Guest bloggin' at Ucreate today.

Happy Friday. I'm guest blogging over at Ucreate today! Kari asked me a few weeks ago and in that time I came up with this little vintage box to store my stuff. I hope you will visit me today and that you like the tutorial I did. Make the jump to visit me here.

DON'T FORGET that today is also Mod Podge Mania. Come visit Xazmin and submit your project here.

Trash to treasure - paper caddy!

Sara's Art House is a true delight to visit. She's colorful, she's fun - and she loves Mod Podge. One of the projects that caught my eye was this paper/mail caddy that she got from the Goodwill. You can see how plain it was on the left. An empty Mod Podge canvas! On the right, she's dressed it up with black paint, scrapbooking papers and a little Mod Podge. Please visit the trash to treasure entry about this project here, but then take a peek around her entire blog. You are going to find TONS of Mod Podge and general crafting inspiration!

Making a Mod Podge shrine?

I was thinking about Mod Podge the other day, and one thing that I want people to remember is that sometimes you just gotta have fun with it. It doesn't always have to be a furniture project that needs to look perfect. Sometimes it can be something . . . unusual. Like this shrine I found on the blog Rodrigvitz Style. She held a shrine making class in her very cute Mango Studio, and she used my favorite Mod Podge to assemble the fun creations. The one above is called "Let There be Miller (Lite)." I love it! Visit the shrine making entry here to see what they did. I may have to make a pug shrine. Would that be over the top?

Give your shabby dresser a facelift.

Um, yes, in case you were wondering - we are back to furniture. I found this very exceptional entry on Curbly.com with a tutorial, so I had to share. It was also important that I share this project for a very obvious reason, which you may not know if you don't know me. The polka dots. Every day I either wear stripes or polka dots, and I like my craft projects to wear them too.

Please see the very detailed how-to and video here. If you are even considering doing a furniture piece with Mod Podge, you'll want to check this out.

Image courtesy of Curbly.com and Chrisjob, 2009. All rights reserved.

Vintage stamp and letter art.

Hmmm, what are these, you ask? Take another good look. Okay, I'll tell you. They are canvases - canvases that use vintage stamps and letters to cover them. Ashley from Lil Blue Boo created these because, as she says, she is "addicted to old stuff." She also loves using items from her stash, which is a big deal for me too. The summary? These are very, very easy and provide you with some pretty schwanky vintage looking home decor.

Find the tutorial here and then see the entry about the vintage letter canvas here. Not only are these projects cool, there are stories behind them. Let Ashley know what you think!

Mod Podge formula guide.

Photo illustration by Kate Bingaman-Burt

"WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MOD PODGE FORMULAS?"

You've asked it in a few different ways, but the basic question is the same. I'm ready to explain to you - so let's do this thing. And in case you are wondering if you should make your own Mod Podge, the answer is no. Here's why.

#1 thing to remember: All Mod Podge formulas are essentially the same in that they can all do three things. They are all good for gluing, sealing and finishing. The finish or use may be different, but they are all capable of those three things. Don't forget that. Now read on.

Classic Mod Podge: There are 2 formulas that fall under this umbrella: Gloss and Matte. When Mod Podge was developed over 40 years ago, it was started with these two. The only difference between these two is the finish that results when it's dry. That's it.
Gloss - Shiny finish.
Matte - Non-shiny finish.
With Gloss I typically hear, "after it's dry, it's sticky." Sometimes I hear that about Matte too. There's a very simple solution: spray with several coats of a clear acrylic sealer and you'll be fine. Stickiness be gone! Extra protection too.
Result: great for all types of projects and most surfaces. This is your all-around Mod Podge.

Okay. Now after the two classics were born, the Mod Podge people thought, "What if we developed Mod Podge in different formulas - for specific needs?" So they did. They kept the two classics around, so if you notice that some of these properties overlap with those two classic formulas, you are correct. But think about it - can you really get rid of the original formulas? No way.

