Chalkboard Mugs and Mug Rugs

 


I had a fun time making up these cute mug rugs out of Cream and Sugar by Ampersand Design Studio for Windham Fabrics. I think they turned out fantastic and I'm a little disappointed that I didn't keep any for myself. I used some thermal Insul-Bright batting. I have heard from friends and family that they work great.

I also took some mugs I found for less than $2 from Crate and Barrel outlet and painted them with porcelain chalkboard paint.  I think the combination turned out great!

And here are some pictures of my one year old trying to climb the cabinets to pull them off the counter!

Celebration Garlands

I have seen these garlands around, but never got around to making them until recently.

I made up my own pattern, the top of the triangle is 7 inches, each side is 9 inches. Cut two triangles for each flag and sew, right sides together. Turn and press, making sure to clip the tip of the triangle to get a clean point.  

I used one package of double fold bias tape to form the garland. The bias tape can hold 12 to 13 triangles spaced 1 & 1/2 inches apart.

When you're finished you get a lovely garland. Take it out for every celebration, or give it as a gift!

Ornament Exchange

I went to my first ornament exchange last week.  At first I thought I would sew something, but with all of the Christmas sewing going on, it just wasn't working out. Instead I went with a beeswax ornament. This was my first experience with beeswax, but it went really well. The ornaments came out all beautiful and golden, and they smell wonderful!

Melting the solid wax

Mom, thank you for getting me an OveGlove last year for Christmas, it is fantastic for holding hot jars!

Hot wax in mold.

Semi-solid ornaments

Once the wax cools, it shrinks and the ornaments pop right out!

I stamped each ornament with the date right before the wax hardened. Be careful if you choose to do this, stamp too soon and it can really mess the ornament up.

Hang these babies in front of a light and they glow on the tree.  Merry Christmas!