Mod Podge Rocks!

DIY handstamped coasters.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Sun, 27 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Sandra is brilliant - she discovered that you can stamp on porous tiles, and if you let the ink dry before Mod Podging, you can complete the project without any smearing. I like it when people are smarter than me and figure things out! If you need a great gift idea, this is a great budget project as well. Visit Sandra to see how they were made.

DIY handstamped tile coasters at The White Library

PS - The Mod Podge Rocks book is out, and I wanted to direct you to some lovely folks who have a review and/or giveaway on their site. A big "thank you" to them, my friends, for their support! Take a peek at their sites, and a few have great giveaways including huge prize packs (with Mod Podge).

Always in Wonder
Blue Cricket Design
Dollar Store Crafts
I Am Momma Hear Me Roar
Little Birdie Secrets
Margo Potter
Sand and Sisal
Saved By Love Creations
Sweet Rose Studio

Bright and cheery birdhouses.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Sat, 26 May 2012 17:10:00 +0000

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

Calculator gift for teacher appreciation.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Sat, 26 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

I spotted this calculator gift from Positively Splendid at Cindy's teacher appreciation series and I thought it was so sweet. It also helps that the calculator itself is such a lovely color of aqua, AND that Amy Mod Podged fun paper to the back to personalize it. You could give this as a teacher's gift, but also to anyone who likes to calculate (which I do from time to time). Visit Cindy for Amy's tutorial.

Personalized calculator gift with free download at Skip to My Lou

Mod Podged garden caddie.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Fri, 25 May 2012 19:29:00 +0000

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

Mod Podge fabric covered books.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:21:00 +0000

Erin Bassett is a crafter and artist that you should definitely know about. Her mixed media is so pretty, and she's a great teacher as well. I'm thrilled that she was featured in my new book (she's got her PhD in Mod Podge). I'm also lucky to have her guest posting these beautiful book covers!

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Hi everyone! I'm Erin Bassett and I'm going to share with you a quick project that will really spiff up your home. I love to use books around my home as part of the decor. It's a great way to add visual interest and sometimes give a favorite item a boost in its height. My only problem is that the book covers don't aways "go" with my decor . . . so here's a great way to change it.

Just grab some books, Mod Podge (I used a matte finish), fabric, scissors, brayer, and an old hotel room key (or even a piece of cardboard will do), and some paper towels to clean up any excess.

For projects like this I like to put some Mod Podge into a squeezable container so that it's easier to control and I'm less likely to dump out too much. You can see that I'm not really a "clean" crafter and I already made a mess just transferring it . . . but I'm sure you'll be much neater about it. ;)

Start off by squirting out some Mod Podge all over one side of your book. Next use the hotel key to spread it all over. Make sure that you cover it completely, especially the grove near the spine.

Then apply the fabric, smoothing it out with your hands and the brayer. If you happen to see that it's not sticking well somewhere, you can add a bit more Mod Podge under the fabric and smooth it down again. When you're done with one side, flip it over and do the spine and the other side.

Next, open the book up. Cut small slits near the spine and trim down the spine piece.

Then you're ready to adhere the "flaps" down to the inside covers. Since I am using these as decor, I'm not too worried about what it's going to look like on the inside, so I just glued them down with Mod Podge. If that's going to bother you then you can always cover up the inside cover with another piece of fabric after you glue down the flaps.

For the corners, I just folded them like I was gift wrapping a box and made sure that they had plenty of Mod Podge in the layers of the fabric.

After the edges are adhered, apply some Mod Podge to the spine piece and tuck it down in the spine . . . you may have to use tweezers or some sort of tool to get it down there if it's tight. And that's it!!

They are really quick to make and they don't take too much time to dry either. Go grab those books you have just laying around and get them covered!!

Erin Bassett writes the blog creativitE and considers it a blessing to be able to call her passion "work." She has been published in many books and magazines including Mod Podge Rocks!: Decoupage Your World. Erin is a craft addict who loves to do something creative every day. Her current loves are mixed media art, scrapbooking, papercrafts, sewing, and screen printing. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Staree - monetizing social media.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:55:00 +0000

This post brought to you by IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

I'm always interested in new social media tools. I'm "one of those people" who likes to try the latest and greatest application to see if it's fun, and I inevitably get hooked! Recently IZEA (makers of SocialSpark.com) launched a new app called Staree, a photo and video sharing service. I work with IZEA a lot and love what they do, so was excited to give it a go. It's also interesting because Staree can monetize your content. Even if you don't blog, you can make money from using social media and sharing your content. Interesting, huh?