Satin Mod Podge: This is the same as as the two classic formulas, but the finish is satin. What is a satin finish, you ask? It gives a lustrous, soft appearance somewhere between a matte and gloss. Because it is oh-so-slightly frosted, it shows scratches less than matte or gloss.
Result: great for projects where you want a non-glossy, soft appearance that wears well.

Hard Coat Mod Podge: This formula was specially developed for furniture and other functional pieces. Provides extra protection for projects that are frequently used and handled. It has a satin finish - see above and you'll understand why. It doesn't show the scratches like the matte or gloss!
Result: perfect for furniture. It's the ultimate durable Mod Podge finish.

Fabric Mod Podge: It's not just wood or paper that people like to decoupage - it's fabric too! Not only that, you know I love to decoupage fabric TO other surfaces. This formula does both. You can decoupage things to fabric with it, and you can prepare fabric for decoupaging to surfaces by lightly brushing on and allowing to dry before cutting. It eliminates fraying.
Result: Use to prepare fabric for decoupaging to surfaces and for decoupaging things onto fabric.

Paper Mod Podge: A lot of people are confused by this one - can't regular Mod Podge be used for paper. YES! Here's the thing though: the Mod Podge people realized that there is a group out there that do more advanced paper projects; scrapbooking to be specific. These people like their projects to be archival, and that means they want their glues to be as well.
Result: Archival quality, keeps photos and papers from yellowing, and extends the life of scrapbooking projects. Comes in a gloss and matte finish.

Outdoor Mod Podge: decoupage + stuff that goes outdoors. . . . = Outdoor Mod Podge? Yes! Protects your decoupage project from moisture and the elements. Great for clay pots.
Result: Pretty simple. Anything you decoupage that you want to sit outside. I recommend also sealing with an outdoor sealer for added durability.

Sparkle & Glitter Mod Podge: Did you know there are Mod Podge with sparkles and glitter already in them? Yes. All three of these are in a gloss Mod Podge base. Use several coats for more sparkle and shine.
Sparkle - hologram glitter pieces (rainbow effect)
Silver Glitter - silver glitter pieces
Gold Glitter - gold glitter pieces
Result: Adds glitz to your project - choose the above "shparkle" that works the best for what you are doing. Note that the glitters show up great on dark surfaces.

Shimmer Mod Podge: Mod Podge is great for holiday projects, and so from this the shimmers were born. I would say these are definitely "specialty" - meaning, the shimmer they provide is not for everyone. However, if you like shimmer and shine, and you love pretty metallic projects, these are for you. It's basically a metallic sheen in the two following colors. The base is glossy.
Silver - silver luster
Gold - gold luster
Result: A metallic sheen to your projects. Note that if you have a pattern on your surface, the shimmers will cover it a little bit.

Glow-in-the-Dark Mod Podge: Exactly what it sounds like. It's the gloss Mod Podge with crushed fireflies! Kidding. Anyway, you'll need to apply several coats for the best glowing effect. I love this stuff for kids' project and my favoritest holiday in the world, Halloween.

Result: You can't really see the finish, but it glows-in-the-dark! Expose to light to recharge.

That should cover it! I want to let you know, as a final word, that ALL Mod Podge is self-sealing. You don't have to spray it with acrylic sealer. I sometimes recommend it, but that is only for added durability beyond what Mod Podge already offers. If something is going to get used frequently and beat up, then you should also spray seal.

Please e-mail me with any questions - if it's a very good point then I will update this entry. Looking forward to hearing feedback!

a girl likes her redesigned luggage.

I love Design*Sponge, especially the before and afters. My favorite thing about Mod Podge (no, not the smell, although I don't mind it) is that it is a magic wand held by a craft fairy godmother. It's the catalyst in a craft chemical equation. It's the cheese on a craft sammich? Hmmm. Better stop the analogies. What I am trying to say is that I appreciate how Mod Podge enables a transformation such as this one. Talk about budget crafting; this is one of those projects that defines it. Nikki, who created the project, got three pieces of luggage (including this train case) for $25. The wrapping paper was $4. That is it!

To see the extent of this project, visit the Design*Sponge entry here and then visit Nikki's blog here. Don't forget: if you want to do something like this and need tips, e-mail me. I will help you!

