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How to Transform Leftover Bathroom Tiles into Polaroid Photo Coasters

January 8, 2013 4
Polaroid-Coasters-7While cleaning out our garage last weekend (New Year’s Resolution #3!), I came across a small box of white ceramic tiles left over from a bathroom remodel that we accomplished many years ago. Instead of tossing them into the donation bin, I thought I could find a way to upcycle them. I considered  transforming them into coasters, I have done this before using leftover tiles; however those tiles were different colors and textures, not stark white like the ones I had.

Then, on Sunday, we went to a local parade, while we were there a little girl asked if she could take a photo of Noodles (our Pug) – with her Polaroid camera! That is when I thought of my white tiles and how if I added a photo to them, they would look just like Polaroid photos!

When we arrived home, Eben and I spent the last few hours of winter vacation working on this fun project. I am happy to announce that not only was this a great little project to do with my favorite guy, that coasters turned out fantastically! We are now the happy owners of a fun stack of conversation starting Polaroid inspired photo coasters. The best part – my Polaroid photo coasters are going to be featured in this month’s Green Child Magazine. Hooray!

You can make your own set with my simple step-by-step tutorial, read on to get started:

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What you will need:

  • 4×4 white ceramic tiles
  • your favorite photos
  • Mod Podge
  • clear acrylic spray
  • sponge brush
  • paper cutter
  • felt circles
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Step 1: Pick Your Photos
First things first, you will want to pick out a selection of your favorite photos – one for each tile. Then, using a paper cutter, cut each of your photos down to approximately 3.25 x 3.75 – I eyeballed mine and I think they turned out great.

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Step 2:  Add the Photos
Wash and dry each of your ceramic tiles, then apply a thin coast of Mod Podge to the back of the photo. Then, position it correctly on your tile – do one photo/tile at a time.

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Step 3: Press and Scrap
Use a credit card to smooth out the photo, scrapping off any excess Mod Podge. Make sure that the photo doesn’t slide out of place during the process.

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Step 4: Top with Mod Podge
Use your sponge brush to apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over the entire surface of the tiles, including the photo. Let it dry for several hours.

Step 5: Repeat Step 4
Repeat Step 4 several times until you have a strong, thick coat of Mod Podge on the top of the photos (I applied 4 coats). Let it completely dry in between coats – this is very important, if you try to work to quickly the Mod Podge will still be tacky.

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Step 6: Spray with Acrylic Spray
Spray each of the tiles with the clear acrylic spray using short, straight horizontal lines. Let completely dry for at least 15 minutes.

Step 7: Repeat Step 6
Repeat step 6 several times letting the spray completely dry for at least 15 minutes in between coats.

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Step 8: Add Felt Dots
Stick felt circles (the same kind you use to put on the bottom of chairs and other pieces of furniture) on the back of the tiles. Wait at least 72 hours before placing anything on top of your photo coasters, allowing the sealer to completely dry – or your beverage mugs will stick!

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Step 9: Enjoy and Share the Fun!
Enjoy these fun Polaroid coasters and share them with your friends and family when they come over for tea. Wouldn’t these make fun gifts too?

7 Thrifty Ways for Families to Save Money and the Planet

January 16, 2012 0

You will most likely find both saving money and saving the environment at the top of your 2012 New Year’s intentions list. In fact, these are at the top of my families own list. When it comes to saving the environment, it comes almost naturally when your family is focused on saving money and getting out of debt. And since there are many ways that you save a little green while saving the planet at the same time, it’s a win-win for your family and the environment. Read my seven favorite ways to save money while helping the planet at the same time.

How to Bodyboard with your Kids on Summer Vacation

June 21, 2011 0
Bodyboarding-1This summer you may spend time at the beach, whether you live near one or will be visiting one on vacation. One of the easiest and greatest ways to keep kids entertained at the beach on a windy day is with a boogie board. Body-boarding is a ton of fun for kids who are ready to venture out into the waves for a lot of excitement. This sport is great for children of all ages, as long as they are good swimmers and ready for a little splash and speed. Learn how you can get your kids body-boarding the first day that you hit the beach, making for a fun, exciting day in the ocean.

Super Big News – Sweet Greens is Moving

June 26, 2010 1
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We are moving. Yes, you heard me right. We are moving! Across the country. Again! And it feels like a dream, an idea that I haven’t quite wrapped my head around.


When? Where? and Why? You ask.When? We will be moving sometime in the next 2-4 weeks. Where? We are moving to Palm Beach, Florida. Why? Hmmm. This has several answers. One being, we miss living in a hot climate near the ocean. (We lived in Palm Beach for 5 years) Two, housing prices are super duper affordable in Florida right now. Three, we have family and friends there. Four, You only live once, so you should be smiling ear to ear each and everyday! Five, did I mention the heat? The ocean?

** Bonus: One of  the loveliest friends a girl could have, Cameron Mora of Green {Goody} and Cameron Mora Photography lives in Palm Beach! Isn’t it exciting that I can move back to Florida and already have a fabulous friend there?

At this point, I am overwhelmed. We have been going back and forth on warm places that we would like to live and Florida kept coming back to the top of our list. We always loved the 5 years that we spent there. So, we decided to take the plunge and listed our house last Saturday. The thought was – OK, we will list it and see what happens? Well, 5 days later our home sold. Yes, correct, my house will shortly no longer be my own. Quick frankly, right now I am in the mourning stage. I am sure that once I get to Florida, I will great! However, I am mourning the loss of our home of 3 years. The lovely, lovely friends that we have made here, Fort Collins Old Town, the mountains and everything lovely that Fort Collins has to offer.

And now there is the moving part! Moving is hard. Both physically and emotionally. Even though I know this move is the right thing to do for my family. It is still hard. One second I am happy, the next second I am crying. It is an emotionally roller coaster.

If you have a second, I could really, really use your encouragement and support.
Have you moved recently? Are you getting ready to move?
How do you prepare yourself and your family for a move?
Have a lovely green weekend.

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