Glass Etched Cookie Jar - My Christmas Gift Ideas Have Officially Started

I am sorry for being away from Full of Great Ideas for so many months, but I have struggled to balance work, life and blog. Blog always fell to the bottom of my to do lists. After months away it stopped being added to the to do list all together. I have not stopped thinking about it or stopped crafting, I just didn't have the time to share what I have done.

As you know, I am a mom to two wonderful kids that are growing up too fast and I didn't want to miss anything.  I realized I was watching life through a camera. Don't you find that? You go to a special event or on a trip and you watch everything that is going on through the view finder! Yes I have some great photos, but the experience is not the same. I had to step back and  reevaluate.

Well I hope to be back to blogging on somewhat of a regular basis. My posts might not have as many photos or be as complicated. But I will try my best.

I thank everyone for their notes and comments wondering where I was and I am sorry for not responding. I really do appreciate them.

Well on to my first post now that I am back...my glass etched cookie jar.

My close friend had her birthday last week and I wanted to make her something small to celebrate it.   She is not one to bake and always appreciates when we drop by with homemade items, so my kids suggested cookies. I had been planning for our second annual Homemade Christmas (I know you all just gasped with the fact I am planning Christmas already, but that is me) and I had pinned an etched cookie jar. Sorry can't share the pin because I got smart this year and I hid my Christmas pin board. I found out the hard way last year that my family follows me on Pinterest and none of my ideas were surprises.

I knew I wanted to put their monogrammed initial on the cookie jar so it could be used for other items after the cookies were all gone. I designed three images and my children picked the easiest one, the EileenCaps font letter Z. I know most of you do not have a Cricut or Silhouette machine to cut your own letters, but this can be done with wall vinyl or stickers you can buy at the dollar store too.

It is pretty, isn't it?

I bought the cookie jar for $6 at Walmart. It was an Anchor brand I believe. To be honest with you I should have looked closer at it before I opened the packaging because it did not have the rubber ring around the lip to seal the jar nicely. It was reasonably priced and a perfect size, but I would have preferred to spend a few more dollars to have it seal.

I cut the 4 inch square design out of vinyl with my Cricut and stuck it on the cookie jar. Because the jar is straight up and down, I did not have any problems with the vinyl laying flat! This was the easiest placement of the vinyl I have ever had.

There are many options for everyone to do this craft even without an electronic cutter. You could spell out words like cookies, a name, funny saying etc with stickers from the Dollar store and there are people on Etsy who sell vinyl for a few dollars if you are interested in purchasing it.

Using a foam brush, I put a thick layer of the glass etching cream all over the area to be etched. I made sure to lift the cookie jar up to look at it from the back side through light to see if I missed any spots or corners. As you can see, I lay the cookie jar on a crumpled old towel to keep it from rolling.

Now here is the hardest and longest part of this project, walk away for 25 minutes. My bottle of etching cream has warning labels covering the instructions so I don't know what the bottle suggests, but over the past while I found this to be the best amount of time.

Here is an important tip...once the time is up, use the same foam brush, and carefully scoop up the etching cream and put it back in the bottle. Someone recommended it to me in my comments and I have done it ever since. This stuff is pretty expensive if you don't use a 40% off coupon so you might as well save as much of it as you can. I have been etching gifts for years and have barely used any of the jar because of this!

Once you get as much off as possible, run the entire thing under water. Work as quickly as possible because if the etching cream sits on another spot of glass it will create a shadow. Don't worry too much about this, just run it under a good stream of water and scrub it off.

So here is the etched cookie jar. It is hard to get a photo of it, but I think you can get an idea how amazing it turned out!

My kids and I baked a batch of the best chewy chocolate chips cookies in the world an filled the jar with them. We tied a bow around the lip of the jar and called it a birthday gift!

I think this is going to be my go-to gift for this year. Teachers, friends, coworkers will all be seeing cookie jars under their trees this year.

