New Year's Eve project roundup with Cathie.

My pal Cathie of Creative Juice is one of the most wonderful Mod Podgers ever, and was one of my inspirations for starting this blog. She has put together some very wonderful New Year's Eve projects that I wanted to share. I mean, you really need a tiara for your party. . . don't you think?

New Year's Eve Party Sign

New Year's Eve Party Hats

New Year's Eve Party Centerpiece

New Year's Eve Champagne Gift Box

Hanging things doesn't have to be ugly.

Looking for a quick and simple gift? Something that doesn't require a lot of skill and needs no painting? These decoupaged hangers from Ashley at Make It and Love It are perfect for you. Using fabric, hangers from JoAnn's $1 bin and (because there is nothing better) Mod Podge, she whipped these up in no time. Visit this post for the tutorial; don't forget that you can (and should!) use items from your stash and/or personalize for your recipient. By the way, yes, making hangers with my name on them is weird if there is no one in your house named Amy.

Tee hee.

Mod Podge floral collage.

Check out Rosie's floral collage - it's not only cute, but actually quite romantic. She tore up music to her first dance with her husband as a married couple to use as the backdrop, then added the flowers with scrapbook paper. Ahh, love! Valentine's Day gift maybe?

Don't forget you can use fabric scraps, ribbon, paper, buttons and more in concert with paper. Rosie has some good ideas; read more about them here.

Scraptastic ornaments.

Christmas may be over, but decor for 2010 is just beginning. Amy from Mrs. Schmenkman's Quilts brings us her version of fabric scrap ornaments, and they are so cute (the candy cane with the selvage edge makes me want to pinch cheeks). My first thought when I looked at these was not ornaments but gift tags! That's the fun part about these - you can use whatever scraps you want and whatever design you want. Make them for each holiday or just for every day.

Visit the project here and check out some additional pictures. Keep in mind that these are great for children to help with and SO easy for the beginning Podger.

Mod Podge breadbox made with patience.

Do you want to see a Mod Podge labor of love? Check out this revamped breadbox by Katherine at Classic Campbell. She found the original at a Goodwill store for $5 and fixed it up with paint, Mod Podge and a lot of patience. Katherine's process is very organized and she deserves a Mod Podge "major award" for her finished creation:

Go here to learn more about her breadbox and see her tutorial. By the way, I hope you had a great Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas and some holiday luminaries.

Merry Christmas! Be safe and eat lots of yummy food. These are my dogs, from left - Mod Podge Walker (pomeranian), Mod Podge Nellie (pug) and Mod Podge Roxie (pug). They love these photos because they know there are delicious treats waiting in exchange for their poses.

It's hard for me to have a post without a project, so I'll keep it short and leave you with these fantastic holiday luminaries that I found. I hope your day is merry and bright just like these are.

Our Best Bites

Love Your Mother

Kozy Konversations

Now go forth and spread some holiday cheer.

A fun collection of NOEL blocks.

I am kind of a fan of doing the same project in many different ways, and by kind of, I mean completely. For your viewing pleasure this Christmas Eve I bring you NOEL blocks from my friends at A Crafty Clan. Not only did they Mod Podge, but they did several versions of these blocks, one of which is sure to tickle your fancy. This is a great first time project because the blocks are small and the surface is flat. You can always make one this coming week for next year! Visit the many version of the blocks right here. Have a happy Christmas Eve.

Libby dibby's daughter makes a tree collage.

My friend Libby Dibby is really, really good at collages, and she seems to have passed on this skill to her daughter Mimi, age 4. Yep, Mimi did this tree collage, and I was so impressed that I had to share with you. You really have to visit Libby - learn more about her collage adventures here and visit the entry for Mimi's project here. A few tips for your collages:

1. Use Paper Mod Podge to keep them from yellowing.
2. Save your paper scraps from other projects in a folder (even the seemingly small ones) so that at collage time you have plenty to work with.
3. Don't forget to incorporate fabric (yes, you can still use Paper Mod Podge with fabric).
4. No pressure! If a 4-year-old can do it, you can too. Just start cutting and assembling and you'll be surprised how a fantastic collage starts to come together.

