Amy Butler and a lamp revamp.

What an awesome idea! This was spotted on Flickr by user mayalu. This lampshade was covered using Fabric Mod Podge - which you can use on lamps. . . bags. . . even chairs! Mod Podge is NON-FLAMMABLE (use on the outside of a lampshade). So don't worry about the bulb. . . you are good to go.

Here's how to do a project such as this.  First of all, you'll need enough fabric to cover the shade.  Wash (no fabric softener), dry and iron the fabric.  Lay on a wax paper surface and coat with a thin layer of Fabric Mod Podge.  You can do it on the front or back, doesn't matter (for whatever reason I always do it on the front).

After that has dried, cut the fabric to fit the surface.  The Fabric Mod Podge you applied will prevent fraying and make the fabric act more like paper!  It's pretty cool.  NOW you can decoupage the fabric to the lampshade with the Mod Podge.  Allow the first application to dry and then put down a few more coats.  Embellish to your heart's content and then allow to dry for at least 48 hours.  "Let there be light!"

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Magazine holder, baby!

I'd like to start with some relatively easy projects, this being one of them.  It was done by my friends Cathie and Steve!  If you are like me, you probably have every issue of Ready Made or CRAFT magazine sitting around with no home.  You can buy those flimsy, ghetto magazine holders from an office supply store - but why?  When you can have something so much more attractive (and for not a lot of money).

Get the instructions for how to make this *easy* magazine holder here.  I'm going to tell you right now that IKEA has these wood ones on the cheap.  If you don't have an IKEA nearby, check out Target.  They will definitely have something right up your alley!

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The decoupage punkin.

I start these projects - and officially this blog - with a punkin' (by Moxielicious). Maybe it's because I decided this year that my favorite holiday is Halloween? Maybe it's because I like the papers used on the punkin'?

Hard to say.

Let me give you a tip right out of the gate. Don't use a real pumpkin. Use a craft punkin'! During the holidays, Michaels has craft pumpkins (made of some sort of high density foam) and you can carve them like regular pumpkins! Except without the gross mess. Anyway, either decoupage one of these babies with paper as a whole, or cut a face and then decoupage it. And here's how.
 
Choose some fun fall scrapbooking papers or gift wrap. Simply cut the paper into small pieces and glue them on. Allow to dry and then coat with a few coats of Mod Podge. I suggest Outdoor Mod Podge as your decoupage medium if you are going to place this out on the front porch. Weather resistance, people!

Welcome to my blog and project #1!

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Frequently Asked Questions.

1. Who are you?
I am a 34-year-old transplant from Seattle living in Atlanta, Georgia. I was born from creative genes, so I'm carrying on the tradition. I have been knitting for 19 years, sewing for longer and decoupaging for just a few. I do all of these things on a daily basis, or at least as much as I can. In addition to Mod Podge, I love the color blue, dogs, reading, cold weather, funny movies, road rallies, yogurt, garden gnomes, sock monkeys, running, tattoos, being outdoors, buttons, snuggling and apparently blogging. Who knew I would love it this much?

2. Is there anything else I should know about you?
I try to wear stripes and/or bright colors on a daily basis. It's my schtick and it makes me happy. It's the little things, people.

3. What makes you the authority on Mod Podge?
My favorite thing about this blog is that I get to bring lots of ideas and inspiration together in one place - making everyone who is featured here an authority! I started this blog because when I was trying to find decoupage inspiration, I had to go to a lot of different places to get it. I thought, "what if it could all just be in one place?" I don't just complain people - I make it happen!

4. What is your day job?
Marketing. Editing. Not quite a crafting superhero like I want to be but it pays the bills and the people are great.

5. Will you offer me advice on my project/creative idea/love life?
Yes, I'll do my best. That I can promise you.

6. Do you accept submissions?
Heck yes! Don't be scared. Send 'em my way.

7. My Mod Podge is sticky. Can you help me?
No, you have to burn your project. Kidding! Imagine if you were expected to be three things at one time - it would be hard, right? Well, Mod Podge has to be a glue, sealer and finish all in one. It works very well, but the stickiness comes from the glue properties and is especially noticeable in the gloss formula (due to the glossy sheen). There's only one thing you have to do - spray your project with a clear acrylic sealer after the Mod Podge is dry. Spray several coats. You will be a very happy crafter.

For a Super Kid Friendly no-VOC varnish option that will seal your project, click here.

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