December 2015 – Graceful Mommy

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New Year’s Resolutions Printable

Posted on December 30, 2015 by Graceful Mommy

30
Dec

There is nothing like a fresh start. It brings a freshness and a newness to the day, month, or year. It’s a time to reevaluate what’s been working and what has not. You can start fresh any time of the year. But there is nothing like January 1 to create new goals and dreams. I’m a big fan of writing down my resolutions so I can look back through the year and see if I am accomplishing my goals. This year, I made a printable with a few of my resolutions for the year. I printed them out and have them on my desk so I can constantly be reminded of my plans! I encourage you to do the same!

To download the free printable, just click here or on the photo below. Take some time to fill out your 2016 resolutions and hang it some place where you look every day.

Here are my 2016 resolutions:

A place I want to visit// New York

I’m going to work harder at// Taking evening walks with the family

A habit I’m going to break// Playing on my phone before bed (I’m the worst at this!!)

A project I will finish// Organizing Gracie’s outgrown clothes (may shed a tear while doing this)

Something new I want to learn// Photography + videography!

I will save money by not// Wasting food (I always forget to eat leftovers…)

A food I want to eat more of// Green smoothies!

I want to wear more// Earrings (LOL! for real though!)

What are your resolutions for 2016?

DIY, Home

DIY Photo Calendar

Posted on December 28, 2015 by Graceful Mommy

28
Dec

This is another project I did for Christmas gifts for some of my family- A photo calendar! I got the idea and directions from another blogger- It’s Always Autumn . You can see the detailed directions to her project here. She is so creative. All you need to do is go to her post and print out the calendar pages. I printed mine on cardstock so it would be thicker.

After printing out the calendar pages, just cut them out.

Then, cut your pictures to be 4 inches by 3.75 inches. Use double sided tape to stick the photos to the calendar pages.

Then, arrange the photos in calendar order! Look how pretty all of the photos look together. Gracie is just the CUTEST! You can attach magnets on the back of the calendar pages and simply hang them on your fridge like this. Or you can stack them all together and put them on a mini easel.

Here is what the calendar pages look like stacked up on the mini easel. I got my easels from Hobby Lobby! They sell a four pack for $5. I just think this is such a cute little desk calendar. Also makes a perfect gift!!

Thank you Autumn from It’s Always Autumn for your creativity and amazing calendar printable! Go check it out + make your own!

DIY, Home

DIY Photo Coasters

Posted on December 28, 2015December 28, 2015 by Graceful Mommy

28
Dec

These polaroid photo coasters are a super cute + easy DIY project to make with any photos you have! Of course I used photos of my daughter Gracie, but you can use photos of your pets, landscapes, food + drinks, etc. I made these for some of my family for Christmas. Here’s how you do it:

Materials You Need

1.White tiles from Home Depot (or anywhere). Mine were 4 1/2 x 4/12 square tiles.

2.Photos cut to size. I ended up not measuring my photos- I just cut them until they looked good. I wanted the coasters to have a polaroid feel so I cut my photos more in the shape of rectangles. It would also look cute to do square photos to take up the space of the tiles.

3.Mod Podge matte glue

4.Sponge brush

5.Mod Podge dishwasher safe gloss. You can also get the Mod Podge spray sealant spray. This is to ensure the coasters are completely waterproof.

6.Black felt. This is for the back of the coasters.

Steps

First, paint a thin layer of the regular Mod Podge glue on the entire tile

Then, place your photo on the tile and press down on the edges. Then, wait about 10 minutes for the glue to dry.

After about 10 minutes (when the glue dries), paint a thin layer over the photo and the coaster. The glue will look white, but don’t worry- it dries clear! Make sure to paint over your photos going one direction. The Mod Podge lines will show, so you want it to all go the same way.

Let the first layer dry (about 10 minutes). Then, paint another layer of the regular Mod Podge over the top again. And let it dry.

When the second layer of glue has dried, it’s time to make the coasters fully waterproof. Paint a thin layer of the Mod Podge dishwasher safe gloss over the entire top of the coaster. This type of Mod Podge will also add a nice glossy finish to the coasters. This layer takes a little bit longer to dry than the regular Mod Podge glue. Be patient!

I waited about an hour to do the last step- just to make sure everything was dry. The last step is to cut a piece of black felt the same size as the coaster. Paint a layer of the regular Mod Podge glue on the back of the coaster, and apply the black felt. Press down on the corners to make sure it’s on there good! This step is important because it makes sure that the coasters will not damage any furniture. It also makes it look more like a polaroid!

And, there ya have it! The cutest coasters around!! P.S.- These make great gifts for grandparents 😉