Monday, December 13, 2010

mug mats

Kristyn was here over Thanksgiving and she brought her Christmas quilt with her. She did a fabulous job on it.  I drooled over it, I stroked it, I took pictures of it.  It is stunning.  It is inspiring.  It made me want to make a Christmas quilt.
 I looked at my calendar and came back to reality.  Although she had to eventually pack her quilt up and take it home with her, she did leave me some scraps (thanks girl!) ....and that was all I needed to make these mug mats. 
 Have you seen these around blog land? It seems like lots of people are making them.  They're the perfect little vehicle for holding a cup of coffee and an afternoon treat.  I made mine with 2 inch strips sewed together and then quilted them with straight lines. 
 In the middle is some warm and natural.  I used 2 inch binding and attached it with my machine.  Paired with a mug (from Target), a candy cane and a gift card, these make a great gift. 
 I also made some tags to go with them so that the recipients would know what to do with them once they took them out of the package.  Nothing like blank stares to ruin a gift giving moment.  Oh and they make great candle mats too!
 Today,we're off to our co-op classes and these are our teacher gifts....I'll let you know if they invoke any drooling! 
How about you, do you have a favorite gift that you give to teachers or co-workers?  Below is the gift tag I placed in each mug with the mug mat and gift card...feel free to copy and print them as you need.  I simply printed them on white copy paper and adhered some scrapbook paper to the back.  Stay merry!


20 comments:

Leslie said...

These turned out so cute! Love the candle idea, too. Teachers get the best gifts.

Tonya Gunn said...

These are just beautiful Lisa. What a great gift idea.
Blessings,
Tonya

Stephanie said...

Love them!!! And great idea gifting them, especially with an item to put on them, very smart! Those scraps are really pretty, has Kristyn posted that quilt? I don't remember seeing it, well except that part of it is in her header.

Only 2 weeks to go!

Meg said...

Such a cute idea for scraps! And definitely one that I could complete in time--I'm having quilt envy too (and have even purchased some Xmas fabric), but I know I could never complete a quilt in time. Wonderful inspiration!

Kristyn Knits said...

They look wonderful!! Love how you used the scraps. And how you paired the mat, with the mug and a gift card...how generous of you!

From All Stitched Up said...

What a good gift. I like the idea that it has space for the treat!

Designs on 47th Street said...

How nice of your friend to leave her scrapes!! LOL! And I do mean "nice" of her! You used them beautifully. Aren't Christmas fabrics so homey and inspiring? When my girls were little those trivets were popular where we used calico fabrics (or country blue to go with our ducks..ha!) We would stitch rows and fill with scented rice so a hot dish will release the scent.

Have fun! Donna

Tracy said...

These are sooo PRETTY & festive, Lisa! I like your idea for giving this mats at gifts. And great way to "recylce" scraps...everyone's happy! ;o) Gosh, just a couple weeks until Christmas now... I feel so behind--LOL! Happy Days ((HUGS))

Gigi said...

What a good idea! I'm always looking for a coaster - where do they all go anyway ;)?
GG

Heather said...

Oh my goodness, I love these! Snack mats are a lot of fun for adults and kiddos alike, and what a fun way to spend the day with your sewing machine :)

Christina said...

Sooo cute. (as your projects always are!)

From All Stitched Up said...

I forgot to say this morning that I do love Kristyn's Christmas quilt. I'm hoping I learn enough to put one together for myself !

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

Your mug mats are wonderful little quilts that would suit my attention span just fine. I'll have to file this project away. Lucky recipients!

Gloria said...

Beautiful!!! I love how you made an adorable, thoughtful gift from Kristyn's scraps!!! I have to share with you that I am very smitten with this idea. I just wish I had some Christmas fabric scraps this cute and mugs on hand RIGHT now to do them! :) Very sweet!

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas with your family!

xoxo Gloria

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Oh my goodness I love those!! What a fantastic gift...so beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Oh darn it, now I want to make a Christmas quilt! Hmmm... Your mug mats are very pretty and clever.

Cyndi said...

I love these what a great idea! love that fabric too.

Larissa said...

These are so wonderfully beautiful and useful! Love that quilting makes such fabulous use of scraps. These are such a great gift - i will make a set for us too. we don't use coasters because our furniture isn't really nice and i don't see the need to protect it but I have to admit that I do pause a minute before placing my mug on our scratched dining room table - then i put if down anyway.

The real bonus is that these mats are so lovely to look at - and a wonderful gift to receive. Have a wonderful weekend!

Ruth said...

They look wonderful. What great gift ideas.

Ruth

The WoodLand School said...

Fabulous idea! I think I *finally* understand the mug rug phenomenon! Yours are just adorable and fun.