Halloween clothespin wreath.

I'm not sure if any of you use clothespins in real life, but they are awesome for crafting. This wreath by Kaysi is a great example of why you need them in your stash. And if you have them in your stash, you need to bring them out immediately and make a wreath. I love Kaysi's method in particular because it's budget friendly - there are some reused materials involved and it doesn't take a ton of paper to get great results. Visit her to learn how and see more pictures. She used a special formula with schparkle, so be sure to check it out.

Clothes pins Halloween wreath at Keeping It Simple

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Mod Podge monster blocks.

This is such a fun idea from Allison at No Time for Flashcards - she's found a way to get her children involved in a craft, make it holiday themed and have it be a fun learning game when it's done. Triple word score, my friends! Get your Mod Podge, some wood blocks and let your children go to town. They will have a blast making these monster themed blocks and then playing adults in a game of memory . . . because we all know that kids have better memories, so don't be embarrassed if you get beaten by your four year old. Check out Allison's tutorial below to learn how they were made.

Monster blocks and memory game for Halloween at No Time for Flashcards

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Halloween countdown calendar.

I have total respect for Angie for making this Halloween countdown calendar. I did one for my book Mod Podge Rocks, and it was quite the labor of love. Countdown calendars are totally worth it though, because they are SO fun to make! Add googly eyes and you've got the icing on the cake. I think Angie's is particularly fun because it incorporates Sparkle Mod Podge, which is a little known wonder of the world. Head over to Angie's to learn how it was made.

Halloween countdown calendar at Country Chic Cottage

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Spooky Halloween decorating.

Halloween decorating is so much fun, and it's made even more fun with digital images that you can just print out and add to goodies with Mod Podge. Heather from Whipperberry used Rhonna Designs graphics on some plates to turn them into spooky decor; she used a few different Mod Podge formulas to achieve a fun look as well. Do you want to achieve the same look? Visit Heather to learn how.

Halloween decor with Mod Podge at Whipperberry

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How to make vintage glass bottles.

I totally agree with Jade's sentiment about this project - decorating small glass bottles is addictive, because you are turning them into tiny pieces of unique art that can make a wonderful difference in your home decor. I love the artistic flair of her bottle decor, including the various methods she used to get the look. If you need some vintage glass bottles in your life, visit Jade to see how she made them.

Vintage glass bottles at Jaderbomb

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Mixed media Mod Podge wall art.

My friend Ann Marie wanted some interesting wall art, so she made this piece inspired by nature. There are so many fun elements to it - the leaves, the birds (using Podgeables) the letters . . . she even threw in several kinds of Mod Podge (notably Sparkle and Glow-in-the-Dark). This project is so easy that you can even get the kids involved. I mean, who doesn't want paint leaves with Mod Podge? It's fun! Visit Ann Marie to see how she put this all together.

A stick, letters, some birds and a whole lot of Mod Podge at White House Black Shutters

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Sparkle up a skeleton pumpkin.

Too early for Halloween? My friends - there is no such thing as too early in the world of crafting! That is what I love about being a crafter. I can be a rule breaker. By the way, am I the only person that refers to skeletons as "skulligans?" If you are out there, please identify yourself.

My first project of the season is easy and uses Mod Podge as a sealer. There's some painting involved but it's fun, and you also get to use white transfer paper. Ooh la la. This purple and black and glitter pumpkin will be loved by you for years to come, guaranteed. Here's how to make it.

Gather These Supplies

• Craft pumpkin
• Skeleton clip art printed out to fit the pumpkin – I got mine from Microsoft Clip Art
• FolkArt Paint – Licorice, Dove Gray, Metallic Silver Sterling
• Sparkle Mod Podge
• Purple craft leaves
• Paintbrushes in two sizes – small and large
• Hot Glue Gun
• Pipe Cleaners, black
• White transfer paper and stylus
• Tape

Your first step is to paint the craft pumpkin with Licorice (unless you got a black craft pumpkin) and transfer the image to the pumpkin using white transfer paper. If you are wondering how to do that, visit this post to learn.

Use your small brush to paint in the skeleton design with gray paint. Follow the transfer paper lines as closely as you can. Keep painting until you’ve filled the skeleton completely in and then allow to dry. Don’t forget the stem.

Use your small brush and silver to paint over the gray. It gives it a nice little sheen. Cover and then allow to dry. Paint the stem too. You are so close to being done you can’t imagine. By the way, does this photo look like I’m painting in a basement?

Coat your pumpkin with several layers of Sparkle Mod Podge, allowing to dry between coats. This should sparkle nicely on the black paint! Set aside and allow to dry.

While you are waiting for the pumpkin to dry, take some of your leaves and glue onto the ends of pipe cleaners. You should use your hot glue gun; I’m A.D.D. so I grabbed the glue that was sitting right there.

Once dry, wrap the pipe cleaners around your finger to make a curled vine effect.

Using your hot glue gun, attach the pipe cleaner “vines” to the top of the pumpkin, then start attaching leaves. Glue leaves down until you feel your pumpkin has enough – basically to your heart’s content! Let the glue cool before placing out, and then enjoy your spooky decoration. If you would like to set outside, make sure to spray with a waterproof enamel sealer.

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Personalize a hanger.

Are you looking for a sweet and unique baby shower gift? Or has the newborn already come and you want to personalize something? This hanger is such a great idea - and it uses the most amazing Sparkle Mod Podge. People don't decorate hangers enough in my opinion, and the wood surface is perfect for Mod Podge. Learn more below at Debbie's blog.

Personalized hanger at A Creative Life

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Firecracker candles.

