Make a bendable fabric flower.

Summer is almost over, but don't let it leave without making one of these cute bendable flowers from Crafts By Amanda. Amanda is talented at so many things, but I particularly love her kids' crafts - although this project could also be done by any adult not afraid to show her (or his) whimsical side. These would even be fun tied to the top of a gift package, don't you think? Visit Amanda for the tutorial.

Bendable fabric flower at Crafts By Amanda

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Neon polka dot pots.

I've never enjoyed neon before this year, but the recent trend has made me more of an appreciator. It helps sooth the painful memories of wearing a head-to-toe neon orange outfit with a neon pink flamingo on the front (7th grade). I also love that Andrea figured out what to do with those neon office dots that I've always inherited from the dusty drawers of every job I've ever worked at. I guess what I'm saying is that making neon and office dots into a pretty project is pretty amazing and you have to have talent. Learn more about these polka dot pots at Andrea's blog below.

DIY neon polka dot pots at For the Love Of

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How to decoupage a tree on the wall.

You've seen those fancy wall decals in cool shapes - I like those too. But sometimes they aren't as colorful as I'm looking for. I love the patchwork look, and it's perfect for home decor . . . and you can get it with Mod Podge. This tree was created with it and paper, and I love how colorful it is. I love it in a nursery, but depending on the papers you use, it could work in a lot of rooms. Visit the tutorial below to learn how easy (and budget friendly) it is to get a tree of your very own.

How to make a decoupage tree at Project Nursery

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Cool plant tag pendants.

This project proves that there is truly a use for everything! I know a lot of hoarders (saying that in the kindest way possible) who likely have some plant tags in their stash. I'm going to have to share these pendants with them, because this is a great way to use those up. Hmmm - what else could you make with plant tags? Going to have to think about that one. In the meantime, visit below to see more pictures of cool necklaces.

Plant tag pendants at Janet of All Trades

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An easy way to Mod Podge a birdhouse.

I love Mod Podging cute little birdhouses - and if you are a beginning Podger, I think you would love it too. Justine did it with her children and they had a blast . . . and they made the most fun birdhouses that you can use on a mantle or spring table! If you want to learn to Mod Podge or teach your children, I recommend a project just like this. Visit Justine to see how she did it.

Mod Podge a birdhouse at Sew Country Chick

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Solar Mod Podge lights.

A few years ago Pam taught you how to add food coloring to Mod Podge to make beautiful lanterns. Well, Amanda took it a step further and added solar power to her mason jars. A few years ago I bought little solar powered lights from Target and had NO idea what to do with them - now I know! These lanterns are awesome, inexpensive and also a great use of Outdoor Mod Podge. Visit Amanda to see how they were made. And beginning Mod Podgers take note: you won't believe how easy it is.

Solar + Mod Podge = amazing at The Hand Me Down House

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DIY pressed flower art.

I love pressed flower crafts, ranging from wall art to jewelry - so I had to share these with you. You can alter some fancy frames, or use frames that you already have. The process is about as easy as it gets, and if you are a beginning Podger you'll want to check it out. Visit the tutorial below.

DIY pressed flower frames at Pamplemouse1983

More reviews and giveaways to check out for my new book!

A Little Hut
Blog Critics
Everything Etsy
Mom's Crafty Space
My 3 Monsters
Renewed Upon a Dream

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Bright and cheery birdhouses.

I've always loved the little $1 birdhouses you can get a craft stores - and I think it's a fun idea to make a display with them. Fonda's caught my eye . . . and why do you think? Hello stripes, polka dots and the color blue! I love the way she put them on pedestals and made a mantle display out of her collection, and it would be so cute for spring/summer. I'll let you visit her blog to see some of the others.

Mini painted birdhouses at Southern Scraps

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Mod Podged garden caddie.

Are you interested in learning how to transfer an image with Mod Podge? And are you getting ready for summer parties? You are in luck - I found a project that will teach you how to transfer as well as be perfect for warm-weather shindigs. You can use it as a garden caddy as well, but I really like the mason jars and silverware display above. The graphic is from Graphics Fairy, and the caddy was a thrift store find. To learn how to make it, visit the tutorial below.

