Bottle-Cap Magnets

Bottle-cap magnets are a fun way to add a little personality to your fridge, and are a gift friends and family will love.

I follow Martha Stewart’s instructions, and have found that it’s a pretty easy process (although using clear casting resin for the 1st time was intimidating). I use a 1″ hole puncher and stamp out the circles, the glue them into the bottle caps with enormous amounts of ModPodge, let it dry thoroughly and then pour in a thick layer of clear casting resin. After the resin is totally dry, about 24 hours later, I glue on a super strong magnet on the back and, ta-da, bottle cap magnets.

What you’ll need:

• 1-inch circular craft punch
• Any interesting paper (I often use scrapbooking paper)
• Craft glue or ModPodge
• Bottle caps
• Clear casting resin
• Contact cement
• Small magnets (I recommend these by Rare Earth)

Directions:

• Using the craft punch, cut out pictures. Using craft glue or ModPodge, attach one picture to the inside of each bottle cap. Let dry thoroughly.
• Cover a work surface to protect it from spills, and lay caps on top. Following manufacturer’s instructions for clear casting resin, fill each bottle cap to the rim. Let dry overnight.
• Using contact cement, attach magnets or thumbtacks to the backs of the bottle caps. Let dry overnight before using.

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Easy Tile Coaster Tutorial

I found a tutorial for these tile coasters a year ago and have made them quite a few times since. They are so easy to make and inexpensive as well. Last year, I gave sets of 4 out as Christmas gifts, and my friends loved them!

Any scrapbook paper can be used. Ross and T.J.Maxx often have scrapbook paper (I got a book of over 100 sheets for less than $5 at Ross). Also, JoAnn’s frequently has coupons that can be used on any regular-priced item. Instead of scrapbook paper, you could save the Christmas cards you receive this year and make a set of holiday coasters for next year’s Christmas gifts.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Tiles from your local hardware store (4.25″ x 4.25″)
• Scrapbook paper (3.75″ x 3.75″)
• Felt or cork (4.25″ x 4.25″)
• Mod Podge
• Sponge brush
• Glue (i.e. Fabri-tac or other strong adhesive)
• Clear acrylic sealer
• Acrylic paint
• Small paint brush

Instructions:

• I followed the instructions from The Cottage Mama’s blog, but made two customizations:

1. I extended the felt to cover the entire bottom of the tile (4.25″ x 4.25″). The Cottage Mama’s instructions had you cut the felt at 3.75″ x 3.75″.
2.  I also painted the edge of the coaster as I wanted to hide the rough edges. I used Martha Stewart’s metallic gold acrylic craft paint, and applied the paint at the very end (after Step #6 in the tutorial).

Wrap four of these coasters up with some beautiful ribbon and you’ve got a gorgeous handmade gift.

P.S. – If Christmas cards are piling up and you’re running out of ways to display them, these creative Christmas card projects on Better Homes and Gardens are easy-to-make and will put holiday greetings to good use.