This years Christmas gifts....FINALLY

So it's only been a little over 3 weeks since Christmas has come and gone but better late than never!  A new thing I have started doing the past couple of years is making all of my Christmas presents for the majority of my family and friends.  So here is what I did this year!

Bottle Cap Magnets!

This isn't the first time I've used this idea before, but this time I flipped the caps over and cut out images and pasted them inside.  Some pretty scrapbook paper and a little glue will go a long way! I punched them out with an inch circle punch which was the perfect size for the bottle cap.  Sadly, I am not the first to come up with this cool idea.  I came across similar magnets at Borders and another store (can't remember where though).  But I like to think mine are the best and most unique!

Here are a few more pics...

Microwave Heat Wraps!

These things are amazing and so easy to make!  If you just want a simple one and don't care what it looks like all you need is a tube sock.  To make it pretty though, I put a softer, more colorful sock on the outside and just tied the top.  This way you can remove the outer sock and machine wash it when you need to.  To make the inside, I mixed rice and cut open a couple packets of herbal tea and mixed together, then sewed the tube sock shut.  When you microwave the heat wrap it's best to place a cup of water in with it or spritz it with some water.  This way it maintains the moisture and your heat wrap will last longer!

Bathroom Tile Coasters!

This gift I am most proud of this year!  It took a while, but the result was well worth it!

I took plain white ceramic bathroom tiles (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) and spray painted them black.  Several coats.  

Let them dry overnight. 

I then printed off images just with my printer at home and used spay adhesive to glue them to the tiles.  

Let them dry overnight.

Next, I sprayed them with a a clear glossy lacquer.  Used mainly for models.  Several coats.

Let them dry overnight.

Next, I cut out adhesive felt pieces to fit the bottom of the tiles and attached them.

And that's it!

Here are some more pictures of the finished product.

They really work great!  Heavy enough not to slide around or stick to your cup and they don't absorb the moisture like the paper/cardboard ones.  I'm definitely going to be making more of these in the future!

Now it's time to start thinking about next years Christmas gifts!!

Till next time,

B