Washer Necklaces

For Christmas, I wanted to make some jewelry as gifts. Then on Pinterest I saw this simple tutorial to make washer necklaces.

Source: notsoidlehands.blogspot.com via Desiree on Pinterest

I loved it and decided to make my own. Here's my tutorial for washer neckalces.

First, you need a steel stamping set. I had no idea where to find it. I scoured the internet and saw prices from $15 to $40 or more. I really didn't want to spend tons on a set, so I kept looking. Then, on a trip to Hobby Lobby, I found a stamping set in the jewelry section. Duh! It was only $11.99!!! Even better, I had a 40% off coupon that I was able to use. Score!

Here is what it looks like inside. The set is much smaller than I thought, but it still worked.

There are sets that are bigger and the font is fancier. They also cost more.

Next, gather your desired size washers. Home Depot sells them in packages for $1.18. You can also purchase them individually for just pennies. If you get two different sizes, it looks really nice to layer the washers.

The hardest part is deciding what you want to stamp on the necklace. On the necklaces I've made, I've used children's names, Scripture verses, song lyrics, and quotes. I really like to personalize each gift I make, so I always put a lot of thought into what it looks like and says.

After you finally make your decision, grab a hammer (I purchased this hammer at Hobby Lobby-was $6.99 and then used a 40% off coupon), pick out your letters, and hammer into the washer. You have to hammer hard and firm. It may take a few tries on a practice washer to get it perfect. Be sure you have something underneath your washer when hammering. If not, you'll hammer a washer ring onto the surface of your table. I used a wash cloth, but there are steel stamping blocks at craft stores.

Once the hammering is done, outline the letters with a black Sharpie marker. Wipe off the excess marker with a damp cloth. This will make the letters stand out more on the washer.

For the actual necklace, there are soooo many options to choose from. Use your imagination on how you want your necklace to look. I love these On-A-Cord necklaces from Hobby Lobby. There are single strands and multi-strands in different colors. The price ranges from $1.99-$2.99. If you keep your eye out for the weekly ads, you can purchase these when they are 50% off.

Here's a necklace I made for my daughter with her name stamped onto it.

I made them as gifts for my close girlfriends and my sisters. I packaged them in jewelry boxes that I found for $.40 each at a local discount jewelry store.

The necklaces cost $1.14-$1.28 to make (depending on how many washers used), not including the cost of the stamping set. Again, gifts don't have to be expensive, just thoughtful.

Ravioli Lasagna

It's time for my first recipe post! Yay! Ravioli Lasagna! Double Yay!!

I first found this recipe in a Parenting magazine. I've made this many times over the years. It's quick, simple, delicious, and even my picky 5 year old son will eat it.

You just need these 3 ingredients: 1 jar of spaghetti sauce, 1-25 oz. package of frozen ravioli, 1-8 oz. package of shredded mozzarella.

Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce on the bottom of a 13 x 9 casserole dish.

Spread half of the package of ravioli on top of the sauce. Be sure the ravioli is in a single layer.

Top with 1 cup of the sauce. Use a spatula to help spread the sauce on top of the ravioli. Then sprinkle half of the mozzarella on top. Repeat layers.

Before placing in the oven, cover the dish with foil. I keep 2 types of foil in my pantry: regular foil and non-stick foil. I like to use non-stick foil when I have to cover dishes in the oven or when baking bread or biscuits. I use regular foil for everything else.

If you don't have non-stick foil, spray some cooking spray on regular foil and then cover the dish. This will prevent the yummy mozzarella cheese from sticking to the foil.

Bake for 30 minutes in a preheated 400 degree oven. Uncover, then bake another 5-10 minutes. Serve with garlic bread, salad, and enjoy!

1 jar spaghetti sauce

1-25 oz. package frozen ravioli

1-8 oz. package shredded mozzarella

Preaheat oven to 400 degrees. Spread 1/2 cup of sauce on bottom of a 13 x 9 casserole dish. Spread 1/2 the package of ravioli in a single layer. Top with 1 cup of sauce and 1/2 of the package of mozzarella. Layer the rest of ravioli, 1 cup of sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5-10 more minutes.

Mugs

Mugs. Everyone has them. I use them for coffee and hot tea. My husband uses them for hot chocolate. Fill them with chocolates, tea bags, or cookies, and they make a wonderful gift.

This is my favorite mug. It's from the new Alice In Wonderland movie and I bought it on clearance at the Disney Store. I'm not a fan of that movie, but I love the colors and design of the mug. Specific characters, designs, or colors that match someone's particular taste can make a great gift.


Simple mugs like these are inexpensive and easy to find. The mug on the left was only a couple dollars from a retail store. The Christmas mug was only $1 at a craft store. I received them both as gifts and were filled with chocolates and chocolate covered pretzel sticks.

Another great mug idea is to personalize it with pictures. I gave my husband and father mugs with pictures for Christmas. There are many photo sites where you can simply upload pictures, pick a background, add text, and you're done! Also, any photo center offers the same thing. If you keep an eye out for photo deals, it will cost next to nothing to make a personalized mug.

When my husband's family gathers for the holidays, I always try to pick the same theme for gifts for all 7 nieces and nephews. This year I decided to give them each a mug filled with a treat. I wanted to pick plain white mugs that my kids can personalize with markers. I found this box of 8 mugs for $8 at a discount store.

The mugs were exactly what I was looking for!

I purchased these paint markers at a craft store using a 40% off coupon. Then my kids personalized each mug for their cousins.

I placed a packet of hot cocoa and Christmas cookie in a cellophane bag and placed them in the mug. They were a hit!

The cost for this gift was $1.31, not including the cost of the paint markers. Check out dollar stores, discount stores, and retail stores, and you're sure to find a bargain on some pretty awesome mugs!