What do you think? How would you feel if you got this as a gift?

Stephanie at Full of Great Ideas.

My Oma is...Coasters from Grandkids

I know it is really early for Mother's Day gift ideas, but if I don't share this now I am going to be too busy and not get it posted in time. So at least this way you have plenty of time to use this idea for yourself.

I had these marble tiles laying around from the many other coasters I have made in the past. The first was the half-marathon bib coaster I made for my husband and the second set was the monogrammed coasters I made for a girl friend who was retiring. I purchased these tiles at Habitat for Humanity's ReStore but you can find them for really reasonable at HomeDepot or Lowes.

My mother is lovingly called Oma by her five adoring grandchildren. As with every family, each child has his or her own special relationship with their Oma. So, I thought what better way to express that unique relationship then to ask each of them to describe their Oma with one word and make a set of 6 coasters with those words.

I love how each description was a representation of each child and my mom knew immediately which coaster was from which grandchild. 

Materials

• Marble tiles (unsealed)
• StazOn permanent ink stamp - This permanent stamp can be purchased at Michael's for around $7 (I believe) and if you use a coupon you can get it for 40% less.
• Vinyl or stickers to use as template
• Sponge brush

Method

There are many ways you can do this craft. I designed and cut the templates out of vinyl with my Cricut, but you can use stickers from the dollar store or even stamps to make them.

I started off by cleaning the tiles with a damp cloth. When I purchased them, they seem to have a powder all over them.

Once dry, I stuck the vinyl directly to the tile. I placed the vinyl in different locations and directions on the tiles so they were more whimsical.

Using StazOn permanent stamping ink in black, I brushed the stamping ink over the vinyl with a sponge brush.

I found it worked best to wipe the brush across the template as opposed to dab it. I waited a minute and did a second coat to get a really dark black.

Here is the one tile I dabbed the sponge on; you can see how the ink bled under the vinyl and didn't give a crisp line. It did not look horrible but not as nice as the others.

Here is one where I brushed the ink across the vinyl like I was painting it on. See much crisper.

Once all the tiles are stamped and all the vinyl/stickers have been removed, you need to bake the tiles to make the stamp permanent and fade resistant.

Don't judge the how dirty my toaster over is...I use it for everything!

I baked my tiles in my toaster oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Once the time was up, I turned off the toaster oven and let them cool in there. They retain the heat for a long time so please be careful.

Also, don't venture too far away when they are baking just in case your tiles do not like to be heated. Just be careful and aware!

I did not put a sealant over the tiles they they can absorb the sweat from cold drinks.

After they were cooled, I put rubber stoppers from the dollar store on the back. I have used the soft felt ones before but found they slid off tables really easily. So these work much better!

I had each of the kids write their names and date on the back of the tiles with permanent markers.

My mom loves them and the kids love to use their own coasters when they visit. The kids have even noticed when Oma was using their coaster, so she now has to pay attention to not use one all the time. Share the coaster love amongst all the grand kids :)

So that is it. Simple, easy, cheap but most importantly personal gift idea!

What do you think..do you see the possibilities with this? Mother's day gift, father's day gift, teacher gifts...really you could give these for so many different occasions.

Stephanie

DIY Lavender Linen Water - Easy Gifts on a Budget (Part 5)

Sorry for the delay in posting this recipe. I have been kind of frazzled the past week or so. I thought I was completely under control with my 80% home made gift goal until I realized we are in December.

I knew what I was making everyone but had I finished them, no! So that is where I have been. So, my posts might come a few at a time or there might be days in between. But I will get everything posted!

