Craft Project: Coasters

Supplies:
Plain Tiles
Stencil Paste
Stencil of Choice
Acrylic Paint of Choice
Plastic Spoon/Knife
Plate to mix on
Clear Polyurethane

Directions: Place stencil on tile. If it doesn't have a sticky film on it already, then spray with repositionable spray adhesive. Scoop amount a small amount of stencil paste and place it on your mixing plate. Next, squirt a small amount of acrylic paint onto the paste and mix together. If you prefer to have a white design, you can skip this step. Now you're ready to begin applying the image to the tile. Slather on a glop of the mixture onto the tile and work it onto the entire stencil. Once the entire stencil is covered, you can begin scraping some of it off so that there is a layer just thick enough to not see the tile through the paint. Carefully lift the stencil up. If there are spots that need to be touched up (paint went under the stencil?), just gently wipe it away with your finger or a baby wipe. If you decide you don't like how the design turned out, no problem! You can wipe the tile clean with some soap and warm water and start again. Once you are happy with your tile, set it aside to cure overnight. Seal with a clear polyurethane and you're done!

Free 411 from Google

In case you haven't heard... Dial 1-800-GOOG-411 for FREE 411 info courtesy of Google. Click the link to watch a short video clip about the free service. If you call from your cell phone, you can even have the search information sent to you in a text message!

Bees!

Found in the peach tree in the back yard recently... a bee ball!

Happy Spring!

Here in Southern California, we've been experiencing some really wonderful weather over the past few days! It was in the high 80's on Easter. Gotta love that! Here's a shot of my peach tree in the backyard. It only stays like this for about two weeks and then the flowers start falling off and green leaves begin to sprout.

I've been busy planting some flowers this year as well. So far, gerbera daisies, dahlias, and another hydrangea plant (there are already 3 in the front of the house that the previous owners planted). Later this week, some strawberry plants will also be going into the ground... just as soon as the kids get around to putting on their gardening gloves and planting them. :)

Sizzix Die-Cutter and Converter

Score! I just got my hands on an original Sizzix Die Cutter and Converter for $15 total! I have been intrigued by these for years, ever since seeing it demonstrated on The Carol Duvall Show, but could never justify the hefty price since I'd probably only use it once in a while. Well, I am glad I waited, because I got a great deal on this one! I popped by Jo-Ann's a little while ago to scoop out the dies and picked up the circle set. If anyone has any tips on using one of these, please let me know!