Images and project courtesy of Design*Sponge and Nikki Biallas, 2009. All rights reserved.

Little girl apple stool. With hearts. And buttons.

I like projects for kids, because they help me express my inner child. I don't know what made me think of this apple stool, but when I did it I thought about how a child might need a boost to brush her teeth. That boost might need to come from something very cute. Here is what resulted.

Supplies & Tools:

FolkArt® Acrylic Paint
Magenta
Soft Apple
Yellow Citron
Mod Podge® Satin, 8 oz.

Small Wood Stool
Carolyn Gavin Greenhouse Scrapbook Papers – 2 sheets (from Michaels)
Plaid® Wood Surfaces – Mini Silhouettes, Hearts – 91668 (or other wood heart cutouts; you’ll need 2)
1” Flat Paint Brush
Craft Glue
Pencil
Ruler
Scissors
Assorted Pink-ish Buttons

1. You want to first trace your shapes onto the scrapbook paper. Take one piece and lay the stool top down. Trace around the outside. Do the same thing with the 2 wood heart pieces on the second piece of paper. Set these pieces aside; you’ll work with them when the paint is drying.
2. Time to paint the stool. Paint the top of the stool Yellow Citron, the sides Magenta and the support piece across the middle Soft Apple. Paint the hearts with Magenta. Apply several coats and allow to dry completely.
3. While the paint is drying, cut your paper. Start with the top piece. Measure approximately 1/4" inside the line that you traced and cut. I always do this so a little bit of paint shows around the edges. It’s a nice touch! Cut the heart pieces out. Also cut two rectangles to fit across the support piece of the stool on either side. It’s nice to buy papers that are two-sided. I was able to cut the pieces from the same sheet I used for the hearts—I turned those pieces over and it gave me yet another design on the other side! Set these cut paper pieces aside.
4. My favorite part. Bust out the Podge and glue the papers down as you see in the pictures. Remember to glue the pieces down, allow to dry for 15-20 minutes and THEN go back and cover the whole piece with Mod Podge. Don’t glue the hearts on yet. Leave the hearts to dry on their own. You may have to go back and trim additional paper around the hearts. Allow all Mod Podge to dry completely.
5. NOW glue the hearts on with craft glue. I had to glue one side, leave to dry and then flip over to glue the other heart. This is because gravity and glue aren’t friends.
6. When the hearts are dry, you can add the buttons to either side of the support piece. Again, I did one side, bathed dogs, and then came back and did the other side.
7. Allow the stool to dry at least 24 hours before letting your little cutie use it!

Black and white and easy drawer set.

Happy Hump Day. To celebrate, I present to you another entry into this online journal I like to call "Ways you can cover furniture with Mod Podge and stuff." Linda K. did this piece, and I appreciate the fact that ALL it uses is black paint and an old dictionary. If you are really, truly, absolutely on a budget, you can still do something cool with Mod Podge. You do need an old dresser, but I venture to guess your local Goodwill probably has one on the cheap if you don't already. Read about what Linda did here, and then tell me: what can you Mod Podge using one paint color and some paper?

Wedding keepsake box - preserve your memories.

Getting presents for someone's wedding is hard. I'm always tempted to deviate from the registry (I want to be the "original" gift giver), yet I think to myself, "will they like it?" Handmade is quite special, but what will delight the bride and groom? Good news folks - I found it! Grace Tolman designed this project which was posted on the GCD Studios site. I think Grace describes the thought process best in her posting: "When I think of weddings, I think of great memories waiting to be preserved and that's why it lead me to make a mini book where details and feelings are preserved. Plus a keepsake box where mementos and little details can be saved."

I couldn't have said it better myself. Please visit Grace and the box tutorial here. Tell her how much you love her awesome creations.

A simple color mobile.

I am a big fan of mobiles. I want them hanging in every room of Mod Podge Command Central - the great thing is that I would only have to make one since MPCC is a one-bedroom. I'm actually working on a mobile right now, so I came up Emily's mobile at Red Bird Crafts during a search. Let me tell you - her's blew me away. Simple. Beautiful. I was completely inspired and so I had to share. The best thing about Emily is that she provides a how-to right here. Please enjoy as I did.