Here is where I am with my spa DIY gift. In case you are new to this series, here is my running list of spa related items I making (and sharing with you):

• Lavender bath salt ($2) DONE
• Lavender sugar scrub ($2.50) DONE
• Lavender scented wax cubes ($0.50) DONE
• Spa towel ($7)
• Lavender scented Catalytic Lamp oil (you know like Lampe Berger oil) ($2.50) DONE
• Lavender linen water ($1.50) DONE
• Eucalyptus Yoga Mat spray/cleaner ($0.50)
• Lavender reed diffuser (Not done yet so I don't have an approximate cost) I decided not to make this.. sorry
  

I love Lavender linen water. I have used it in my iron, sprayed it on my sheets and towels to freshen them, added it to laundry and used it as air freshener. This is the first time I have made it myself and I am a little shocked at how stores charge what they do for this.

Materials Needed:

• 2 cups Distilled water (I read this prevents mold from growing)
• 20-30 drops of Lavender essential oil (or what ever scent you want)
• 3 tablespoons of Vodka (I know you all let out a little scream for using vodka but it helps the oil mix with water. Just use your cheapest vodka for this)
• Spray bottle or jar 

I don't really drink, so, I had to send my husband a note while he was at work to ask which bottle to use. I had his really pricey one out about to use it when he responded. I made 5 of these so 3 tablespoons times 5 would have added up :) Good thing he checked his email.

This recipe for Lavender scented linen water was really easy. Some sites will say to mix it all together and you are done.

Here is what one trick I learned that you need to know when making this yourself...mix the vodka and essential oil together before you add the distilled water! This will prevent oil bubbles floating throughout your linen water. So add the vodka to your spray bottle, add your essential oil, swish it around and add your water.

It is really that easy! I didn't even feel it was necessary to share the making of photos.

The grand total is hard to estimate. The bottle cost me $1 at the Dollar store, a huge bottle of distilled water cost $1 and the oil was around $20 but I have used it for all my spa items and still have over half left. So I think $1.50 is a reasonable guesstimate (shockingly, that word did not come up as spelled incorrectly..it is now a word :) ).

How are you Christmas gifts coming along?

Stephanie

DIY Scented Wax Cubes - Easy Gifts on a Budget (Part 3)

I have had two posts discussing my wickless candle heater over the past few months. The first was how I removed the bright green wax from my carpet when it spilled and second was how to make wax cubes from my favorite candle. I don't have a true Scentsy but I love it none the less.

As you know I am making lavender themed spa baskets for all the women in my life and I thought I would try to make lavender scented wax cubes to go along with it. Here is my running list of spa related items I making (and sharing with you):

• Lavender bath salt ($2) DONE
• Lavender sugar scrub ($2.50) DONE
• Lavender scented wickless candle pucks ($0.50) 
• Spa towel ($7)
• Lavender scented Catalytic Lamp oil (you know like Lampe Berget oil) ($2.50)
• Lavender linen water ($1.50)
• Lavender reed diffuser (Not done yet so I don't have an approximate cost)

I knew I could make scented wax cubes from old candles, so I though I could probably make them from unscented, white candles along with some essential oils. I was pleasantly surprised at how well this worked and how cheap it was! Plus, I have read that most of the scented candles out there are pretty bad for you (with the exception of Scentsy products) and these are scented with only essential oils.

Materials:

• Candle in a glass jar
• Essential oil (I used lavender but you can use what ever scent you like)
• Ice cube tray or old wax cube container

Method:

I will start off by saying you need to be very cautious when doing this. I do not know if these candles are meant to be put into boiling water...so just be careful and use safety precautions. I did not have any problems with cracking glass, but just keep a close eye on it.

I boiled a pot of water and carefully placed my prayer candle into the water, being careful not to get water into the wax. To be honest with you, I think a fatter shorter candle in a glass container would work a million times better than this tall skinny version. But this is what I had on hand so it is what I used.

 Once the wax starts to melt it turned opaque.

 Carefully pour the wax into either an ice cube tray or into an old scented wax cube container.

Then add approximately 6 drops of essential oil to each section of the container. You can use what ever scent you like and as many drops as you like. I found this to be enough for my nose...but it is all up to you.

