Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Daddy's car shirt

This was hubby's Father's Day present.  I found the template here and personalized it to fit our family.

The first thing the kids said was, "There's Chick-fil-a!"  Yep, those are my kids.

I used fabric markers at the suggestion of the original designer.  She used fabric paint & a brush.  I can't imagine the time it took to make it that way!

I put a piece of cardboard in the shirt with the template on top.    I then used the fabric markers to trace the design.  I started with the roads & then did the buildings.  Change it to fit your lifestyle.  My kids loved that the places we go the regularly where on there.  Hubby said I needed a few more roads across his shoulder area. 

Have fun doing this!

Monday, July 16, 2012

4x4 tile coasters

One of our MOPS crafts this past year were 4"x4" tile coasters.  We used regular wall tiles, white felt, hot glue, scrapbook paper, Modge Podge & a clear acrylic sealer.  This is how I did the set this summer during our Summer Craft Day.

First you need to cut your felt to 4"x4".  The tiles are actually a little bigger than that.  I think (from the top of my head) they are 4.25"x 4.25".  By cutting the felt to 4"x4" you will allow the felt to not be seen from the top.  Hot glue your felt to the bottom of the tile.  I did a thin line of glue around the perimeter and then two thin lines through the middle.  I used the raised lines as guides.


I then chose a 12"x12" piece of paper and cut it to four 4"x4" squares.  You can do any pattern or size you want.  I recommend a thin paper and to cut it no bigger than 4"x4" to allow a little border to be able to seal the edges.  I have done a set with polka dots.  For my set I put a letter sticker in the bottom right corner.  I will be using these on the counter for our daily glasses. 


Apply a thin layer of Modge Podge using a foam brush.  You want a thin, even layer. Then place your paper in the orientation you desire.  I centered my paper on the tile and left a white border.  I used my fingers to make sure the paper was flat and any air bubbles were squished out.


Once you have your piece of paper flattened out, apply another THIN layer of Modge Podge to seal the paper down.


After the Modge Podge has dried completely, place your tiles on newspaper or cardboard and space them at least 1" apart.  Spray a thin, even layer of clear acrylic sealer and let them dry completely.  I've used both glossy & matt and it really is a personal preference.

Our 4 tiles sit on the kitchen counter near the sink.  Usually just mine & the hubby's water glasses are on them as the kiddos drink non-stop throughout the day.  They did come in handy when I had a house full of people and wanted to keep the kiddos cups in use.