DIY antique fabric frames.

I could decorate the $1 frames you can get a craft stores forever. A decorated frame is just about the simplest project you can make, and you can whip one out quickly - so it also makes a great gift idea. Melissa took the $1 frame decorating a step further and turned them into chalkboards. I love this because I always have something to say, and in particular I think it would be funny to use them to write passive aggressive notes to family members if you are feeling snarky. Or, just kind messages if you are feeling . . . kind. Either way, these would make a lovely addition to your home. Head to Melissa's blog to learn how to make them!

Mod Podge fabric frames at No. 2 Pencil

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Dr. Seuss craft - library card frame.

I've had Janel from Nellie Bellie on before with her octopus table revamp, and now she has a new project for you using pages from a Dr. Seuss book that her son loves. So cute, and I'll let her tell you how to do it!

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This is a fun little frame using Mod Podge that you all might be interested in. This little library card frame isn’t something you can really carry with you to school. That would look weird. But reading and libraries go hand in hand with school. Serious now . . .  if you want to raise curious, imaginative, and intelligent kids they need to be readers!! I’m not joking. Gasp . . . I know! Hear me now—make your home a reading home!! And for gosh sakes use your local library to help!! I’ve been taking my kids to the library since . . . well, before they were born. They’ve been raised going regularly. I volunteered BEFORE I was paid staff. And I volunteered even AFTER I left that position. It’s important to me. My kids would check out their books on my card when they were small. And they always wanted their own “credit card” to “pay” for their books. But, I made a rule. They had to learn to read first. My kids learned to read well before 5 years so when the day of their 5th birthday (the age for a card) we headed up to the library and got their first library card. And celebrated with ice cream and books! And I kept that first library card. And framed it. Look at that signature . . . oh, so cute. Isn’t that special. Here is the quick rundown so you can have your own . . .

1. Gather a frame . . .

2. Using Mod Podge cover the frame with your child’s favorite book. You probably don’t want to use one they are actually reading. They might not like that! Levi learned how to read with Dr. Seuss, they are special to us. You can use an old, broken book or make color copies.

3. Use hot glue to add ribbon to your edges. (I also added a pretty bow to the front.)

4. Hot glue the library card to cardstock. I added lettering to say I can READ to mine . . . for fun. Then, just put that card where your picture should be. You’re done.

This sweet frame sits in my living room. On my children’s desk. Oh, I didn’t show you that? Here you go . . .

Please follow Janel on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

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Vintage necklace frame.

One of my favorite craft projects to make is and always has been a frame. Something about a flat wood surface being easy to decorate, I guess. Every time I decorate a frame I get a different idea - something else I want to try. This time I went vintage/antique-y looking, and used a necklace bottom as the main decor component. I'm happy with how it turned out and there's something so exciting about this frame. The necklace bottom is interchangeable, so you can customize the look of your frame with ease. Here's how I did it.

Gather These Supplies

Wood Frame with 5 x 7 opening
FolkArt Acrylic Paint - Metallic Antique Copper, Metallic Pearl White, Wicker White
Mod Podge Super Gloss
Stencil tape
Blue ribbon, 2" wide, 14" long
Vintage necklace strand
Two small nails and a hammer
Double stick tape
Craft glue
Scissors
Pencil
Ruler
Paintbrush

1. Basecoat the frame with a few coats of Wicker White and let dry.
2. Paint the frame with Metallic Pearl White. This includes the back. Give it several coats and then let it dry overnight.
3. Lay the ribbon out on your frame (I just centered it with my eyeballs) and use pencil marks to indicate where it will be. Then use the stencil tape to create a 1" strip on either side of where the ribbon will lay. Mark that with the pencil and ruler and remove the ribbon.
4. Tape your stripes and paint with the Metallic Antique Copper (several coats). Peel up the tape while the stripes are still wet and then let them dry.
5. Coat the entire frame with Mod Podge Super Gloss. This will give it a very thick, clear finish.
6. Use the double stick tape (very strong double stick tape) to adhere the ribbon to the frame between the two copper stripes. Trim the ribbon and glue to the back on the top and bottom. Note: I used double stick tape on the front to keep the ribbon in place because craft glue seeps through thin ribbon like this and you can see it. I didn't want that.
7. Turn the frame over and tap in two nails with a hammer toward the top. You'll want to make sure that you measure first so that your necklace hangs at the right length. Be careful not to tap through the frame.
8. Enjoy your frame, and change out the necklace bottom at your leisure.

