time. I think they would make an excellent gift!

Repurposing Your Home Decor

As I've been packing and getting ready to move into my new place, I have been getting rid of a lot of old furniture and decor that doesn't match my new theme. Some of the items, however, I realized I could repurpose. One of my new colors will be chrome, so I decided to buy chrome spray paint at the craft store and change the look of some of the items that do not match my new decor. 

I started with a light green glass vase. I made sure to wipe it of any dust or residue and then gave it two good coats of spray paint. I also did the same to a black porcelain try.

I also had a globe that had a bronze metal base and a tall candle holder that was bronze that I wanted to spray chrome. I used 220 sandpaper first to sand both pieces and use a wet cloth to remove the excess residue before spraying.

This was my first time spray painting to repurpose home decor and I am happy with the results. I cannot wait to incorporate these pieces into my new place!

A Wreath to Emphasize Your Accent Color

As I've mentioned in the past few posts, I am re-doing my living room, so I have been making a lot of items that will really add to the decor. My colors are silver, black, white, grey, and an emerald-turquoise pop of color. 

I decided I would like a new wreath on my front door to match my new decor. Because my living room will mostly be muted tones of silver, grey, black, and white, I decided to make the majority of the wreath in that emerald-turquoise pop of color. For supplies, I used:

1. 8" styrofoam wreath

2. yarn (2 colors…emerald green & a lighter green)

3. felt

4. small decorations: white buttons, small fake flowers

5. glue gun

I started out by wrapping the styrofoam wreath the darker emerald green. 

When that was finished, I used the lighter green and wrapped it around, giving a 3D effect that also matched the emerald-turquoise color I was going for. I didn't realize that wrapping the lighter color would have the effect it did, but I was pleasantly surprised!

Wrapping the styrofoam wreath is the hardest part for me because I am a perfectionist, so it has to look just right. For this wreath, I wanted to make two types of felt flowers. One is a simple rose that you cut from a spiral (you can do straight or wavy…I did both), and one is a folded petal flower. I found out how to do both on Pinterest. Here are the pins I used:

Straight Rose Felt Flower

Wavy Rose Felt Flower

Folded Petal Felt Flower

For one flower, I used the straight rose effect and cut out white and light grey. I wrapped them together to make a two-colored rose. 

After making the felt flowers, I began to glue them onto the wreath, thinking about color placement. I finished off the flowers by adding white buttons and small white fake flowers.

I am absolutely in LOVE with this wreath and cannot wait to hang it on the door of my new place. I really think it is unique and will go with my decor very well! :)