AROUND THE HOUSE

I wanted to take a few minutes of your time to show you a craft that I finally got finished. I love trying to make new things.

Our Grubb Springs Extension Homemakers Club was getting ready for its annual fundraiser called Gingerbread House. We use the monies to give a scholarship to a deserving student(s). One of our members, Carol, gave me some 6 inch tiles to do something with. I have seen how the 4 inch tiles are turned into coasters so decided to make a trivet with this one.

I used Patio Paint (my favorite paint for everything) and painted the bottom of the tile and part of the top (pictures 1 & 3). I got a piece of distressed heavy scrapbook paper and cut it to the size I wanted. Then I pulled out my next favorite item - Liquid Laminate. I use that instead of Modge Podge for lots of crafts. I brushed it onto the tile first, being very careful not to foam it up or get bubbles. Then using my fingers, I put it on the back of my paper then applied it to the tile. I used my fingers to coat the top of the paper with the laminate. I prefer this method instead of a brush. I work out any bumps or unsealed edges. Now, set it aside and let it dry.

After it's dry I go back and using my fingers, apply another coat to the paper and let it dry. I had some felt pieces used to put on items that you don't want to scratch your furniture, so I put one in each corner of the trivet.

Next problem was finding a sealer that would be heat resistant to a certain degree. Went to my local Home Depot and found some clear auto paint that would work. Went home and took my tile outside and gave it a good coat of this finish. After it dried for several hours, I sprayed it again and left it outside until it was completely dry. It has an unpleasant smell so no spraying in the house or garage.

I sat the trivet down on our counter and set a hot pan of boiling water on the tile. Let it sit there until the water and pan were cool. This took almost an hour. When I pulled the pan off, the trivet was in great shape.

When I put them up for sale, I advised people that these trivets were designed to make their table look attractive when the corn was setting on it. I am NOT making the claim that this finish will not melt and make a big mess.

I make my own trail mix and put it in plastic jars. I make a gingerbread man label and put the name of the mix and the ingredients on the back side of the label. The lid has a circle of paper like the tag paper and was glued on using a glue stick. (easy removal if they want to use the jar for something else).

I had a whole section of my One of a Kind jewelry that I donated to the sale. They got the keep the money that the jewelry bought but, I got to take back what didn't sell. This will be sent to a church
camp this summer.

This is a picture of one of my 'bib' necklaces. I sew or glue all kinds of items to a canvas bib. It has a long piece of ribbon that you can trim to the length you want the necklace to be or you can leave it long and tie a big bow in the back. I use as much vintage as I can. Retail on this necklace is $25.00 and it sold right away.

Before I get off here, I want to share what I found in my yard.

He (or she) was busy eating the bird seed that fell out of the feeder. The raccoon was about 10 feet from me and only looked up when I opened my back door to take a picture. I had called my hubby and he thought I should shoot it and I did - with my Canon camera!!!

Until next time - Be safe and warm!! Jan