A distressed birdie tray.

I like birds. I'm sure that, to a certain extent, most people do. Birds can fly and that is pretty cool. I like them because they are symbolic in my life, especially when big things are going to happen. For that reason, I pay homage to birds with this summer tray. It was very fun to craft, especially the distressing. Distressing is easier than you think--you must try it! Get your last few summer parties in while you can, and make a tray just like this for your centerpiece. Here are the instructions and supplies for your crafting pleasure.

Supplies & Tools

FolkArt® Acrylic Paint
Wicker White
Fresh Foliage
Blue Ribbon
Mod Podge® Gloss, 8 oz.

Making Memories Chloe’s Closet Scrapbooking Papers & Embellishments
Plaid® Wood Surfaces - Letter Trays - with cutout Bird - 91645
1” Wood Balls - 4
1” Flat Paint Brush
Sandpaper
Craft Glue
Scissors
Pencil
Wax Candle – preferably white taper

1. Lay the tray down on its side and use the bird silhouettes as a template to trace onto the scrapbook paper. Trace approximately 8 – 10 bird shapes. Set this paper aside to cut later.
2. Basecoat the entire tray with Blue Ribbon. Allow to dry.
3. Rub the wax candle on random parts of the tray—wherever you want Blue Ribbon paint to show through. Add more for a more distressed look. Set candle aside.
4. Paint entire tray with Wicker White. Paint at least 3 coats and allow to dry thoroughly.
5. Paint the four wood balls with Fresh Foliage.
6. While the paint from step 4 and step 5 is drying, cut your bird shapes from Step 1 and set aside.
7. Take your tray and sand the portions where you applied wax. You will see the Wicker White paint start to rub away and the Blue Ribbon paint start to show through. Sand more for a more distressed look.
8. Apply the birds to the bottom of the inside of the tray with Mod Podge. Coat the entire tray with Mod Podge. Also coat the four wood balls. Allow to dry.
9. Attach the wood balls as feet with the craft glue. Allow to dry.
10. Add embellishments such as buttons and cutouts to the side using craft glue. Allow the project to dry for at least 24 hours before using.

Paper comic book starburst.

I like to push myself to find crafty projects that use paper in fun and different ways, because then I start thinking about how to use paper in fun and different ways. This is one of those projects that got the wheels turning. The Craftzine.com blog is good for that.

Jenny Ryan created this project to be "a fun and inexpensive way to decorate gifts." It definitely is, but using the right papers and doing more than one could also translate into a fun home decor project. I thought about one on a decorative box . . . a few on a canvas. Check out the project here for supplies and a tutorial. I hope it gets your juices flowing like it did mine.

Image courtesy of Craft Magazine, 2009. Project by Jenny Ryan. All rights reserved.

A kitchen revamp with a simple screen.

Mod Podge Command Central is a one bedroom apartment. Let me emphasize that it is a one bedroom apartment that I share with three dogs. Okay, they are small dogs, but still, I don't have tons of room. This is why I completely appreciate projects that improve small areas. That make them more attractive. That hide ugly stuff. This screen is one of them. Tools to create include an old screen, wallpaper and Mod Podge. I encourage you to view this project here. Now - how can you improve your small area with some Mod Podge?

Image and project courtesy of Jenny Ryan via Craftzine.com, 2009. All rights reserved.

Yogurt container = a mini album?

I would like to share with you a very important recent obsession - Chobani Greek Yogurt. No, the people at Chobani are not paying me to tell you that I would rather have their yogurt than chocolate cake. I know it's hard to believe. But it's true.

In celebration of my recent obsession with yogurt and my long-lasting obsession with Mod Podge, I present to you this yogurt container upcycle by Avital at Creativity Prompt. Not only is it a cool container, but it holds a surprise mini-album. Visit here to see Avital's detailed step-by-step process - she even has a video (I posted it directly below). You may want to stop by every Friday for a new creativity prompt to get the juices flowing.

Springtime canvas.

