Pine Coasters

Supplies:

1. Tree branch at least 3 1/2 inches in diameter

2. Chop saw or other hand saw

3. Sand paper or hand-held sander

4. Clear varnish or polyurethane

5. Disposable paint brush

6. Roll of cork

7. E6000 craft glue

The first step is to find a straight branch. I used a pine tree limb. Make sure that the diameter of the limb is wide enough to fit a normal-sized glass. Slice the limb into discs that are about 3/4" thick. 

Since pine is very sappy, I had to cure my discs in the oven before I could sand them. If you use a sappy wood, you'll need to do this also. Put the discs on a sheet of foil and bake them at 200 degrees for about 3 hours. 

*Make sure you do not leave wood unattended in the oven.

Now your coasters are ready to sand. You can just use sand paper or an electric hand-held like the one I'm using. Sand the discs until they are very smooth on both sides. 

If your wood has a lot of loose bark, you might want to peel some of it off.

Now you're ready to coat your coasters with varnish. The top of the coasters will need about 5 or 6 coats because the wood is very absorbent, and you will want the top to be very glossy. Make sure you allow the coasters to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. 

 After the top dries, you can do the edges and bottom. To prevent the coasters from sticking to the newspaper, you can set them on smaller pieces of wood to allow them to dry. You'll need to do about 2 coats. (The bottom does not have to be as
shiny as the top.)

Now you are ready to add the backing to the coasters. There are several options for backing, but I chose cork. I found a roll of cork at my local craft store. Simply trace around your coaster, shiny side up. Then cut just inside of your line so that there is a lip of wood surrounding your cork. (This might require some trimming.) Then glue the cork on and let it dry with some pressure on it, like a phone book. I used E6000, but any heavy duty craft glue will work.

Complete!

Frame Wreath

This tutorial will show you how to make this Frame Wreath!

First, gather your supplies:

1. Open back frame. (I found this one on the side of the road!)

2. T-shirts to make pom-poms

3. Sand paper

4. Latex paint in your choice of color

5. Disposable Paint Brush 

6. Wide Ribbon (I chose 2.5" width)

7. Fabric scissors

8. Command Strip Hook

Now to prepare the frame:

Sand down the surface of your frame so it can receive the paint.

Paint all surfaces of the frame EXCEPT the back. You don't want to paint the back because if this frame is used on an outside door, the heat from the sun could cause the paint to stick to your door. 

I recommend using a throw-away brush.

The pom-pons are next. There are several tutorials on how to make t-shirt pom-poms. The one I used is HERE

After creating the t-shirt pom poms, run an extra piece of t-shirt through the center of the pom pom.

Do this to all three pom poms.

Then tie your pom poms to the top of your frame. Make sure they are at various heights within your frame.

Snip the ends.

Tie the three strands together and position in the middle of the frame.

Now to add the bow/ hanger.

You'll want to cut your ribbon long enough to make a bow and have it hang over the back of your door. I needed approximately 3 yards, but it will depend on where you'll want your frame to be on your door.

String one end of your ribbon between the first pom pom's hanger and the middle pom pom, and then string the other end between the middle pom pom and the third pom pom. You will be left with a loop at the top and the ends draped over the front of the frame. (See below) 

Tie a knot around the loop with the ends.

Tie a bow with the ends, leaving the loop unobstructed.

The frame wreath is now complete! All you have left to do is hang it!

Put a command strip hanger UP-SIDE-DOWN at the middle and top of your door. Make sure to put the hook on the back of your door.

Then, place the loop of ribbon under the hook, and place frame on the other side of the door. 

Complete!