Reversible Coffee Cozy

My latest favorite sewing project is making these adorable reversible fabric coffee cozy's or sleeves. I'm not an every day coffee drinker, but I do love an occasional java or hot chocolate to get me through the day. Some places give you a cardboard sleeve, others don't give you anything to keep your hand from getting too hot. These cozy's not only keep your hand cool while enjoying a hot beverage, they're stylish too! 

I have Kristy to thank for making me this adorable polka dot sleeve and introducing me to these handy gems. They make great gifts! I've been trying to encourage Kristy to start her own blog with all of her crafty projects but she hasn't listened to me...yet.

I had to try making one. I followed this excellent tutorial with free downloadable template.

Materials:
2 strips of fabric (one cut facing left, one cut facing right)
1 strip of InsulBrite (insulated batting) or regular batting
hair tie rubber band
two buttons
thread

I followed the tutorial exactly and was pleasantly surprised how easy they are, once you get the hang of the first one.

I ironed on a "Sohl Design" tag and packaged it up to gift. Can't escape the packaging designer in me!

Front and back

Reverse side front and back

The stitching gets a little thick around the outside, so go carefully with your machine. One major tip is to sew the buttons a little loose so the rubber band can loop around them comfortably. 

You'll be sipping in style in no time!

DIY Sugar Scrub

It's not too late to whip up some wonderfully homemade sugar scrub to give as a gift! I have been wanting to try a sugar scrub recipe ever since I received Morgan's homemade salt scrub a couple years ago. You only need a few ingredients and glass containers to give away. Make a cute little label, tie a ribbon around it, and you have a treat for hands and feet that beats anything store bought, because YOU made it! 

Ingredients:
2 Cups Granulated Sugar
1/4 cup Sunflower Seed Oil (Almond or Coconut Oil work too)
2-3 tsp. Scented Essential Oil OR Bath and Massage Oil
1-2 drops Food Coloring (if desired) 
(yields 2 mason jars)

Whisk sugar and sunflower oil together until it's soft, but not too oily. You may need to add more or less oil. 

This is where the magic happens. Bath and Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint is my favorite relaxing scent. I could breathe it in all. day. long. Their Bath and Massage Oil is perfect for hands and feet and will give your sugar scrub an amazing aroma. Add as many drops as you like and whisk it into the sugar. Don't be shy.

1 or 2 drops of green food coloring is all you need to go along with the "mint" scent. If you use peppermint oil (or any other oil) you can make it any color you like. This Candy Cane Scrub is adorable from the Idea Room.

Once you've got it all mixed to your liking, scoop and funnel it into your containers. I found these mason jars at ACMoore - they're the perfect size!

Print or hand write tags labeling the scent, ingredients and directions (so people don't accidentally use it on their face! Or even worse, accidentally eat it! Gross!). Wrap it with strips of scrap paper or add stickers. The packaging is the best part! 

Add some ribbon and you've got the cutest little gifts! 

I used an entire 5 LB bag of sugar and made 10 jars to gift, with a little leftover for me. The perfect solution for dry hands and feet or just an excuse to pamper yourself! You could even add a little scoop/spoon or wooden popsicle stick. This would make a great hostess gift, coworker gift or favor - be sure to make some for yourself too!

 

DIY Soy Candles

I've been wanting to make soy candles (and get a jump on some Christmas gifts), ever since Christy and Kimi made candle favors for my 30th birthday party.

 

They used baby food jars, covered with fabric and string - so adorable! 

I enlisted Christy's help one Sunday "crafternoon" and she showed me how easy it is to pour your own soy wax candles.

I bought a few bags of soy wax from AC Moore (using coupons of course), wicks, and liquid candle scents (in vanilla and cinnamon). The tutorial we used can be found here. 

I had a whole stash of thrifted glass punch glasses that were just waiting for a project like this. 

We started by setting the wicks in place with wooden ice cream sticks. Christy set to work drilling small holes in each one to keep it steady. 

Next, we heated the wax in small batches in boil-proof plastic bags in a pot of boiling water. Stir until all flakes are dissolved. My assistant always looks like she's up to something! 

Set the melted bag of wax into a glass container, large enough to hold all of it. Mix in a few drops of scented oil and stir with a chop stick or skewer. Carefully pour the hot wax into a glass measuring cup.

Carefully pour the measured wax into the vessel and keep the wick centered. I filled each punch glass with 4 ounces of wax.

Repeat the process until all your containers are full. I ended up filling 24 punch glasses. The process went pretty quickly once we got going. 

Transport the candles to a tray or heat resistant surface to set. Keep them as still as possible. They start to set pretty soon and begin to turn white again. 

Once the candles are completely cooled, remove the ice cream sticks from the wicks and trim the wicks down (still need to do that).

These turned out even better than I imagined and we had so much fun making them! I would definitely use soy wax again. Now I need to figure out a cute way to package them up and gift them. 

"Christmas Candles! Do we have more of these?" The Target Lady would be proud. If you're looking for a great homemade gift, these candles are sure to light up any recipients day!

A special thank you you Christy the "Craftinista" for her candle making lesson, photography skills and a wonderful crafternoon!