DIY Mouse Pad

My former mouse pad was a photo of the Eiffel tower that I bought at a Target. It had seen better days and I was in need of a new one. I was at Ikea (a store I frequent quit regularly), and same a across a pack of three trivets. You know the things you use to place hot pots and pans on. Well I decided I needed two, but not all three. As I finished my route through the store I brainstormed on what I could use the third for. As I was testing out office chairs I came up with this idea.

Trivet/Cork Mouse Pad

What you need:

-Trivet or Cork cut to 7" circle

-Fabric

-Heat and Bond

-Iron

-Pencil

-Scissors

Start by ironing your fabric so it is wrinkle free. Then cut out a 8x8 piece of heat and bond. Iron that to the wrong side of your fabric following product instructions. Let it cool.

Then using your trivet or round piece of cork trace on to the heat and bond. Trace it as tight, or as close to the cork as possible. Try to make your circle a little smaller than the cork. That way it will not hang over the sides.

Now using scissors cut out your circle. Again try make the fabric smaller than the cork so cut on the inside of the line you traced.

After you have cut out the circle, peel of the paper of the heat and bond. Place the circle on the cork and iron on using product instructions.

After it cools it is ready to use. Mine is on our desk in the office.

This is a quick and easy project. Take a shot at it and if you do I would love to see how it turns out.

~Rachel~

Jedi Robe

Pinterest Visitors & Everyone Else:
You can purchase a completed robe or the tutorial for this cute Jedi robe in my Etsy Shop.
They are listed on my side bar. Thanks for visiting! 

How cute is my nephew? He is a huge fan of Star Wars and I wanted to give him something he could use along with all his lightsabers.



It is made out of fleece. I used a t-shirt of his to start with to make sure it was the right size and measured him from shoulder to toe to make sure it was the right length. I also used a jacket of mine as a pattern (kind of) for the hood. I made it a little larger since they are over sized anyways.

I made this tag for gift giving purposes only.
Stars Wars Corp: I am not trying to steal any logos. I promise :)

Take a go at it. If you would like one and don't feel you have the skills to make one on your own. Please contact me and I would be happy to help.

~Rachel~

Refinished Box

My husband and I went to a garage sale on Main Street in Panguitch last year. It was so much fun. All the stores sold things and then donated the money to the Boy Scouts.

We found this box and its been tucked away since then. I decided to give it a face lift and use it on my nightstand to put jewelery in, like my wedding ring and watches that I have worn that day. I have a lot of jewelry boxes, hangers, and holders but can a girl really ever have to many?

I painted it with 2 coats of black paint then 3 coats of white paint. I still need to add a glaze or sealer. I added the flower pattern felt on the inside, its my favorite part of the box. Once my room is clean and free of boxes I will share a photo of where it has found its home.

What have you refinished that you just love?

~Rachel~

Family Checkers

Here is an idea for a gift for any occasion and any age. A customized checkers board game with playing pieces for each member of the family. This was a really fun and easy project!

What you need:
-Unfinished round wooden disks 12 for each person (I found mine at Joann's)
-1-2 sheets of Patterned scrapbook paper
-Solid scrapbook paper
-Board (An old game board is perfect, try the thrift store)
-Paint (the number of colors depends on the number of people)
-Box (if you use an old board game the same box is perfect)
-Mod Podge
-Names and Crowns printed

Start by painting your board with any color of your choice. Depending on the original color of the board you may need 2 coats. While that is drying paint your wooden disks. I used a separate color for each family member and had it coordinate with the patterned paper. You could use one color for all of them. These will need 2-3 coats of paint.

After the board is dry place your patterned paper on to see how how much you will need. I had to use 2 pieces and match them up to not leave a noticeable seam. After you measure and cut your paper to the proper length you will Mod Podge it on. Apply Mod Podge to a section of the paper and place it on the board. Make sure it is in the right place and use a ruler or other long tool to prevent air bubbles. Repeat until it is all glued down.


Next you will need to mark your places for solid pieces. Your board will need to be 8 squares by 8 square. Here is where you need to use your math skills. You will need to figure out how long each side is and divide that by 8. So if your board is 14 x 12 each square will need to be 1.75 x 1.5. Mark the board according to its size so you know where to place each piece. Cut your solid paper to the right size. You will need 32 squares/rectangles. Glue them down using Mod Podge.

After everthing is dry apply a coat of Mod Podge to the top sealing everything.

Now to finish your disks. After they are dry cut out the printed names and crowns using scissors or a circle punch. I recommend a circle punch it makes things much easier. Apply the names on one side and the crowns on the other using the same technique as with the board. Mod Podge the paper then place on disk and use tool to get rid of air bubbles. Apply a top coat to seal.

To finish it off you can decorate your box. I used Mod Podge to apply this paper to my box.

*Variation: Use photos of the family members instead of their names to attach to the playing pieces.

Have fun with this project!!


~Rachel~

Silhouette Giveaway at Sugardoodle

This is the crafters ultimate dream...




Head on over to Sugardoodle to enter to win this!!!!!!!


~Rachel~