It's easy to get started.

1) go to Staree.com and create an account, either through Twitter or Facebook. As you can see, I have a profile page. Wow, my face is big.
2) load photos and video onto Staree (you can also post on your mobile phone).
3) share on Twitter and Facebook.
4) earn money! If you take great pics Staree team members will reach out to you with special offers from advertisers to take pictures with their products.

I chose to upload this old picture of me at work because I'm quite sure that it will get lots of hits and I will be rich. Seriously though, if you are interested in monetizing social media, it's worth checking out!

Updated dinner tray.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:07:00 +0000

I don't know if you remember the TV tray revamp from not so very long ago? Well, I have another treat for you! Kim upcycled one herself, and you'll be impressed to see what a little scrapbook paper and clear coat can do. I love that she said she no longer has to be embarrassed and quickly put it away when guests come over. We've all had "those" pieces of furniture. Hahaha! Please visit Kim to see her lovely revamp.

Fabulously updated dinner tray at Seven thirty three

Fancy octopus table.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:36:00 +0000

Hi all!! My name is Janel and I hide behind my blog Hating Martha . . . and Mustaches. I blog about DIY, crafting, recipes, and all sorts of fun things!

Stop by and say hi sometime. I love ModPodge! It is so useful in crafting and decorating. And I am so excited to be here! Here's an example of one of the great uses of Mod Podge…

See this sad, broken end table . . . some paint, old books, printed Octopus, and . . . Mod Podge turned it into this:

1. fix the table leg. Done!

2. Paint the table. I used a gorgeous sea blue. And in all honesty, I used spray paint. I know. But, it’s so easy!

3. Find an old dictionary and take out some of the pages.

4. Lather Mod Podge all over the top of the table. Watch that it doesn’t drip along the side.

5. Carefully place your pages on the top. Move quickly, making sure the pages are facing the direction you want and that they are only sticking to the top (not along the sides).

6. Carefully cut the ends of the pages off (I used a sharp craft knife).
7. Cover the top with Mod Podge.

8. Print out the Octopus of choice ( I found a black and white and printed it to several pages for a larger size) and cut it out.

9. Mod Podge the octopus to the top of the table. Watch that you have it placed properly.

10. After the Mod Podge has dried…”age” the table by brushing wood stain on and then rubbing it off. If desired…finish with a coat of Polyurethane and edge the top with hotglue and rope.

Thanks for having me and letting me play with Mod Podge! Come over and visit me at Hating Martha when you get two minutes!!

How to make a cardboard canvas.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:46:00 +0000

Alma always impresses me because she is sooo creative. Artistic, really. I am one of those creative non-artist types. Haha! Seriously though, I am, and I love reading Alma's blog posts because they take me into that artistic place, where I want to try new and . . . artistic . . . things. In her most recent Mod Podge post she made canvases from a cardboard cereal box and book pages. Then she painted on top of them, and now they are beautiful. You should visit her to see how she made them.

How to make cardboard canvas at Alma Stoller

Mod Podge jewelry: 20 project ideas to DIY.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Lately I've been seeing an influx of Mod Podge jewelry ideas, and I thought about it - I too love making Mod Podge jewelry! In fact, I've made quite a bit. Jewelry is fun to make because it's easy (I'm not talking fancy wiring here), it's relatively quick and you can use up items from your stash since it's small. I also love the gift-ability of it. Ready for 20 Mod Podge jewelry projects? Here they are. Which one will you make?