She's using Mod Podge again at Creative Carmella

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Outdoor chair gets a brilliant makeover.

It's not often that I get to see projects I feature in real life. But I recently visited Vivienne from The V Spot and got to see her outdoor chair revamp. It looks as good in real life as it does in the pictures! It might have something to do with the fact that she picked great colors (love the modern fabric). I'm proud to say that a year after her post it's holding up fantastically. Win all the way around! Visit Viv to see how she did it.

Turning the dog's chew toy into a chair at The V Spot

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Make a Mod Podge charm bracelet.

Everyone needs a great collection of spring and summer jewelry, and you are no exception. So, you take a peek at this bracelet from Carolyn. It's cardstock Mod Podged with rice paper that has leaves pressed into it, and the result is so pretty and delicate. I love the fancy ribbon and jewel twisting. Going to have to give that a try . . . I've got images of a bright summer bracelet running through my head!

Paper and Mod Podge charm bracelet at homework

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Moss and pea balls.

Let's face it, I'm not the most sophisticated when it comes to home decor. A Hello Kitty toaster and snowglobe collection aren't going to be getting me any design show recognition. While I might have my own, um, "unique" style, I do appreciate a more natural, upscale style like Kim's from Sand and Sisal. She's great at beautiful home decor DIYs with an outdoor twist, and these moss and pea balls are the perfect example. They also add a pop of color, and I can definitely appreciate that. Visit Kim for the step-by-step.

Pea and moss balls at Sand and Sisal

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Fancy Mod Podged clay pot.

Hi, I'm Amanda! I blot at Ninth Street Notions. I share crafts, DIY and recipes for those of us who are not naturally crafty. We just like pretty things.

You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Now, onto the project!

This cute little pot makes a simple project for a great gift. First, gather your materials: one terra cotta pot, one sheet scrapbook paper and Matte Mod Podge.

Measure around the outside of the top edge of your pot.

Measure the width of this edge, too. Mine ended up being about 19"x1". Cut strips of scrapbook paper to fit this. Because you are trying to work around a circular edge, you will need smaller strips. For example, 4"x1". This will make it easier to create a smooth edge.

Mod podge your strips around the top edge of the pot. Overlap the ends of your strips. Yes, there will be a slight edge to that. No, it won't look bad. At least I don't think so. Go nice and slow. It's tricky to make sure it doesn't get all wrinkly. Use Amy's tips here to keep it wrinkle-free. Let it dry. Give it a couple of top coats to seal it. Then fill your pot with something wonderful to give. You might not want to pot a plant in it, so as not to ruin your beautiful Mod Podge work. However, a mason jar filled with flowers fits beautifully:

Or my personal favorite: candy!

Thank you so much for letting me share this easy project with you!
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Thank you Amanda, so much, for sharing your tutorial. Mod Podgers, please visit Amanda at Ninth Street Creations for tons of budget crafting ideas and inspiration.

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Mod Podged gnome birdhouse.

So . . . who here likes garden gnomes? Raise your hand!! Me mee meee! Am I the only one raising my hand? Gnomes are so fun and remind me of spring - as do birdhouses. So to celebrate, I created a birdhouse for some of my family members with spring colors and a happy gnome. You'll need a birdhouse to start, and the rest is fun.

Gather These Supplies

Wood birdhouse
FolkArt Outdoor acrylic paint - Burnt Umber, Fresh Foliage, Pure Orange
Mod Podge Outdoor
Martha Stewart Woodland Critters paper
Martha Stewart Gnome and Woodland stickers
Martha Stewart Log Alphabet stickers
Cardstock - yellow, brown, orange
Craft knife
Ruler
Paintbrush

Paint your birdhouse with the FolkArt colors. I used Fresh Foliage for the sides, Burnt Umber for the roof and Pure Orange for the perch. This Outdoor paint is self-sealing and really durable, so you are good to put it outside. (PS - I just did the edges of the sides where I would be covering with paper).