I'm quite pleased with how my frame turned out and I love that the necklace bottom is interchangeable. This particular vintage necklace bottom is from the {styled} by Tori Spelling Glam line. I love the pieces that come in this line and how easy it is to make simple jewelry with it. Not only that, but it's so pretty in home decor items as well.

I'm not the only one that has made home decor items with my jewelry.

Heather from Dollar Store Crafts made these glam votive candle holders.

Beckie from Infarrantly Creative used a brooch as a furniture knob.

Jen from Tatertots and Jello decorated some jars for her beachy mantle.

How would you incorporate jewelry intro your home decor?

{styled} by Tori Spelling can be found at Jo-Anns and Michaels, and you can also follow the action on Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus.

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Make photo block art.

If you'd like to create a way to display a photo or give someone a personalized gift, you don't always have to go all out and Mod Podge a frame. I think this wood block idea, with a photo Mod Podged to the front, is perfectly simple. If you haven't done much Mod Podging, this is also a great project to tackle to get your feet wet. Visit the link below to see how it was done.

Photographic block art at JosieJones & Co.

I'm excited to share more giveaways of Mod Podge and the new book (reviews too!) with you. Please visit these sites below!

Calico Skies
Cathie Filian
Genevieve Gail
Just a Little Creativity
Mich in LA
Rook No. 17
Tried and True

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The one inch punch papered frame.

I may or may not have an obsession with one-inch punches. Okay, who am I kidding, I do have an obsession with them! I call this project the one inch punch frame. And you beginning Mod Podgers will want to know about this project too - because the circles of paper used are so small, you can practice working with Mod Podge and not worry too much about wrinkles. This project also makes the perfect budget gift, and you won't believe how quickly you can make it. Here's how it's done.

Gather These Supplies

$1 wood frame
Acrylic paint to coordinate with your paper
Mod Podge Gloss
Scrapbook paper
1" scallop punch
Decorative sticker
Paintbrush
Craft knife

Paint your frame with the color of your choice. Give several coats until it's covered and let dry. I painted the entire back but not the entire front, since the paper was thick enough that you can't see through it when Mod Podged.

Punch several scalloped circles out of paper - and I mean several - and put them in a pile. Use a few different papers or scraps that coordinate.

Starting in one corner, use the Mod Podge and paper and layer over the entire frame. You don't need to let anything dry - just keep layering. Once it's layered over the entire top, then let dry.

Give your frame a coat of Mod Podge over the entire thing. Let dry and then cut off the paper that hangs over the edge with your craft knife. Then apply a decorative sticker.

Proudly gift or display in your home.

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Simple and pretty Mod Podged $1 frame.

Hello, beginning Mod Podgers! Melissa from 100 Billion Stars recently decorated an $1 wood frame with fabric and Mod Podge, and you won't believe how easy it is. I love her addition of decorative trim around the opening of the frame . . . it's a nice touch. I think most of you know how much I love blue as well, so this whole setup is really my favorite. If you are just starting with Mod Podge and need a great project idea with a tutorial, visit Melissa and she'll show you how to make this frame.

Quick and easy project from 100 Billion Stars

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I heart you bunting frame.

Wait a second - who is that little twerp in the frame? Why that's me! As part of My Aqua Valentine, I decided to dress up a $1 frame with a love message on chipboard "bunting." I used items completely from my stash, so this cost me $1 total. I realize not everyone has little bunting flags, but actually, these are worth purchasing because they are so stinkin' cute. So cute that I needed to use them as soon as possible.

I liked using the scalloped versus non-scalloped flags. And I got to use my very favorite FolkArt color, Patina. The result is a frame I really like - and might keep out past Valentine's Day. It would also make a great gift. To make one for yourself, keep reading.

Gather These Supplies

$1 square wood frame
FolkArt acrylic paint - Silver Sterling, Patina, Titanium White
Martha Stewart crafts - typewriter alphabet stencil set
Maya Road Mixed Scallop Mini Pennant Banner Set
Mod Podge Satin
Paintbrush
Small stencil brush
Craft glue
Thin white ribbon

Supplies! I love Patina so much that I have tons of bottles.

Paint all of the flags with Patina, then let them dry.

