Diwali Gift Hamper 2015

Diwali is the festival of lights. Away from my country I still manage to create the diwali ambience inside my home. Every year I decorate my house with lanterns. I enjoy making lanterns. I make them in dozens  to hang them all around the house. I put lights and a big "aakshkandil" in the patio.  And of course diwali can never be complete without the sweet and spicy home made snacks . They are made in all Marathi homes worldwide. Nothing can beat the fresh yummy home made "faral". Like always this year too I made ladoos, shankarpali, karanji, chivada and chakali. The difference this year was that I packaged it with some creativity. I got the dollar store silver containers. I used cupcake liners to place individual items. Then placed these inside the container. I covered the container with cling wrap. I used homemade gift tag in the shape of a "panati ". I made it using a card stock paper I had at hand. I had fun giving the faral package alongwith a aakshkandil to my neighbours and friends. I also received a nice surprise gift with the faral from one of my friends.

Should I just say diwali gift hamper? Share your ideas to package faral next year. Until then wishing you all happy new year. Welcome 2016.

Pinterest Projects - DIY Tile Coasters

The tile coasters have been on my DIY- to-do-list for a long time. Of course I had seen them on Pinterest. These coasters are cute and cheap. Great idea to make the coasters for Christmas presents. These coasters are very easy to make but not quick. The process involves some time for Mod Podge to dry before applying the sealant.

Materials used -

1. 4-1/4″ square ceramic tiles 10 cents a piece ( from Home Depot )

2. Scrapbook paper ( in pattern of your choice )

3. Mod Podge

4. Spray Arylic Sealant

5. Adhesive backed felt pads (from  Dollar tree )

Total budget under 10$.  You can make multiple sets of coasters with various scrapbook papers.


So here are the steps involved -

1. I used the tile to mark the dimensions on scrapbook paper. I wish I had cut the paper a little shorter to show the tile at the borders. ( Well !Now I know when I do new batch of coasters )

2. Then with a foam brush I applied  Mod Podge onto the tile and laid the previously cut square scrapbook paper on it . The paper should adhere to the tile nicely. Smooth it out with your fingers as needed.

3. Again with a foam brush I applied  a coat of Mod Podge , this time over the paper.  I used my fingers to smooth out any bubbles that crop up, pressing out toward the edges.

4. I left the coasters to dry for several hours .

5. I finished  them off with a coat of spray acrylic sealer to make them waterproof. Since I used the glossy one it gave a nice shiny finish .

6. Finally added some felt on the back to prevent coasters from scratching my furniture. I added felt couple of days after the spray sealant coat.

And that's it ! I was very happy with the way they came out.  I could not wait to enjoy a cup of tea with my cup resting on these coasters.

Pinterest projects - DIY Twine Wrapped Jar

The yarn wrapped bottles are hugely popular on Pinterest. So I decided to create my own with the materials I had at home. I used a jar that previously contained garlic paste. You can use any type of  glass jar or  any vase/ bottle . Not only is this cost effective, but it also adds a heartwarming and nice touch to your decor. Following are simple step by step instructions to complete this project.

1.Starting at top of the bottle I added a layer of mod podge with a sponge onto the bottle. Point the tail end downward so you can hide it later. Wrap each layer of yarn as closely as possible to previous one .

2. You can also let the yarn twist or overlap for a less symmetric look.

3. Use different colors and experiment with various textures like yarn, rope etc.

I use a baker's twine and wrapped one after the other for a clean simple look.

4. You can use this as pencil holder or for holding scissors next to your sewing machine or even for flower arrangements.

The different colors will give a pop of color if placed in bookshelves.

At the end of day it is all about having  fun with your creation.

Materials Used ---

1.Glass jar ( I had at home ) = FREE

2. Baker's twine 1$ each ( found at Target at The One Spot aisle )

 I use one whole spindle and few strands from another one )

3. Mod podge (available at Target in The One Spot aisle for 3 $ )

Total cost of project under 5 $