Finally!! A New Post!

So it's been a while since my last post. And what an epic post that was! I knew I was going to have to take a bit of a break after that last one, but I really did not expect it to be as long as it has been. Since that post sooo much has happened. The trip to Atlanta in early April was fabulous! Not only did I get to be there for my mothers wedding but I also had the opportunity to see family/friends that I haven't seen in years/decades. That trip was immediately followed by a crazy month of packing and moving and numerous trips between the bay and the Inn. And once I was finally moved and officially employed I literally had to hit ground running. May proved to be the busiest month the Inn has had since opening in May of  last year and there was very little training involved. And by "little", I mean that I've only meet the owners twice - and that includes the first day I drove up for the interview. I had one quick run through on the computer system and I was on my own. Well not completely - we've had lots of phone conversations. All in all though, it's been an amazing month! I'm still processing the fact that this is my life now! Ever time I drive to the grocery store while gazing at the snow capped peaks of the Sierras I have to take a moment to convince myself it really is real! My God is such an amazing God!

So now that I'm fairly settled and have found some what of a rhythm, I'm back to blogging. And as long as I manage to stay within my very limited internet usage allotment I should be able to get out at least one blog post a week (hopefully more). To start I thought I would share a little project that has been nagging at me since I got here. It's a little drink coaster rehab project that's simple and fun and can add a little personal touch to your space as well.

So lets look at what we will need:

• A few old tile coasters or some plain white tiles
• A jar of Mod Podge
• A couple of photos prints, some scrap fabric or a printed monogram
• A crappy old paint brush you don't mind tossing
• and a pencil and paper cutter or scissors

Now I'm using a couple of old coasters that were at the Inn. The tacky little beach scene has been grating on my nerves since I got here so I'm making it my first project.

 

To started you'll want to find a cute photo to use, or a family monogram, or even a cute fabric to coordinates with your decor. Since these are used in the reception area of the Inn, I antiqued a photo of the Inn using my iPhone. Then you'll want to trim you print out to the size of the tile.

Next you'll cover the surface of your coaster or tile with a thin coat of the mod podge. I like to use the matt finish but you can use what ever finish you like.

Now you're going to place you printout on the glue covered surface. Be careful you don't get any air bubbles and that it's positioned straight the first time. It's nearly impossible to move it without creating wrinkles after it's touched the glue.

 

Now that it's good and straight, brush a health coating of the mod podge over the top. Pay special attention to the edges of the printout. You want to make sure it has a nice seal so that any drips won't damage the image or cause it to peel off.

A couple more things to point out - try to smooth out you're brush strokes as much as possible. They usually blend in given time, but sometimes they will show. Also, sometimes paper will wrinkle up or warp when you start to brush on the top layer. Don't panic or try and force them out. Once it begins to dry these will flatten out again become smooth.

Lastly you'll need to let it dry for a couple of days. There should be no tackiness left to it and you should have a nice clear, smooth image. And that's it! These coasters are a little more appropriate for a mountain B&B than the original beach scene and way cuter too!

As always any comments or suggestions are welcomed! It's always nice to hear from y'all.