First of all, I want to wish my Sister-in-Law Kristen a Very Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day!
Can you believe Father's Day is coming up this weekend? I've got a last minute gift idea you can whip up with the kiddos help! You can buy these items at the Dollar Store or Craft Store and it won't break the bank! The bare wood frame was from Michael's for $1, the river rocks were from the Dollar Tree for $1, I had the glue, paint and popsicle stick on hand! So this project only cost $2!!! And it's a piece that is treasured in our home!
Dad Rocks Picture Frame
Supplies
Bare Wood Picture Frame
River Rocks
E600 Glue
Popsicle Stick
Paint
Marker
Instructions
Gather your rocks, we used about a bag of the smaller sized river rocks. Have them out on your work surface, ready to place. Apply glue on frame, we were very generous. Because this is very sticky glue, I applied the rocks to the glue (very carefully). We moved them around to fit. We applied more glue as necessary, working in a small area at one time. Once all the rocks have been applied, allow glue to dry and set over night. Check for loose rocks and reapply glue if necessary!
While the glue is drying, the kids painted the popsicle stick brown. I broke it in half and sanded the edges. Then I hand wrote DAD ROCKS with a black marker. This is what the kids wanted; I think I would have done something a bit differently though. Perhaps vinyl? Anyways, its handmade and I think it turned out great. We added some glue on the back of the popsicle stick and placed it on the rocks on opposite corners (per direction from my daughter!).
After that dried, we added the picture and wrapped it up! The frame is heavy and the little wood peg that comes with the frame won't hold it up. I suggest a holder or make sure you can prop it up against something else.
Super easy, inexpensive and something you could totally pull off before Father's Day this weekend!
What do you think?
I've been waiting to share these with you for awhile--I'm so excited to finally show them off! I made these Easy Photo Coasters for my parents and for my mother-in-law for Christmas and I absolutely loved how they turned out! I can't wait to make a set for myself, too!
I bought the plain white tiles at the Habitat for Humanity Store for pennies (you can get them real cheap at Lowes, Home Depot, etc.), took my favorite pictures and put it all together! The hardest part is seriously picking out the pictures! Here are the easy instructions:
- Clean and dry the tiles
- Cut the pictures down to 4x4 size
- Get out your Modge Podge and put a thin layer on the tile, carefully lay your picture down on the tile.
- Let dry.
- Continue to put thin layers of Modge Podge over the pictures, making sure to let each coat dry before applying the next.
- I put about 6 layers of Modge Podge over each picture.
- When Modge Podge is dry apply a spray sealer over the pictures.
- Apply felt to the corners to protect the surface the coasters lay on.
- Allow the coasters to cure 30 days before setting any hot mugs or cups that will sweat on the coasters. This will hopefully prevent damage to the pictures.
Even though this is a process, it really does come together quickly. I let the coasters set overnight before spraying with the sealer.
I wrapped them with a cute bow and put them in a gift bag. I think they really enjoyed their gift and now they can show off their grandchildren to all their guests!
Now that I shared them with you, I've got to go make a set for my house! Happy crafting!
Cindy
I've got another easy, customizable Christmas gift you can give to one of your favorite people. Many months ago I purchased these boards from Pick Your Plum (check out this daily site if you haven't already--such cute things!) and I have been waiting for a creative way to use them. When I visited a craft fair this fall, I saw photo boards with sayings on them and it struck me--that is what I would do with my boards--with my own twist of course!
I spray painted the boards with flat black spray paint and sanded the edges. Next I picked out a scrapbook paper that I liked and that coordinated with the saying that I was putting on the photo board. I applied a layer of Modge Podge on the board before applying the paper. Then I sanded the paper to give it rough edges. For this gift, I used copper glitter words that I bought at Michael's. I adhered them to the scrapbook paper with Modge Podge and let dry. Then I added some decorative flowers to give it a little extra touch. I added the photo corners on the little blocks so the recipient could add her favorite photos.
I loved how super simple this was, but so personal. I gave this to one of my dearest friends I met in college and still remain very close to. She is a great friend and I wanted to let her know that she was one of my Forever Friends.
Have a great day!
Cindy
