Christmas is happening in a couple of weeks already and I have not started with my shopping! Are you done with your list? I do not dare go near the malls during the weekends because of the horrible traffic going there. Aside from that, it will take hours just lining up for parking and by the time I FINALLY decide to do valet, that option won’t be available anymore because of the demand.
Yes, this was a personal experience I went through recently and I plan not to go out of the house again unless it is for something really urgent. How will I get those presents for my loved ones, though? Aside from going online and visiting some bazaars, I am seriously considering creating some handcrafted gifts this year. Some of the most meaningful gifts I have received over the years did not come from a supermall so I thought I would give this alternative a try.
I recently arrived from a vacation in Iran and still have a hangover from all their beautiful palaces and mosques. Each one greeted us with their detailed plasterwork, tiles and mirror mosaics. Since I love them so much, I brought home some ceramic tiles to decorate my own home. That gave me the idea to create some gift ideas inspired by the designs I saw abroad. However, it may take time to recreate and bake the tiles, plus there is also that problem of how to paint the same intricate patterns. I found an easier and faster version to produce them and make them into unique gifts like decorative tiles to spice up your shelves or frames made out of mosaics to give to friends and family.
Gift Idea #1: Tile Decoration
What you need:
– Decorative sheets of paper (You can pick designs online and have it printed or buy paper with a certain pattern that you like)
– Tiles (Size depends on the purpose. For small projects, try using 20cm x20cm or smaller tiles)
– Mod Podge Gloss
– Clear Enamel
– Foam brush
– Self-adhesive felt pads
METHOD:
1. Apply a layer of Mod Podge to the tiles with the foam brush. You can buy Mod Podge locally through HeyKessy, Lasting Impression and Deovir.
2. Center the paper or photo on top of these small tiles. Make sure to get any bubbles out when applying them by pressing your finger against the surface. Leave the tiles for 15 minutes so they can dry.
3. Apply three more layers of Mod Podge to the surface where you applied the paper with the foam brush. You can purchase the foam brush from the online store www.craftandnovelty.com.
4. Remember to allow 15 minutes between each coat to dry.
5. After the last coating, leave the products to dry for an hour minimum.
6. After the waiting time, spray some clear enamel on to the tiles. It is best to spray them outside for ventilation.
7. Apply two or more light coats of the clear enamel spray within a few minutes of each spray.
8. After spraying them, allow 30 minutes of dry time.
9. Last step: At the bottom of these tile coasters, stick the self-adhesive felt pads so the items won’t scratch the surface.
You can use them as paperweights or put them on a stand to highlight them. They add character to any space.
Gift #2: Mosaic Picture Frames
What you need:
– Wood Frame
– White Paint
– Mosaics
– Gorilla Glue
– Premixed grout and spatula
METHOD:
1. Make sure that the surface of the frame is flat. Paint your frame white.
2. Carefully glue the mosaics on to the frame with a small amount of Gorilla Glue. You can find this glue at True Value. For mosaics, you can find them in most tile stores. There is a beautiful selection at the Mozzaico showroom in Libis.
3. After applying the mosaics, let the frame dry overnight.
4. Use a spatula to spread the premixed grout around the frame.
5. Use a damp cloth to rub off any excess grout on the mosaics.
6. For a polished look, clean up the excess grout from the sides and insides of the frame.
7. Let the grout dry off for four hours. If there is a glaze over the mosaics, don’t worry about it because it can come off with water.
8. Last step: Clean up the frame.
If you want to make the gift even more personal, add a memorable picture taken of your recipient to the customized mosaic frame and you are done!
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