You will see in the photo below that the essential oil sits in the middle of the wax when it is dropped in. I used a toothpick to stir it around so it was distributed within each wax cube. This is not critical because once you melt the wax in the warmer, it will all mix together.

Let it harden for a few hours or overnight in the container. Once hardened, pop the wax cubes out of the container and wrap the cubes as you would like. I wanted mine to match my bath salts and sugar scrub, so I wrapped them in clear cellophane and tied them up with raffia along with a brown paper tag and some lavender.

 Cute huh!

 The wax would have cost me $0.50 since I was able to get over 2 sets with the one candle.

See how my basket is starting to come together?

I had to test it out on my own before I gave it away, so I melted two cubes and they worked great! the smell traveled really nicely throughout my house.

 

The possibilities are endless with this! If you have a favorite scent, go out and buy a small 50ml jar of essential oil, and you can make so much with it. I have a 100ml jar of lavender and I have made gifts for four people (and lots of items for each) and I have barely put a dent in the jar!

Please note that I have read that using non-Scentsy wax in a Scentsy burner will void its warranty.

Up next, the oil for my Lampe Berger! I was at a store yesterday and they wanted $24 for a refill where mine cost me $2.50 to make! So excited to share this one.

Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving for many of you, I though I would share this one more time because I love it so much. (see here for the original post and instructions to download it) I am Thankful for...

For all my friends and family in the United States, have a great Thanksgiving and eat a little turkey for me!

Stephanie

DIY Sugar Scrub - Easy Gifts on a Budget (Part 2)

As I mentioned in the last post, I am working towards making 80% of all my Christmas gifts this year. I am well on my way and enjoying every second of it!

Here is my list of spa related items I making (and sharing with you):

• Lavender bath salt ($2) DONE
• Lavender sugar scrub ($2.50)
• Lavender scented wickless candle pucks ($0.50) 
• Spa towel ($7)
• Lavender scented Catalytic Lamp oil (you know like Lampe Berget oil) ($2.50)
• Lavender linen water ($1.50)
• Lavender reed diffuser (Not done yet do I don't have an approximate cost)

To continue with the spa basket gift idea, I made a wonderful Lavender scented sugar scrub. It was a little more work (took maybe 1 minute more) and cost a smidge more than the bath salts, but this stuff is amazing! I have always purchased the sugar scrub from Bath and Body Works but have you looked at the ingredients on those things? It has more chemicals in it than I am happy to admit I put on my body. So for all of you looking for a great DIY frugal gift or for those of you avoiding artificial bath and body products, this will be a great post for you!

Materials:

• 3 cups sugar
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 10-20 drops essential oil (or however many you feel gives you a nice scent) I used Lavender Essential Oil but you can use any essential oil scent you like
• Dried lavender liberated from your mother's garden ( this is completely optional)
• Jar with a tight fitting lid

Method:

Add the 3 cups of sugar into a mixing bowl. I used plain old white sugar but if you want to use coarse or brown sugar, both would work great too. 

Slowly add the 1 cup plus 2 tbsp of olive oil to the sugar. Carefully mix with a spoon until well blended. I used the cheapest olive oil I could find, so we got a light yellow ting to the scrub. If you prefer a more neutral color you can spend more and get a coconut oil or a lighter colored olive oil. I was being frugal and decided to go this way. Some people add a drop of food coloring but to be honest with you I wouldn't do it. I see how food coloring stains my counters and hands when I use it so why add it to something you are putting on your body. Your call though.

Slowly add the essential oils. I used approximately 20 drops but my olive oil had a stronger smell. So start with 10 drops and see if you like the scent. If you want a stronger smell, add a few more drops of essential oil at a time.

Since I am doing a lavender themed spa basket, I added some dried lavender petals/flowers to the mix.

 

I then transferred the mixture to a tight sealing container.

