Handmade Tile Coasters

Create durable tile drink coasters customized with photos or colorful patterned paper.

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All you'll need:

• small ceramic tiles (15 cents each at home improvement stores)
• felt (25 cents at craft stores), cut into squares slightly smaller than the tiles
• paintbrush
• images: try patterned scrapbook paper, photos, post-it notes, or even tissue paper for a unique look
• your trusty Mod Podge
• adhesive suitable for ceramics (to attach the felt) -- not pictured below
• glossy varnish (not water-based)

Step 1:

If necessary, trim the paper and the felt to fit the front and back of the tiles, respectively.  The nice thing about using Post-it notes is that they're already the perfect size!

Step 2:

Using Mod Podge and a paintbrush, attach each paper piece to its tile.  Work any air bubbles out from under the paper.

Step 3:

Using Mod Podge and a paintbrush, coat the top and sides of each tile to seal the image.  I recommend applying only one coat -- or two very thin coats.

Step 4:
After the Mod Podge has dried (give it at least 15-20 minutes), apply the varnish.  Only apply one or two coats, allowing it to dry between coats.  Because Mod Podge is water-soluble, it will not protect your coasters from condensation -- so this step is important!

Step 5:
Once the varnish is completely dry, attach felt to the bottom of each tile with glue to protect furniture surfaces. (Note: do not stack the coasters until the glue has completely cured; otherwise the fumes may cause damage to the varnish of the coaster below!)

And there you have it -- you're done!

Colorful Slotted Organizer

What an adorable way to organize jewelry -- or anything else, for that matter!

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All you'll need:

• slotted wooden tray (you might find that chocolates or other snacks are packaged in these at bulk food stores -- or try looking at a thrift store!)
• paper trimmer/scissors
• paintbrush
• your trusty Mod Podge
• scrapbook paper in various colors and patterns

Step 1:

Trim the paper so that it is the perfect size to line each compartment of the tray.

Step 2:

Using Mod Podge and a paintbrush, attach each paper piece to its corresponding "wall."  Be sure to work any large air bubbles out from under the paper.  If desired, attach shapes (like the heart pictured below) or scrapbooking embellishments for extra flair!

Step 3:

Using Mod Podge and a paintbrush, coat the entire tray to seal and add sheen.

And there you have it! Too cute!!!

Gift Card Mosaic Frame

This project is time-consuming, but mind-numbingly easy.  Throw on a movie and have fun!

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All you'll need:

• unfinished frame ($3 at craft stores)
• gift cards with $0 balances (I've also used old parking passes and credit cards)
• scissors
• paintbrush
• your trusty Mod Podge
• acrylic paint (optional; not pictured)

Step 1:

If you want to change the color of your frame, remove the glass and easel and paint it before beginning your mosaic.  I used pink acrylic paint for mine.

Step 2:

As the paint dries, cut up your gift cards.  I cut mine into about 1/2" squares.  Keep in mind that as you figure out the exact positioning of each piece, you will trim it to the right shape and size -- so don't cut too small at this point!

Step 3:

Using Mod Podge and a small paintbrush, begin building your mosaic.  Use a variety of shapes and positions to keep it interesting! (This step takes several hours and requires little skill -- try doing it while you watch a movie on TV!)

Step 4:

Once your mosaic is complete, give the entire frame a coat or two of Mod Podge to seal the pieces and give everything a nice shine.

And you're done!

Oatmeal Canister Headband Organizer

Save the earth while keeping your hair accessories organized in style.
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All you'll need to start getting organized:

• empty Quaker Oats canister, or similar
• scrapbook paper
• measuring tape
• paper trimmer or scissors
• paintbrush
• your trusty Mod Podge

Step 1:

First you'll need to take three measurements: (1) find a headband and be sure that it fits snugly around the container you've selected; (2) measure the height of your container; (3) measure the circumference of your container.

Step 2:

Cut your paper to size.  I used two different types of paper to create four panels on my container.  Since I measured my container's height to be 9" and its circumference to be 16", I cut four 9" x 4" rectangles.

Step 3:

Using a paintbrush, secure each panel of paper to the container with Mod Podge.  Be sure to work out any air bubbles with your fingers, working from the center out.

Step 4:

Cut a circle out of the paper you have left, and secure it to the lid using the paintbrush and Mod Podge.

Step 5:

Finally, apply a couple layers of Mod Podge over the entire project to seal it and give it some shine.  Pay special attention to the seams between pieces of paper to prevent peeling.  You might notice that the Mod Podge causes air bubbles to form; that's okay!  They'll disappear on their own when it dries, like magic.

When your project is completely dry, get organizing!  In addition to displaying your headbands on the outside of the organizer, you can store rubber bands, clips, and bobby pins on the inside.

Easy Personalized Clipboard

Make one for yourself first; then make one for every other person in your life who needs a hard surface to write on.
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All you need for this sweet personalized clipboard:

• plain fiberboard clipboard (about $2)
• scrapbook paper
• scissors
• paintbrush
• Sharpie(s)
• your trusty Mod Podge

Step 1:

Cut two pieces of scrapbook paper to be slightly smaller than the front and back of the clipboard, respectively.  The paper you choose for the front of the clipboard will end up being a little smaller, because it has to accomodate the clipboard's hardware.

Step 2:

First we'll work on the front of the clip board.  Using your paintbrush, slather a good amount of Mod Podge onto the bottom half of the back of the paper.  Carefully place it onto the clipboard, then work any air bubbles out with your fingers, from the center to the edges.  Repeat for the top half of the paper.

Step 3:
Now it's time to personalize the paper you'll use on the back of your clipboard.  I wrote "Miss Corinne" with Sharpie (use pencil first!) on the top of mine.  Then I cut and pasted a little birdie from a coordinating piece of scrapbook paper, and drew him a Sharpie branch to sit on.

Step 4:
Repeat step 2 for the back of the clipboard.

Step 5:
Now comes the fun part -- using your paintbrush, seal the entire board with plenty of Mod Podge.  You might notice that the Mod Podge causes air bubbles to form; that's okay!  They'll disappear on their own when it dries, like magic.  Remember to let the first side of the board dry completely before you start on the other side.  Your clipboard may remain a little tacky for a few days, so give it plenty of time to dry before clipping any papers to it!

Voila -- you're done!