One of my goals in the next month or so is to do a Mod Podge canvas. Can you believe I haven't done one yet??? It's true. I focus so much on furniture and accessories that I have neglected the canvas. When I find projects like the one above, I realize I need to get on the stick. I love paper pieced projects.

Deborah M. from Scrapbooks Plus Design Team did this project; she was featured in the month of April. See the blog entry on the project here. Her inspiration? A class called "Paper Piecing Made Easy" by Kelli Crowe at Big Picture Scrapbooking. Deborah used her method to draw and cut out the paper pieces. Everything is adhered to the canvas using Mod Podge. The class is inexpensive and can be taken online, so check it out!

Some final tips? Collect your favorite coordinating scrapbooking papers, paint (if you don't want the background white) and embellishments to go to town on a canvas. Bring out the buttons and ribbon in your stash - or what about glitter? Deborah even suggested using Glimmer Mist to embellish, which is a perfect idea. I'd love to see what kind of canvas you can come up with. I'll share mine soon - I promise!

Plain stepstool becomes very cute.

When someone says that their love of spray paint may be replaced by a love of Mod Podge. . . that's a big deal. Spray paint is very cool, so even the possibility is huge. Laura from Groovin' with the Grizas made this very comment when she refurbished this stepstool above, which tickled me. I'm obsessed with Mod Podge projects that use fabric, and that is how the steps were covered. Laura did use spray paint to touch up the frame, making it look brand spankin' new! Please visit her blog here, and tell her how much you love what she did. I know I do.

A lovely homemade cork board.

Ashley from Make It and Love It is not just a talented crafter, but a thrifty one at that. I love crafts that don't break the bank. . . but they happen to be cute. This cork board by Ashley is one of those projects. It was just in the last year that I discovered you could buy cork from the craft store, which makes me even more pleased than normal to show you this project. As Ashley notes, this corkboard can be made in any size, you will just need enough fabric to cover it. Check out the ingredients and the project instructions here. Ashley also provides a great tutorial. Follow along and you'll have an awesome project in an afternoon.

Deer valley fabric trinket box.

If you aren't acquainted with Joel Dewberry fabrics, let me introduce you through this project. "Fabric?" I can hear you ask - why yes. . . this box is covered in Joel's Deer Valley Antler fabric in Peony. How did I do it? Mod Podge, of course! What I love about fabric is that, unlike paper, you can decoupage with BIG pieces that are very flexible around corners and sides. I was able to wrap the fabric around the entire box (seam in the back). Can't do that with scrapbook paper unless you want huge creases or to cut separate pieces for each side. Here are the instructions, and I thoroughly encourage you to try a fabric Mod Podge project! It's a lot easier than you think.

Supplies & Tools:

FolkArt® Acrylic Paint
Bright Baby Pink (optional)
Glazed Carrots
Wicker White
Mod Podge® Fabric & Gloss

Small Wood Trinket Box
Joel Dewberry “Deer Valley Antler” Fabric, Peony – 1/2 yard
1/2" Orange Ribbon – enough to fit around your box
1” Flat Paint Brush
Craft Glue
Craft Knife
Pencil
Ruler
Scissors
Wax paper
Acrylic Sealer (optional)

1. You will first want to prepare the fabric before painting. To do this, wash and dry the fabric (do not use fabric softener). Iron and then lay out on a covered work surface. Wax paper is preferable for covering your table. Using a brush, paint a light coat of Fabric Mod Podge onto your fabric. Allow to dry. This will allow you to cut the fabric like paper without frayed edges.
2. Time to cut out your fabric pieces. Lay the lid top down onto the fabric and trace. Cut out using the scissors. Measure the rest of the box from top to bottom and side to side with the ruler. Add up the inches and cut one strip to completely go around the middle of the box – remember to leave 1/2" extra for your seam in the back. Set aside.
3. Time to paint. I basecoated the inside with Bright Baby Pink, but if you only want to buy a few colors, just use Glazed Carrots. Allow to dry.
4. Basecoat the lid and the outside of the box with Wicker White. Allow to dry.
5. Around the bottom rim, paint Glazed Carrots as an accent. You can do this with the 1” brush, but you may also want to go smaller. Your choice. Allow to dry.
6. This is my favorite part! Adhere the lid and main body fabric using the Gloss Mod Podge. Completely smooth out all air bubbles and allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.
7. Coat the entire box (inside and out) with at least two coats of Gloss Mod Podge. Allow to dry.
8. Go back to the lid and trim any excess fabric around the edge with a craft knife.
9. Cut the ribbon and glue around the top with the craft glue. I cut out spaces to fit the hinges in the back.
10. Allow the trinket box to dry for at least 24 hours before using. I recommend spraying with several coats of acrylic sealer to completely finish your project and add durability.