NOTE: If you would like your mix to be a little coarser for tougher skin or the men in your life, you can add some Epson salt. However, if you want it a little softer for more sensitive skin, you can add a bit more oil. 

To decorate the container, I added a band of brown paper secured with double sided tape.

I made a label with a paper punch I had, added a few sprigs of lavender and tied it all together with some raffia.

It was really that simple! Since I made extra for myself, I have been using this for the past week and my hands and legs have never felt so nice. My mother in law was over when I made my last batch, so I gave her some and she has been using it on her face. Not sure I am willing to try that but she loves it!

Have any of you ever made your own sugar scrub? Have you tried it on your face?

What do you think? Anyone else thinking of making a spa gift package now that you have one place to get easy and frugal methods of making them?

Have a great week!
Stephanie

DIY Lavender Bath Salt - Easy Gifts on a Budget

So I am officially into my Christmas countdown! I realize most of you are getting ready for Thanksgiving, but I have been working on reaching my goal of an 80% homemade Christmas for some time.

I apologize for the minimal posts lately, but I have been trying to get most of my gifts finished before I start posting.

I have decided for all the women I give gifts for, I was going to create a spa themed basket. I plan to make the following for each person:

• Lavender bath salt ($2)
• Lavender sugar scrub ($2.50)
• Spa towel ($7)
• Lavender scented Catalytic Lamp oil (you know like Lampe Berget oil) ($2.50)
• Lavender linen water ($1.50)
• Lavender reed diffuser (Not done yet do I don't have an approximate cost)

I have made almost all of these items and provided the approximate costs to create them. Obviously you can make them for less or more depending on the products you buy. If you reuse jars you have on hand, you will save $1 on all the costs. It adds up!

I plan to purchase a few accessories (i.e. cozy socks, sponges, etc) to add to all the baskets.

I will start by sharing the easiest gift to make, Lavender Bath Salts. This smells amazing! I have always used Epson Salts for my bath but never thought that it was this easy to make them scented. I will never buy full price bath salts again!

Materials:

• 1 1/8 cup Epson Salt
• 24 drops of Lavender Essential Oils (you can use any essential oil scent you like)
• Dried lavender liberated from your mother's garden (Shhh don't tell her)
• Container that seals tight

This is the essential oil that I used and loved!

Method:

Start by adding 1 1/8 cup of Epson salt to a bowl. If you are wondering why my salt looks like more than 1 1/8 cup, it is because I quadrupled the recipe.

Add 24 drops of essential oil to the Epson Salt

Stir, stir, stir. Once the oil was mixed into the Epson Salt, I added a handful of dried lavender flowers. You don't have to do this, I just thought it was a nice touch.

Transfer the scented salt to your container. I thought it was funny that for the first container I actually used a funnel. You can easily just spoon it into the container without having to use a funnel.

 Seal the containers and decorate them as you like.

I used a strip of brown paper, raffia and a few lavender sprigs to dress my containers up.

Using double sided tape, I stuck the brown paper to the container.

Wrapped some raffia around it. It would also look nice with some Christmas ribbon or twine.

 I added a tag identifying what was in the jar and a little extra lavender and I was finished.

I figure this probably cost $2 total to make. I think the most expensive item for this was the container which I got at the Dollar Store for $1. The huge jug of Epson salt was $7 at Costco and the large bottle Lavender oil was $20 but I have used next to nothing from either of them so I think I used probably $0.50 of these materials.

I will share the Lavender Sugar Scrub very soon.

Remember, you can use any scent you like. I have done this with orange (my favorite scent) and also have a great recipe for all those athletes out there. I will share the runner's scrub and soak soon.

Wouldn't this make an amazing gift for everyone attending a wedding? The hall would smell great and you have a reasonably priced but beautiful gift for everyone. You could easily make hundreds of these in an afternoon!

What do you think? Anyone else working towards making almost all their Christmas gifts this year?

Enjoy!
Stephanie