Baby "Bogey" Bottoms

So, I just HAD to share my bestie's recent baby sprinkle with you.  Her coworkers decided to throw her a baby boy sprinkle (aka: mini shower for 2nd baby) and since they beat me to it, I offered my help!  The nursery theme is golf, a very easy choice.  Why?  1) Daddy LOVES golf and lived and breathed it (and could've gone pro), and then he met Mommy.  2) Daddy and Mommy met and worked on the golf course!  The beautiful events coordinator and the handsome golf pro fell in love, married on this very day 8 years ago and are now awaiting their 2nd child to arrive! (Happy Anniversary, Leah & Jeff!)  This will be Lil' Bro to precious Big Sister Hannah, 2, who was celebrated just over 2 years ago with "A Little Birdie Told Me.." baby shower, as some of you may recall. :) BBB (Baby Boy Bottoms), not yet named, is due May 18th, but there's no way he'll make it that long.  He looks ready! :)

The little celebration was held at a nearby country club, sister club to Mommy's club. :)  Needless to say, the party decor was theirs for the keeping! I figure they can use it a few more times. ;)

Here are some photo collages I created of the fun and decor...

Leah's coworkers provided food, cake, table signs, wreath and mantle "Baby B(squared)"...and the golf ball and tee idea!  I provided help making the golf tee successful, baby wishes cards, a banner, candy mix favor bags and a diaper cake..of course! ;)

Yeah, this was definitely my favorite part!  So easy being a diaper cake guru!  The sad part is that I had never seen one of these until I was searching Pinterest for golf baby shower ideas! Crazy, right?

Leah got lots of cute boy duds for BBB (Baby Boy Bottoms). Plaid was quite popular, of course!  Miss Hannah was Mommy's Big Helper, too!

It is always a blessing to bless the Bottoms Family!  They are a wonderful, godly family who know and firmly believe that this baby is a perfect gift from their Heavenly Father, and are committed to raise their children to know the love of Christ.  This boy will be beyond blessed!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change..." James 1:17  

Thanks for visiting!
Keeping Him in mind,

Insta-Coasters!

Does anyone print their photos at Walgreens?  I do!  It's the closest spot to my home get some quick prints when I need something fast.  Well, recently a friend of mine, Mrs. Gentry (who happens to have an awesome blog) retweeted that...

...at WALGREENS!!

This got me very excited.  I LOVE Instagram photos!!  I so enjoy editing my phone shots with Instagram, making fun, memorable shots, many of which are frame-worthy!  And after making these little goodies for two couples-to-be-wed recently, I was doubly excited! VERY easy...

I was so pleased that I planned to make some for my coffee table with the extra tiles.  That is, until I got the Walgreens news.  My plans got changed.  Did you know Instagram prints are 4x4" in size? :)  I'd like to share my most recent DIY project, step-by-step!  I call them...

Insta-Coasters!

Step 1: Print Your Instagram Photos at Walgreens

Download the Walgreens Mobile App, select and send your best Instagram shots 

to be printed at your nearby Walgreens!  The 4x4's were ~0.40/print.

You will have to create an account if you haven't printed via Walgreens before.

These were my trial shots.  They came out great with a matte (not glossy) finish!

Step 2:  Grab these inexpensive supplies!

White ceramic bathroom tiles (.13ea at Home Depot!

Mod Podge (~$5+ at craft store, depending on size)

Foam brush (.77 at HD)

Adhesive felt pads ($3 for pkg of 75 at HD)

(^ or cut felt + hot glue)

These supplies would cost be no more than ~$9.50 (excluding prints), 

but I keep MP, hot glue, felt and brushes on hand.

Step 3:  Apply felt pads to base of coasters.

I put the pads on first to raise the coasters up for brushing/spraying.

These are white 3/8" pads.  To save a couple of bucks, cut felt and adhere with hot glue.

Step 4:  Use foam brush to apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the tile.

Make sure to brush to the edges! Rinse & squeeze dry brush when done.

Step 5:  Place photo on tile and use a soft cloth to flatten and smooth out air bubbles.

I used my phone screen protector cleaning cloth. Using your hands will leave fingerprints.

Step 6:  Let Mod Podge'd photo dry 15-20 minutes.

I dried 30 minutes. Don't they already look fun?

Step 7:  Apply layers of Mod Podge to coasters all the way to the edges. 

Allow each layer to dry at least 30 minutes to an hour.

These layers can be more generous than the naked coaster layer.

I did 4 layers because I had the time. :) Rinse/dry brush between layers.

Step 8:  Waterproof with acrylic spray. Follow spray directions on container.

I sprayed mine inside a cardboard box in my garage (or try outside to avoid fumes) and let dry overnight.  A good, open-air dry time helps rid them of fume odor from the spray.

Step 9:  Dry at least 24 hours. 

DONE!

So, what do you think?

I LOVE THEM!!  

I hope you enjoy making your own!  They are also great gift ideas for family and friends.

If you make them, I would love to know they turn out.  I'd also love to know if anyone has any issues with them, and I'll do the same for you!   I only made them a week ago.  So far I only see a slight bubble in one, so be sure that first layer under the photo enough and the photo is pressed down well.  I tried to follow similar DIY coaster methods, but none of them used photographs.  Hopefully they stay durable with the waterproofing spray!

Thanks for stopping by and as always, I'd like to leave you with some encouraging words from Paul on an "attitude of mind" like Christ.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Romans 15:5-6

Keeping Him in Mind,