Aged paper decoupaged table.

This is one of the coolest furniture revamps I've ever seen. Using vintage engineering drawings from the 1800s, Wendy blew them up and fixed up an old kitchen table by decoupaging them to the top. I was so interested to read about how she did it, because she made the drawings blend into the wood so well. Let's say that some glaze and fancy Podgework were involved, and you just have to read it. Take a peek at Wendy's blog entry below to learn more.

Aged paper decoupage DIY table refinishing project at Vintage Fangirl

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Mod Podge fabric bowl.

I've never made a fabric bowl with Mod Podge but I've always wanted to! I don't know if you are like me, but I have a list of Mod Podge projects that I want to accomplish but have yet to do, and a fabric bowl has been on the list for awhile. It's not difficult and I have plenty of fabric, so it just might be time to make one. Visit the tutorial below to learn how easy it is.

Fabric bowl with Mod Podge at Factory Direct Craft

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Paper patchwork folder.

It's very interesting to see this pattern on a folder. Why? My mom bought a quilt kit in 1976 from Better Homes and Gardens when she was pregnant with me. She never finished it, and in high school I busted it out to try it and also never finished it. Ha! It's funny because the quilt was made up of tons of hexagons in different, fun fabrics - the very same way you see them here. This delightful folder makes great use of the hexagon shape, and it's the perfect way to bust that paper scrap stash. Learn how to do it below.

Paper patchwork folder at My Poppet

PS - I need to ask my mom if she still has that kit. Wouldn't it be fun to finally finish it?

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Personalize a budget keychain.

One of my favorite things to do with Mod Podge is make gift items. Man Podger Walter has come up with a great way to use old wood scraps and make a fancy gift for a friend. One idea that came to mind when Walter showed me this project was a keychain with my blog logo. Wouldn't that be fun? Here's how Walter did it!

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Make this cool key chain with any images that you may fancy. I used an image of a fish, because I just love fishing. Why not use images with typography? I am thinking monograms? Names? Images from favorite places? You have so many options!

Step 1: Supplies that you will need:

• Assortment of smaller wood pieces, like kid's building blocks or small scraps of wood. I never throw any scrap pieces away!
• Screw Eyes
• Key chain findings ( got mine from Michaels)
• Papers "to your liking"
• Mod Podge (I used Hard Coat)

Step 2: Prime the piece of wood with FolkArt, let dry. Lay out the images in the order to how you will decoupage. I used Hard Coat to decoupage and seal the final result. Remember, this is a keychain that will be heavily used, hence a strong sealer is ideal for durability. Let dry.

Step 3: Use an awl to mark center of the top part of the keychain for the screw eye.

Step 4: Attach the screw eye hook.

Step 5: Attach the keychain link to the screw eye using pliers.

Add your keys to this keychain and project completed! I am very pleased with this simple and yet durable item.

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Yay for Mod Podging a bicycle.

I get this question more than you would think, actually. And the answer is yes - you can Mod Podge a bicycle! Next time you are at the thrift store and see a bike that needs a overhaul, don't pass over it. All you need is fabric and Mod Podge . . . scissors . . . and patience. But anyone can do it, I promise!

Mod Podge bike at Squidoo

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IKEA drawer makeover.

I have a dirty little secret, which is that I love assembling furniture. When it's time to put a piece together I huff a little bit and say, "Oh, okay . . . if I have to . . . " Then I smile as I pull the allen wrench out of the box. I get what I want AND look like a hero!

Natalie loves assembling furniture, which is not the only thing we have in common. She also likes putting fabric on furniture, which I too love. Nat did an amazing job putting fabric on the front of this IKEA piece, and the fabric she picked is so pretty. It completely transformed the piece, don't you think? You can do the same - get the tutorial from her blog.

IKEA office drawer makeover at Crafting Crazy

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Catch of the day pencil holder.

Man Podger Walter has done a project that reminds me of something special close to home.  His catch of the day pencil holder makes me think about Pike Place Market back in my hometown of Seattle.  I picture it flying through the air at Pike Place Fish.  Ah, the memories!  I think this would make a surprise not only for a Seattlite who likes the market but also for the dude in your life.  I mean, what do you get the guy that has everything?  Here are the instructions straight from Walter himself.

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For the man in your life who enjoys fishing and needs some organization?  How about making this simple holder for the office or work shop?  It's easy and I will show you how.

These are some of the basic supplies you will need for this project:
• Mod Podge (I used Satin and sealed with Hard Coat)
• 8 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 1 1/2" piece of wood
• Pencil
• Mod Podge Tools
• 3/8" wood drill bit
• Drill Press
• Tape Measure
• Folk Art Paint - French Blue
• Self stick Rubber Pads (optional)
• Kilz Primer (optional)
• Some brushes
• 100 grit sand paper and a small block of wood

I primed my piece of wood because it was made of PINE and let it dry for about 25 minutes.  I then covered the whole block with French Blue.  Let it dry for 15 minutes.

I created the images using some clip art from Dover "SEA LIFE" and manipulated the images in Adobe Photoshop.  The images were created to fit my dimensions.
• Cut images with a Ruler and X-Acto
• Lay out cut images
• Decoupage the images onto the wood with Mod Podge
• Let dry for 15 minutes

I sanded the edge for a rustic cottage, Cape Cod weathered look!  I used a small piece of 100 grit sand paper wrapped around a small piece of hard wood.  This makes breaking the edge easy achieving the look I wanted (see photos for example; this step is optional).