DIY Mod Podge bangle bracelets

Washer necklaces at Your Homebased Mom

Popsicle stick bracelets at Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom

Thread wrapped earrings at Lines Across

Gold beaded heart fabric pendant necklace

Paper and Mod Podge charm bracelet at Homework

Washi tape statement necklace at Dollar Store Mom

Bottle cap mixed media necklace at Crafts Unleashed by Vicki O'Dell

Scrabble tile necklaces at A Creative Life

Dimensional Magic beaded rings

DIY pinwheel earrings at Indie Spotting

DIY bib necklace at Stars for Streetlights

Magazine bead bracelet at Family Fun

Repurpose a money clip at Madigan Made

Paper punch charm bracelet at Vitamin C

Shrinky dink pendant necklace

Wood plug earrings at Oops I Craft My Pants

Buttons and paper pendants at Janet of All Trades

Personalized strawberry pin (by me!) at Think Crafts

Tiffany inspired lock necklace at Love Bug Living

Lacy clutch makeover.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Tue, 22 May 2012 19:41:00 +0000

I have to admit, the white clutch before the lace didn't thrill me. After the lace is a totally different ballgame - this is such a cute handbag! The lace didn't come in those colors. It was painted with acrylic paint, which I would have never thought of. Love the boldness and love the end product. If you aren't so bold, go a little more subtle on the color - either way, you can use Mod Podge to do it. Take a peek at the tutorial below.

Clutch makeover DIY at Ricochet and Away!

Meet Stylemint - online fashion boutique.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Most of you don't know this, but I have made a big resolution for 2012 - this is the year I get my fashion act completely together. I started thinking about it at the end of last year and I was doing some wardrobe a reassessment and giving away stuff that should have been gone in the early 90s. "It's time," I thought. And by "it's time" I meant, time to focus some effort onto looking nice and feeling great as a result.

The only problem is that I don't have a gazillion dollars to spend.

That’s where StyleMint comes in. StyleMint is a new, membership-only e-commerce site brought to you by Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen (of The Row and Elizabeth and James). It offers awesome clothing pieces for the affordable price of $29.99. Yep . . . a crazy good deal! As for how StyleMint works, it’s simple. When you first sign up you answer a series of questions about your personal style. Once you’re done with the quiz, you get a selection customized just for you . . . with no obligation to buy. But you will definitely find something you like! Here are a few pieces I loved:

A striped tee - imagine that! You know it works if it picked stripes for me. This shirt is the Jackson and I'm a huge fan of the sleeve length.

Not only do I love the cut of the Mason tee, I love the suggested outfit with the pants and cute loafers. This one gets me out of my current t-shirt and jeans rut but doesn't feel too dressy.

With the current tie dye craze, the Prince really appeals to me. In fact, this is one of the shirts I received to try and I love it.

What else should know about StyleMint? Mary-Kate and Ashley design each piece using high quality, super soft fabrics. Membership is absolutely free, but things constantly sell out, so you’ll want to get signed up today!

Other fabulousness to note:

New styles to choose from every month
Impeccable design, perfect fit
Premium cotton
Classic and modern styles for versatility
FREE StyleProfile to get you started
Members get T Shirts for $29.99 each and FREE shipping

As an added bonus, Mod Podge Rocks readers will receive 20% off of one item at StyleMint using the code MOD20 (must be a first time user). Sign up today!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of StyleMint. All opinions are 100% mine.

Paper patchwork folder.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Mon, 21 May 2012 19:00:00 +0000

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?

Introducing {styled} by Tori Spelling!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:55:00 +0000

I am a big fan of Tori Spelling and have been for awhile - I love her show, and she's actually quite crafty! You might be surprised to learn that she does projects all the time on her site ediTORIal. She's a very busy and talented mom! I have no idea how she does it all and still has time to release a new craft line.

Her recent foray into jewelry has everyone in the craft world excited. She has a new line called {styled} by Tori Spelling, with four distinct styles: Boho, Noir, Glitz and Glam. The pieces are beautiful:

Not to mention that it's all so easy to put together. That is one of the benefits of the line, and you can see how simple it is to assemble in this video. You don't have to be an experience crafter to get beautiful results!

Watch over the next few months as I have fun with the jewelry and put together some looks - I also plan to incorporate it into projects including home decor . . . I know! And of course, will use Mod Podge with it. I've mentioned a few times that 2012 is my year to get my fashion act together, and this will be a great start!

{styled} by Tori Spelling releases this week in Jo-Ann, and you can also follow the action on Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus. Look for projects from me soon!

DIY masquerade masks.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Sun, 20 May 2012 16:30:00 +0000

This is one of those projects that you should think about for wedding season. You know, for those fun wedding photo booths that everyone loves! These are easy to make with simple supplies, and Kendra has a great tutorial. Of course, weddings aren't the only reason to make these. You might just want to have them around for family fun. Just because. Visit Kendra to learn how to make them.

