handmade

DIY Monogram Coasters

DIY Monogram Coasters

Hello World,

I have finally hit the age where many of my friends have started getting married and having children. As a recent college graduate, buying my to-be-married friends a kitchen aide mixer or something super impressive is slightly out of my budget.

I went to my first bridal shower this last weekend, and scoured the internet for advice on what to give. Most of the advice I came across said that the bridal shower gift is usually less expensive than the wedding gift, with an acceptable price range being $25 – $75. Gifts can come from the registry if you want to play it safe, or you can go against the grain and give something handmade.

At first I thought about giving a spa set with bath items and toiletries, but decided against that because Pinterest was flooded with similar images and I had this feeling someone else probably had done that idea. I then scrolled through the bridal/wedding registry and noticed they asked for many kitchen items like: bakeware, pots, cooking utensils, etc.

Being Italian, I finally decided on giving a Italian dinner date night basket. (I figured food was safe, because it will eventually be used. Maybe after the fit-into-the-dress diet, but still useful.) I also read that giving monogram gifts is bad luck. In my case though, both the bride and the grooms’ last names start with the same letter.

To add a dash of handmade to the basket, I made some simple coasters:

DIY Monogram Coasters

1. Gather your supplies: small tiles, cork or felt bases, strong glue, paint, a paintbrush, and a clear sealer (not pictured).

2. Apply glue to your cork base and attach to the bottom of your tile.

3. With a pencil, I sketched out a single-letter monogram.

4. Paint your design and allow to dry.

5. Repeat with your other coaster(s) and spray them with clear spray paint or apply Mod Podge to waterproof them.

Bridal Shower Present - Italian Dinner Date Night

Here is the basket I gave. It included: a pasta scoop, a slotted spoon, organic pasta sauce, whole wheat pastas, extra virgin olive oil, a bottle of red wine, the coasters (not pictured because they were drying) and a metal colander.

Bridal Shower Present - Italian Dinner Date Night

The wine, pastas and extra virgin olive oil were also all made in Italy! I added crinkle paper shreds (from one of my Darby Smart boxes), wrapped the entire thing in cellophane, and topped it with a simple white bow.

This type of basket would also work as a house-warming or holiday gift.

Happy Crafting!

Rings, earrings, and so many more pretty things! (Now on Etsy)

Hello World,

Last week I sold my last listed ring on Etsy, and was a busy little bee this week making so many new goodies. I have expanded my store to sell other items besides zipper flowers, including: rings, bobby pins, earrings, and I just listed my first necklace!

I also bought my first can of chalkboard paint last week and have been painting up a storm. (Project post coming soon.) I repainted an old chalkboard and absolutely love using it as a background for my Etsy photos. My jewelry pieces just pop so well against the black!

Mint Chrysanthemum Ring with Adjustable Filigree Band – So pretty and bright for (almost) spring!
Bohemian Spirit Brass Necklace – I am OBSESSED with this necklace. Maybe it’s because of my inner gypsy.
Mint & White Chrysanthemum Bobby Pins – If I could work a top knot I would totally pair these with one.
Bright Purple Zipper Earrings – I made so many pairs of these in different neon colors. I think they are so fun!
Happy Crafting (and Etsy-ing!)

Etsy Treasury- February Neutrals

Hello World,

I can spend hours on Etsy just browsing for handmade goodies and gaining inspiration. While my house is plastered with pink and red decorations, I must say the rustic/neutrals are really staring to grow on me. Below is my latest Treasury:

‘Ti Amo’ by Laura Olphie

Burlap Bunting Banner, “…

$23
open heart knuckle ring,hear…

$11
Heartbeat Charm Necklace, Go…

$30
Large rustic Twigs heart dec…

$7
Be Mine Mug // Long Distance…

$17.95
Hammered Heart Earrings, Lon…

$32
Wedding Garland, Gold Heart …

$12
Valentine Decor – Wood Slice…

$40
Mini Wooden White Heart Shap…

$6
Painted Cork Coaster Set of …

$15
Leather Journal with Heart L…

$25
PATCHOULI Votive Candles (4)…

$8
Personalized Heart Pillow / …

$13
nesting hearts

$14
PRE-ORDER: 8.5×11 To Love an…

$25
Green Jersey and Cream Lace …

$65

Happy Crafting (and online shopping)!

PS- Today marks the one month mark until my 24th birthday… Feels like just yesterday I was in elementary school mass-signing Disney character valentines for my classmates and receiving them in my carefully constructed construction paper and scented marker decorated envelope.

Oh hey, he gave me a lollipop along with this Lion King Valentine? He MUST like me. Better chase him on the playground at recess later. #ElementarySchoolReasoning (And in all reality his mom made all his valentines for him.)