DIY Instagram Coasters

Are you already  thinking about Christmas presents for next year??  Or for an upcoming birthday or engagement?  Here is an idea for a meaningful, affordable, adorable gift!  I made them this Christmas for my family, and they were a hit!

Remember those supplies I said I got at Home Depot that Bill was driving up to Nantucket??

Well they were for these DIY Instagram Coasters!!

What you need…

1. Tiles from Home Depot (Chiaro Tumbled, Genuine stone – $4 for 9 tiles)

2. Mod Podge

3. Instagram Pictures printed on printer paper but select “photo paper” option when you print. For a 4 x 4 tile… print a 3.68 square to fit perfectly

4. Piece of Sponge

5. Mod Podge Gloss Acrylic Sealer to waterproof the coasters

6. Felt Pads 

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Instructions:

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Step 1. Spread Mod Podge on the top of the tile.

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Step 2.  Place the picture on the tile.

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Step 3.  Spread Mod Podge over the picture.

I would cut off the edge of the sponge in between each tile because ink would get on the sponge.

Step 4.  After they are fully dry, spray with the acrylic sealer.  Then let dry. (Step not pictured)

Step 5. Place felt pad circles in all four corners of the tiles.

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Finally, collect a set of four tiles that match, tie them up with a bow and give them to your favorite people!

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A big thank you to Steve for taking the best Instagram pictures ever!  (I used all his shots!)

Gingerbread House Decorating Competition

About six years ago Allie and I started a gingerbread house decorating contest and we get really really into it! Three years ago we made it an official Christmas Eve tradition and we invited the Hollisters (Steve’s family) to join in. That’s when the bar was raised. Those Hollisters are so creative…I mean Steve brings saws and drills to the event. Here’s how it works: we split up into teams, each team gets a house already built, you take as long as you need decorating, and you can bring any supplies you want! The teams are: The wives (my mom, Steve’s mom, and Emily), the sisters (Allie and I), the siblings (Steve and Samantha), and the dads (my dad and Steve’s dad). This year the dads owned all of us…watch the video below to see how they did it!

**The song is Oh Santa by Mariah Carey. Because we can’t help but break out dancing every time we hear this Christmas song!

 

Merry Christmas

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We just wanted to take a minute to wish you guys a very Merry Christmas! We hope you are having a wonderful time with your family and friends celebrating this magical holiday. Lots of love to each and every one of you!