Masquerade masks at My Insanity

Outdoor chair gets a brilliant makeover.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Sat, 19 May 2012 19:35:00 +0000

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

Art spheres.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Sat, 19 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

I'm excited to share this project with you because it's so unique. What are these, you ask? Art spheres! They are unique balls of wonder (bet you haven't heard that term before) - balls covered with different materials and textures to create a interesting home decor display. What I love about this project is that it got my creative juices turning. What else can I cover balls with?

If you are done laughing, visit Taylor to get the tutorial. I'm now inspired thanks to her.

Art spheres at Taylor Made

Formula can revamp into pencil cup.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Sat, 19 May 2012 03:15:00 +0000

You may have a can leftover from something - and if you do, you should make it into a cute pencil cup like Diana did. You may notice a little fancy touch I like to call polka dot paper, which makes it cute, fun and a great gift. In fact, this might be the perfect teacher's gift for the upcoming end of the year. Add some candy and "bam!" you're done. Let Diana show you how it's done.

Old can from drab to fab at The Girl Creative

Snazzy shoe re-do.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:37:00 +0000

These shoes remind me of a little show I like to call Mad Men - does anyone else get the same vibe? No surprise because Jess from Mad in Crafts re-did them, and she loves Mad Men (did you see her recent series?). She did such an amazing job that you won't believe that these were RED and that someone wore them with pantyhose. Okay, I made that last part up, but Jess really did completely turn these shoes around. Visit her blog to get the full tutorial.

DIY shoe redo at Mad In Crafts

Make a Mod Podge charm bracelet.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:22:00 +0000

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

Personalize a budget keychain.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

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.

I’m participating in the following linky parties: I Heart Naptime, Skip to My Lou, Someday Crafts, Somewhat Simple, Tatertots and Jello, Tidy Mom, Tip Junkie, Today's Creative Blog, Creative Jewish Mom

Chalkboard silverware jewelry organizer.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:30:00 +0000

It's no surprise that Jen was able to turn an old silverware holder into a jewelry organizer - that is just the way she is. There are so many special touches, including glitter, brands and fabric . . . but what is really amazing is the fact that the entire thing is chalkboard paint so you can write on it. It's not hard either. Visit Jen to see how it was done.

Chalkboard silverware jewelry organizer at Tatertots and Jello

Make a paper mache animal head.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:24:00 +0000

What impresses me most about this unicorn bust is that it's so accurate! I think if I tried to do a bust, it would BE a bust. Such a project takes patience I don't know that I have. But Ashley's post is actually inspiring me to at least try. I'm not sure what animal yet. Do you think a pug face would look good? Probably not. Visit Ashley for the tutorial.

Paper mache animal head at Lil Blue Boo

Motherhood chat tomorrow - DIY teacher gifts!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:23:00 +0000

Photo by Flickr user Christi @ Love From the Oven

Are you a chatty cathy? I am too! If you love to chat, come join me tomorrow on The Motherhood as we talk about DIY teacher gifts. I'd love for you to join me. I love teacher's gifts - my mother was a teacher for years, and I know how hard all of you work! Teachers definitely deserve appreciation, and simple handmade gifts are a great way to do it!

Here are all the details.
What: A live, all-text Talk on The Motherhood, called Beyond Apples and Mugs: Get Creative with DIY Teachers’ Gifts. We’ll be trading ideas for meaningful, unique and budget-friendly DIY teacher's gifts. Feel free to bring your own ideas and photos to share.
When: Wednesday, May 16, at 4 p.m. ET. We will chat for 30 minutes!
Where: On The Motherhood, right here - http://bit.ly/JfhosA
Who: The all-text chat will be hosted by me! Co-hosting are these creative ladies: Brandie, Journey of 1000 Stitches, Cindy, Skip to My Lou, Jodi, Simply Sublime, and Kim, Crafty Mama of 4.

Please join us. Can't wait to see you there!

DIY mini pallet decor.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Anderson) — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:23:00 +0000

With the popularity of pallet art, it's tempting to bring one of those big, bad boys into your home and decorate it. But what if you don't have the room? But you still want the look? This idea from Kari at UCreate is brilliant - make mini pallets with craft sticks! You can use these for home decor or gifts . . . they make me squeal because they are so cute. Visit Kari to try it yourself.

DIY mini pallet decor at UCreate