Paint the frame with Silver Sterling. You'll have to give it a few coats, but then it will shine brightly.

Use the typewriter stencils and white paint to add the lettering of your choice to the flags. I didn't even use tape - I just held the stencil in place and then used the small stencil brush to lightly paint on the lettering.

I sealed all of the flags with Mod Podge and glued the heart shape onto the single, un-stenciled flag (the heart shape comes with the flags).

You'll want super thin ribbon to fit through the holes. Figure out what length you are going to use, cut the ribbon and string it through the pennants.

Glue everything down and let it dry.

I'm so pleased with my frame, and I love the mini-bunting. Now to find the right recipient . . .

If you are a beginning Mod Podger, I highly recommend starting with a frame. Click here for tons of posts that include Mod Podged frames.

Click the image above to visit more Aqua Valentine projects.

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December Flickr roundup.

With the holidays so Mod Podge crazy (in a good way), I haven't gotten to do a Flickr roundup in awhile. All of these projects are submitted to the Mod Podge Rocks Flickr group, I go through them and then share some of my favorites with you. I recommend you take a peek at the whole stream though - all of the projects submitted are good. I'm always impressed what everyone comes up with! My first project to share is this patchwork dresser by DitzaLee. I've never done a dresser like this, but I intend to once I move out of Mod Podge Command Central and into a larger place. I certainly have the room. Read on to see more Mod Podge goodness!

Mixed media piece by becktesch

Cute bunny frame by waltersilva (Man Podger Walter!)

Zebra jewelry box by Lucky Star Creations (blogged here)

Baby memory box by Chica and Jo (blogged here)

Kitschy modern kitchen bin by Crafty Modern

DIY photo fridge magnets by Recycled-Fashion (blogged here)

Colorful lampshade by Scatter50

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Goal picture holder frame.

I used to play soccer in high school - I was on the varsity team as a freshman.  What can I say, I really liked the knee socks!  Mod Podge Walter made a themed picture holder that commemorates the good ol' days of my youth.  It makes me want to play soccer again so I can wear those knee socks.  But then I think about sweating it up in 90 degree (plus) southern weather every weekend for a game and you know what . . . I think I'll leave my glory days in the past.  Enjoy Walter's tutorial below.

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If you're like me and big on organization then this project will be perfect.  This holder with a clip can be used as a to-do list holder or to hold a picture.  Here are the instructions.

Step 1:

Some of the basic supplies and tools you will need for this project:

• Mod Podge (I used Satin)
• Folk Art Paint (I used French Blue)
• 1 pieces of wood 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" x 3/4"
• Pencil
• Mod Podge Tools
• Drill Press
• Tape Measure or Ruler.
• Clip and small 3/4" wood screw
• Awl
• Philips head screwdriver
• Scissors and/or Kraft knife

Step 2:

• Prime the 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" x 3/4" wood in Folk Art French Blue.
• Let dry for 15 minutes.

Step 3:

• Decoupage to your liking /taste!
I used some wallpaper border for the front and back.
I also have a big collection of security envelopes that I felt would work well with this project.
I used a 3/4" square paper punch to cut Red and Blue colors.
I then decoupaged the 3/4" pieces to the sides alternating each color.
• Let dry for 15 minutes.

Step 4:

• Seal the entire piece with Satin FolkArt Varnish or Mod Podge.  Let dry for 15 minutes.

Then grab your Ruler and AWL.
• Measure 3/4" from the top and @ 2 1/4" mark with Awl.
• For the back 1/2" from the bottom and mark @ 2 1/4".

Step 5:

Using a drill press, drill into marked spot 1/2" deep.
I used a drill bit that was the same size as my dowel.
Use any size available.
TIP: Save the wood handle of any used foam brush for a dowel.

Step 6:

Now that the pieces are dry, marked and drilled:
• Take the front side and insert a 3/4" screw into the bottom hole of the clip.  Fasten the screw with a screwdriver through other hole on the clip (see photo).
• Flip over and insert dowel - voila! Project complete.

I am using mine as a desktop photo holder.  Though this is perfect for holding bills, coupons, gift cards and your to-do list.  I will be listing this project to my Etsy shop too.

Well that is it. Hope that you are having a great summer and keeping cool!  We just survived Hurricane Irene, thank GOD no damages except a leaking roof and seven hour power outage.  Though some of our neighbors still have no power, OUCH!

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