gratitude stones

When it comes to entertaining, I love having something that my guests can take away. Since I love all things handmade, my little gifts are always creative. This year I made what I am calling "gratitude stones". They are flat painted stones with a quote about gratitude. 

While I wish I could have hand lettered all of the stones, we have a huge Thanksgiving feast to prepare this week so I took a short cut and printed out my gratitude quotes.

Next, using Mod Podge I glued the quotes to the stones.

Then I painted them.

And added a few small embellishments.

These colorful little stones will be in a bowl as part of my Thanksgiving table setting. Guests can grab a stone to take home with them and be a great reminder to embrace gratitude every day!

Last Minute Recycled Place Card Tutorial

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only two days away?! While I am not entertaining for the weekend this does mark the beginning a month full of cooking and entertaining for me! A simple set of handmade place cards is the perfect way to personalize your holidays table!

Here is a simple, quick, easy and recycled project for creating place cards for entertaining!

Start with a recycled cereal or food box.

Cover the surface with paint (two colors) blend lightly on the surface- I picked a fall palette.

Please note I am using Claudine Hellmuth's fabulous Studio Line acrylic paint- LOVE all the colors!!!!

Once you surface is dry, use stamps to add pattern (use a contrasting color that will pop!)

Use a permanent marker to quickly outline the stamped images for more contrast and dimension.

Add one more layer of stamps in another contrasting color.

Once your cardboard is dry, cut into desired shapes and sizes.

Add a piece of paper or fabric- I am using (once again) one of my most favorite supplies- Claudine Hellmuth's Studio Line Sticky Back Canvas.

Cut out strips to fit on the folded place card.

Attach the strips to the surface of the place card- I simple peeled off the back and stuck them to the surface!

Instead of using a pen, try using watered down black paint for pretty lettering on each of the cards.

The result is personal, colorful and handmade place cards for your holiday table!