I know Memorial Day just passed, but my friend Kim from Today's Creative Blog made the most brilliant, patriotic candles with budget supplies and I had to share. She was kind enough to guest blog, which delights me because her Mod Podge talent level is increasing, and very quickly. You have plenty of time to make these before the 4th (and this tutorial is very easy), so hop to it!

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It's no secret that Mod Podge is my new obsession. I'm not sure if I'm addicted to the forgiving nature of the miracle goo, or because you can create simple and quick projects for your home. I love the trash can I made for my craft room using fabric scraps and love love love my tray I made with my vintage maps.

Now I'm not usually one to decorate for Memorial Day or Fourth of July, but this year is different. With Mod Podge by my side and a few patriotic items , I made myself some cute candles I plan to use on my patio . . . if it ever stops raining. I picked up the tall candles, ribbon and napkins from The Dollar Tree. Once home I used the regular formula of Mod Podge for two of them and the Sparkle Mod Podge for one.

I love how they turned out! I love how the glow from the candle bounces through the blue napkin. This project took me about 15 minutes, not including drying time. One thing to keep in mind however, take the labels off your candles . . . because the paper or ribbon will be somewhat transparent. No judging. Enjoy!

Thanks Kim - and please visit her at Today's Creative Blog for more awesome Mod Podging action.

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Scrap fabric sparkle eggs.

I've seen those little paper mache eggs at the craft store, but have breezed right by them. There's just so much to take in that sometimes the brown surfaces don't catch your eye! I realize now that these eggs are perfect for home decor - all you need is a collection of cute fabric scraps. If you visit the blog below, you'll see that kids can help too. And who doesn't love a project like that?

Fabric scrap sparkle eggs at Sew Mama Sew

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Dollar store diva mirror.

I've noticed recently that one thing the dollar store has copious amounts of (besides frames and wreaths. Oh, and fake flowers) is mirrors. I grabbed one with the intention of fixing it up with items in my stash - revamping something from the dollar store is a great way to use up extra supplies, including paper and fabric. Here's what resulted, and I hope you enjoy. What have you crafted lately with dollar store supplies?

Gather These Supplies

Mirror - any kind, just as long as it's not plastic
FolkArt acrylic paint - Aqua
Sparkle Mod Podge
Scrapbook paper - colors and patterns of your choice
Buttons - to coordinate with the paper
EK Success 1 inch scallop punch
Paintbrush
Scissors
Craft glue
Sandpaper
Mini screwdriver set - to remove parts

Here's my mirror. And just a note - I tried making it look like it was my hair but it didn't work.

My mirror had some sort of a coating on it, so I removed all of the little parts and sanded it. Wipe away the sanding dust with a tack cloth or wet paper towel.

Paint the wood with Aqua. You will need several coats. Set aside to dry.

Cut out shapes from your paper.

Start laying out the shapes on the mirror to figure out your design. I also used my favorite scallop punch to create some shapes.

Mod Podge the shapes to the mirror and let them dry for about 15 - 20 minutes.

Add a top coat of Sparkle Mod Podge so that your mirror really blings.

Add buttons with craft glue. Let the whole thing dry before replacing the parts.

A brand new diva mirror. You can hang in a little girl's room, if you want. A revamped mirror like this would be great for a bathroom as well.

For more amazing dollar store crafts, visit my friend Heather at Dollar Store Crafts. Warning though: you'll be lost for hours - it's that good.

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LOVE Valentine's Day keyholder.

Have you ever thought about turning a frame into a key holder? I think it's a great idea. Especially when you can do it on a budget, and make it as cute as Man Podger Walter did. There are heart frames like you see above available at Michaels for $1, and think of how many gifts you can make with Mod Podge and supplies from your stash. As someone who can't find their keys on a regular basis, this keyholder is perfect - and the message is universal. I'll let Walter tell you how he made it.

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I am a big fan of theses unfinished frames from Michaels; how can you beat them? A buck for a hardwood frame is not bad. As with most craft store finds, I like to think about what can I do to transform it. I am thinking, organization . . . key holder? I LOVE the way this came out!

Step 1: Gather Supplies

• Unfinished $1 heart frame
• Paint (FolkArt, Engine Red)
• 4 small wooden hearts
• 4 wood screws

• 4 cup hooks

• Rubber Stamps (Type)
• Black Pigmented Stamp Pad
• Sawtooth Hanger
• Mod Podge Gloss and Sparkle
• Awl
• Drill
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Two rubber bumpers or raised stickers

Step 2: Paint the whole frame and four wooden hearts (shown bare above), let dry for 15 minutes. Then I lightly sanded the edges of the hearts. Wipe sanding dust off of each heart for the next step.

Trace the frame onto the paper, cut out and then Mod Podge (with Gloss) to the front of the frame. Let dry for 15 minutes before putting on a top coat.

Step 3: I love TYPE rubber stamps with black pigmented ink. Add each letter of "L-O-V-E" to the wood hearts. Let dry before touching or it will smear . . . I used my heat embossing gun to accelerate the drying time (optional).

Step 4: I used an awl to make a pilot hole on the bottom of the heart. And, then I attached one cup hooks to the bottom of each heart.

Step 5: Drill four countersink holes on the bottom back. Attach the hearts by inserting a wood screw through the back, and tighten while holding the heart with your hand. Repeat till completed. Seal with Mod Podge Sparkle on the hearts and sides and back of frame.

Step 6: Attach a sawtooth hanger to the TOP of the back of the frame. Attach rubber bumpers/raised stickers to the back (bottom) of the frame so that when you put on and take off your keys, the wall doesn't get scratched. Insert a favorite photo and hang on a wall! And, of course, hang your keys.

Thanks Walter - hey, that's me and the piggies inside your picture frame key holder!

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