Mod Podge Rocks!

Monday, March 9, 2009

Possibly the coolest recycled pencil organizer ever.

3/09/2009 09:37:00 PM Budget Crafting, Organization, Projects, Recycled 1 comment

Check out this absolutely awesome pen and pencil holder from the website Chica and Jo!

They even offer a tutorial here. How many people have phone books they never use? I think I threw six away when I moved last (I mean recycled, ehem!). Try it for your first Mod Podge project. It's easy, and you don't have to buy anything if you already have the Mod Podge.

Vintage childrens' toy blocks.

3/03/2009 09:45:00 PM Budget Crafting, Hard Coat Mod Podge, Kids, Project of the Week, Projects, Refurbishing 0 comments

You know what I've learned about children recently? They often times don't need fancy toys, bells and whistles or constant stimulation from a third party. Sometimes they can sit there and play with a piece of Tupperware for hours, completely entertaining themselves. I love it!

This project by Kristena Derrick is so much better than a plastic bowl, but the concept still applies. Sometimes the simplest toys are the best. I know when I was little, I loved playing with blocks. Kids blocks are REALLY easy to find. You can get them in the toy section of most mass merchandisers, but they are also available at the Goodwill or other thrift store. Make your life easy and while you are there, buy a children's book for $.99 that you are willing to cut up. Let me tell you how easy this is - you simply cut the paper into a shape the same size as side of the block and adhere with Mod Podge. Repeat until the block is covered. For a project like this I recommend Hard Coat Mod Podge just for added durability. These are probably going to be played with regularly. . . maybe even thrown around. . . so make 'em last!

As an added note - Mod Podge is completely safe for children to play with and even use. It's certified AP non-toxic and waterbase.

That means you don't have to worry!

Continued refurbished organization.

2/25/2009 09:06:00 PM Budget Crafting, Furniture, Hard Coat Mod Podge, Organization, Project of the Week, Projects, Refurbishing 4 comments

Can I tell you something? These metal file drawers are a dime a dozen at your local Goodwill. They have kind of gone the way of the rotary phone in terms of office decor. The good news? YOU can make something out of it that you wouldn't be afraid to display in your office or craft room! Gunsgermssteel doesn't provide instructions for this filing cabinet revamp, but a project like this is not hard. Here's how I would do it.

Umbrella jewelry anyone?

2/17/2009 08:37:00 PM Gift Ideas, Hard Coat Mod Podge, jewelry, Project of the Week, Projects 6 comments

I really love it when dudes craft. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the gentlecrafter who procured these projects is named Michael! And he has an Etsy store!

I'm not quite sure how Mr. Michael created this collection, but I can say tell you what I would do. You can easily pick up wood shapes in various sizes at any craft store - a 1" circle is a great place to start! You'll first want to drill the hole. You can use a small household drill, as you won't have to push very hard, and then be careful! Now you are ready to craft. Choose a paint color (FolkArt Acrylic paint is highly recommended) that you will use as your background and a coordinating piece of paper. Basecoat the wood piece several times - I recommend three coats of paint.

While the painted wood is drying, cut out your paper shape. You can use a punch, available in the scrapbooking section of a craft store, or you can draw your own shape and cut out with a craft knife. Be sure to use a mat below (yes, I've made the mistake of not and it isn't good!). You are now ready to Mod Podge!

Apply the Mod Podge to the paper piece and affix to your wood shape. Allow to dry for about 15 minutes. You are now ready to coat the entire shape at least three times with Mod Podge! I highly recommend using the Hard Coat formula on jewelry, but Gloss will also work. When you are done applying coats, allow to dry overnight. All you need to finish is a chain and a jump ring, which you can ALSO get at any craft store. If you want something a little more posh or real sterling silver, head to your local bead store or browse the internet.

You know what I am thinking? What a great holiday gift idea. . .

Magazine holders spice up a shelf!

2/09/2009 12:21:00 PM Budget Crafting, Organization, Project of the Week, Projects, Refurbishing 1 comment

Moxie-girl gets bonus points with me. First of all, she's trying to organize. As most of us crafty types have experienced, organization can be difficult. Our brains just don't work that way!

Secondly, she's organized within a budget! If you are going to get your life together, IKEA is the place to go.

And third - she used Mod Podge. Please visit the photo site above to read her description of what she did. If someone who calls themselves "not too crafty" (I have to disagree!) can do this, think about what you can make?!

Gentle readers.

2/01/2009 12:12:00 PM 2 comments

I've been out of commission for awhile - winter, the holidays and a sickness - but I'm back! Look for exciting new projects for 2009. More tips, and more fun!

Happy Decoupaging!

Amy

Cathie & Steve do the Holidays!

12/10/2008 08:07:00 PM Cathie and Steve, Christmas, Gift Ideas, Projects 0 comments

I love Cathie & Steve. Why? Because they love Mod Podge, of course! It's not just that really. These two also host the coolest craft show around, Creative Juice. Cathie & Steve aren't just talented; they provide crafting projects that are accessible to the masses. They didn't even pay me to say that. . . :D

One thing I've noticed from watching their show and reading their blog is that they are great at the holidays - they create fun and easy projects that you can whip up last minute for an ornament exchange or some trendy party decor. You can always visit their blog, but I've also posted four great projects below. Click on the title below the picture for a direct link to the supply lists and instructions. Have fun crafting!