• Seal the whole piece with Hard Coat Mod Podge• Let dry for about 25 minutes
• Measure and mark the spot with an awl or pencil
You decide how many holes you want? 1, 2, 3, etc. - I chose 7

Enter the drill press:
• I used a 3/8" wood drill bit and drilled into each marked spot at 1 1/2" deep.

Wipe away any sawdust from the drill, add some rubber pads to the bottom (optional) and voila!
Project is complete!

Use this handy organizer to display pencils, pens and markers in the office . . . or insert some handy tools like drill bits and craft knives for the studio.  This project can be used in so many variations, using unlimited image resources for anyone.  Try it!

Don't forget to visit Walter's Etsy shop - he's actually got this little gem for sale if you don't have time to make it and your man needs a gift.

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Upcycled jewelry box with Envirotex Lite.

I recently made a Goodwill run and scored a load of goodies for $15.  One of the surfaces I got was perfect to use with Mod Podge and my absolute favorite resin Envirotex Lite: a mini-jewelry box for $2.  I have a larger jewelry box, but I've been needing a smaller one to keep out on the counter for all of the jewelry I use regularly and need easy access to.  This upcycled jewelry box was a relatively easy project and I had everything on hand.  Here's how I made my new favorite decoupage piece.

Gather These Supplies

Old jewelry box
Envirotex Lite - I used about 3 oz. total
Mixing Cup Set
Mod Podge Hard Coat
Scrapbook paper - I used 2 sheets of Fancy Pants Designs, It's the Little Things
FolkArt Metallic paint - Sequin Black
Basic Grey Woolies felt stickers - Curio
Painter's tape
Paintbrush
Pencil
Ruler
Craft glue
Craft knife and mat or scissors

Here she is - ready to be re-done.  What a pretty rose!  I think I'll chip it off.

I removed all of the hardware and traced the box on the backside of the paper with a pencil.

I removed the glass from the lid of the box and traced it too.

Cut all the papers out with your craft knife or scissors and set aside.

Sand the jewelry box, wipe away the dust and then paint the box and lid with Sequin Black.  You don't have to paint the entire thing, just the outer edges, since the paper is thick. Give several coats and set aside to dry.

While your jewelry box is drying, Mod Podge the paper to the glass insert.

Glue the insert into the lid - allow to dry (then you can paint the back of the lid with Sequin Black and allow to dry).

Coat your jewelry box with Mod Podge and smooth the paper down, working one side at a time.

Give the entire jewelry box a coat of Mod Podge and allow to dry.  Give one more coat and allow to dry.

Time to Envirotex my project!  Notice there is something coming out the sides of my lid . . . that is tape.  The only tape I could find, because someone has poached my painter's tape!  I highly recommend painter's tape because the tape I had to use messed up the back of my lid and I had to re-paint.  Why did I use the tape?  To keep the Envirotex from seeping out from my lid.

Envirotex is a product that you MUST read the instructions before usage.  The mixing cups are essential too, because it's going to ruin whatever you put it in.  You really should wear gloves.  But I didn't wear gloves.  Rebel.

Basically you add the same amount of the white cap stuff and the black cap stuff.  You have to stir thoroughly.  I'm doing this on my coffee table, but that's because I don't care if I mess it up.  You need to use this product on a surface that is safe to make a mess on.

Mix, mix, mix . . . then pour.  It's going to be cloudy at first and there will be bubbles.  Those will rise to the top and you can exhale on the surface (pull your hair back) to make all of them pop.  It's kind of fun!  Let it dry for 24 hours.

Replace all hardware.  Add an embellishment on top of the resin if you choose.

What do you think?  I'm so pleased with the finished result.  I'm so proud of myself too, because my mess was minimal.  What I love most about my new jewelry box is that there is a cool 3-D effect on the lid, with the paper in the background and the embellishment on top.  Yay!

Disclosure:
ETI sent me this product to try out. You won’t believe all that you can do with this product. Envirotex Lite was created by Environmental Technologies Inc. (ETI), which is the home for many resin and mold making products.

The use of resin in jewelry making, mixed media and paper arts continues to grow in popularity. Today, artists are using ETI’s products in many crafty ways and they will be showcasing these works of art on their new blog "Resin Crafts."

Visit them:
Resin Crafts Blog
ETI on Facebook
ETI on Twitter

Check out these other tutorials using Envirotex Lite:

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Carnival ticket bowl with glitter.

I'm not the first person to do a ticket bowl. The thing is, I'm intrigued by them and I had to try one out for myself. Then I added a special little touch with FolkArt Extreme Glitter. My ticket bowl reminds me of Xanadu with the stars and the glitter - at least the Mod Podge version. But without Olivia Newton John. If you are a beginner this is a great project, so pay close attention to these simple instructions.

Gather These Supplies

Ticket roll
Hard Coat Mod Podge
FolkArt Extreme Glitter (optional)
Paintbrush
Felt - small square
Craft glue
Scissors

 Ticket rolls are the new crafting trend, so I had to buy about a million off of ebay.  They are so cheap!

Start pushing the ticket roll in one direction.  This part is really fun.

Is it a bowl or a Devo hat?  Or both.

Once you get your bowl to the shape you like it, coat it with several coats of Hard Coat Mod Podge.  It will seep into the cracks and crevices between the tickets, so you don't have to worry.  I did two coats on the outside, then turned the bowl over and did two coats on the inside.  Allow to dry.

I glued a small circle of felt (I just happened to have matching) onto the bottom to cover the hole.  It was right after that I decided to coat the outside with Extreme Glitter.  I only did one coat and look how glittery it is:

Allow your glitter to dry and you're finished.  Isn't the finish amazing?  I'm super happy with my ticket bowl and am now off to make a ton of them.

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