Use your stash to make this candy pail.

I've been referred to the blog Use Your Stash on several occasions by various readers, and I enjoy it because (lucky me!) using one's stash often entails using Mod Podge. Sandra at Mi Arte Creativa responded to a Use Your Stash challenge with the little pail above, and I was lucky enough to discover it. Sandra made this little candy pail for her husband for their anniversary, and it is darling. A little paint, a little paper, some accents and Mod Podge. . . and what a lovely gift. Please visit her post here to see the process.

Personalized checkers game.

I've already posted a game project from The Thrifty Chick, but because she is so awesome and loves Mod Podge I'm posting another one. Check out these checkers - and personalized! She uses scrapbook paper from My Mind's Eye (love that paper myself) and an old Chess board to create the game, as well as a few other supplies. This is such a great gift idea - perfect for those with children, and if you have friends without, just substitute the photos with pictures of their pets OR some cute graphic images. The Thrifty Chick, in her infinite wisdom, provided a tutorial for all of us. Please visit it here.

Renegade craft fair this coming weekend.

If I could get to Los Angeles this weekend, I would visit the Renegade Craft Fair. I've always wanted to go! I bet many of the artists have used Mod Podge to create their projects, and I would love to see what they have come up with. If you have time and are in the area, go visit. It's this Saturday and Sunday (July 11th and 12th) from 11am - 7pm. Find the details here.

Happy 4th of july.

Be good. And safe!

Decorated binder clips - it's the little things.

I work in Marketing, and there are a lot of women in my department. One thing I've noticed in working with so many women is that we like our office supplies to be attractive - decorative folders, star-shaped sticky notes, sparkle-y pens, paper clips shaped like flowers. . . I mean, why not? Must we surround ourselves with black steno books and simple blue pens? Of course we shouldn't.

Christian from Who Would've Thought? created these wonderful little blinder clip gems to give as teacher gifts. It made me think some of the ladies around my workplace would love these in a little holiday gift basket. Christian shows you what she did right here. Hmmm. . . what else can I decorate at my desk?

a recycled teabag clipboard. i mean the wrappers.

I was more than delighted when I found Angela's teabag clipboard on Tea With Friends. It turns out that Angela and I have a lot in common: we both love tea and Mod Podge. In terms of cost, it doesn't get any cheaper. These type of clipboards can be found at the $1 store, and I'm assuming you already have Mod Podge (a safe assumption, no?). If you are not a tea drinker, well, you obviously need to start. You also need to visit Angela's blog so that she can show you what she did right here.

Guitar Bob and his cool . . . guitars.

Please meet Guitar Bob! Actually, please meet his guitars. Aren't they rad? Bob worked at Fender and has been playing guitar for . . . well. . . a very long time! I was more than pleased when he told me about his Mod Podged guitars. I don't play myself, although I have tried in the past. I'm right handed, but I pick up a guitar like I'm left handed. Strange, huh?

Let me explain what Bob did. The first guitar is Mod Podged with a western themed fabric. Learn more about my tips for Mod Podging with fabric here. The second guitar is covered with Mod Podge and then glitter! I can't decide which is my favorite one - I love them both. In addition to guitars, he's covered amps with fabric. It seems he is not just talented musically, but craftily as well. Visit here for more information about Bob, his guitars and for his contact information. You never know what kind of Mod Podgers you'll meet in this crazy blogosphere!