While waiting for that to dry, I cut the papers to fit my birdhouse. I used one design around three sides, and another (woodgrain) design on the roof. It takes a minute, but it's really about measuring and cutting carefully to get the exact fit - so it's not hard, just time consuming.

At this time I also used my Sizzix Big Shot to cut the mushroom shapes. You don't have to do that though - you can draw and cut by hand just as easily.

Paint a medium layer of Outdoor Mod Podge on one side of the birdhouse.

Adhere the (nicely) trimmed paper and smooth thoroughly. Let it dry for 15 - 20 minutes and repeat on all sides.

Once dry, paint a coat of Outdoor Mod Podge over the whole birdhouse. Let dry and repeat.

I attached all of the embellishments with craft glue, then gave the entire birdhouse a third coat of Outdoor Mod Podge (including over the embellishments).

To finish and make sure it's extra durable, add an Enamel outdoor sealer (this is optional). Now you can enjoy your happy gnome birdhouse.

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Make a spring ornament.

Ornaments - not just for Christmas anymore, my friends! Ornaments can be hung around the house any time of year, or used for decorating mantels . . . or whatever floats your boat. This project is so easy that children can participate as well. I can imagine a tree of these in a ton of colors. Whee! Continue on to see how I made it.

Gather These Supplies

Paper mache ornament
FolkArt acrylic paint - Calypso Sky
Mod Podge Gloss
Fabric - scraps to make the flowers
Die cut machine or something to make shapes (I use a Sizzix Big Shot)
Craft glue
Buttons
Scissors
Paintbrush

It's a good idea to prepare fabric to run through the die cutter. To prepare the fabric, spread on a non-stick surface and paint a medium layer of Mod Podge on it. Do this with all the fabric that you are going to use (makes it easier to Mod Podge as well!) Let it dry.

While the fabric is drying, paint the ornament with several coats of blue paint. Let dry.

Cut your fabric into shapes, either with a die cutter or by printing clip art and using it as a template. I used the die cutter for my flower tops, but I cut the stems by free handing it.

Plan your design and Mod Podge the fabric shapes to the ornament. These shapes are so small that you can Mod Podge right over the top without waiting long for the fabric to dry.

I Mod Podged the stems to the ornament, criss-crossing at the bottom. Let dry.

Give the ornaments a few more coats of Mod Podge and let dry.

Add buttons to the centers of the flowers with craft glue. And as you can see, I did this all in my pajamas! All in a hard day's work, my friends.

Enjoy your fun spring ornament, and make like, a hundred more.

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Spring art includes Dimensional Magic.

I like to show all of you how there are so many more options for Dimensional Magic than just jewelry - and this is a great example from my pal Jen of Tatertots and Jello.  Most of you already know her because she is amazing.  Jen is also one of the hardest working, nicest bloggers I've ever met.  She has a great house and is always adding to it (hanging head in shame because I'm not like that).  Anyhoo, she did this spring wall specimen art and incorporated many great craft supplies, including Dimensional Magic.  Isn't it gorgeous?  Check it out here.

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Spring Flickr group roundup.

Well hello! Guess what I'm going to start doing? A Mod Podge Flickr roundup every other week!  Please add your photos to the Mod Podge Rocks Flickr group to get a chance to be featured.  I'm really impressed by the quality of projects that you guys submit - I mean, really amazing!  Here are eight projects I found today and love.  I'm going to start going back through the archives too, so if you've already submitted, there's a good chance you'll end up here soon!

A House is Made of Walls and Beams by nikimaki

Dena's Travel Book by Jenx111

Candy Wrapper Earrings by steppingthrucrazy

New Spring Blocks by fee@chippernelly

Easter clothespin wreath by Chica and Jo (change colors to make one for any time)

Alice in Wonderland Magnets by mspacmanpinky

Seed Packets Treasure Box by queenvanna creations

Functional and Fabulous Container by Christine & Co.

I also want you all to know I'm now a leader in the Blog Frog Coffee Talk Community.  It's pretty fun, and we have discussions about a lot more than blogging.  Here's a photography chat I started, for instance.  Come participate!

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