Miss Mustard Seed's fabulous shelf and table.

Miss Mustard Seed is so talented, you really aren't going to believe it. I absolutely adore her blog, so when I found that she uses Mod Podge, I was ecstatic! All of you know I love a good furniture re-do - and I had to share one (or two) in case anyone out there is jonesing to accomplish something great over the holiday. Please see two of Miss Mustard's amazing furniture transformations above. Learn more about the shelf here (for some reason that wood foot makes me smile). The fabulous blue table is here. You'll also definitely want to get in on this action over at her site as soon as possible:

DIY holiday scenes.

Does anyone else think it's hard to get gifts for parents? My parents are in their late 50s and I have the toughest time getting things for them - the little buggers buy everything they want! The one good thing about them is that they love handmade items, especially from their children, and they love to decorate for the holidays. When I saw these mini holiday scenes from Amy at Pepperblossom Decor, I realized they were perfect! Amy did them on wood, but you could also spice up a ceramic tile. They are super easy (great for last minute) and the results are super cute. Get more information about them here.

One last thing I want to share - we have a winner in the recycled ornament contest hosted by myself and Amy from Things We Make! Congratulations to Candy, artist behind the mod house ornaments below. Click on the picture for more information, and keep visiting Things We Make this week to see the rest of the entrants. Thanks to everyone who participated. We got some amazing entries!

Giveaway from AllModern.com

Ah, I do love a good giveaway, don't you? My pals at AllModern.com have been so kind enough to donate the following DwellStudio Soft Blocks set to one Mod Podge Rocks reader:

Aren't they fab? I'm sure you are surprised that I love their dots and stripes. This set includes six blocks in a chocolate dots bag, and everything's 100% cotton. This is good, because who wants itchy baby blocks? Go visit here for more information and to see AllModern's awesome selection of merchandise. I really want this George Nelson clock:

and this Herman Miller chair:
I love playing the "what would I buy" game online, and now you get to do it too. Here's how you win the block set:
1. Go visit AllModern.com.
2. Find something that you would buy if you had a gajillion dollars.
3. Comment about it on this post.

That's all you need to do. Contest ends 12/26 at midnight, and is open to US residents only for shipping reasons. One entry per person. In the meantime, visit one of AllModern's sister sites for online toys - items marked with snowflakes can still reach you by Christmas Eve!

A broken mirror goes fixed with Mod Podge.

Look at this delightful flower Mod Podged onto a mirror by Helena from Life in the Pitts. What you don't know is that there is a crack behind this pretty flower. What you also don't know is that this mirror was purchased that way, and that Helena got a smokin' deal because she knew she could fix it with Podge. I'm one of those people that buys clothes with a hole on the seam because I can sew it - NEVER thought about it with a household item. Is there anything Mod Podge can't do?

Visit Helena here to learn more about this mirror and to see the crack. She also has a giveaway going on right here that I think you should see. With so much money spent this holiday season on everyone else, you need to win something for yourself, right?

Don't forget and new Flickr group.

Don't forget to come see me here this week:

I am also very excited to announce my new Mod Podge Rocks! photo group on Flickr!

http://www.flickr.com/groups/modpodgerocks/

It's been a long time coming, but it's here. Please post your Mod Podge projects (any project as long as it uses Mod Podge in some way) for everyone to see. I will cruise the group regularly, looking for fab stuff to post. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with! See you there soon.

Guest blogger, Katie from Food, Wine & Mod Podge.

Hello everyone!

First off, let me just say how thrilled I am to be your host today! Mod Podge Rocks is one of my FAVORITE blogs to read, and to be featured is a dream! So thanks to Amy for this awesome opportunity!

Now, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Katie, of Food, Wine, and Mod Podge. I live in Chicago with my wonderful husband Chris and adorable cat Simon. We love living in a big city, and even love the winters! My blog is about exactly what the title says: food, wine, and Mod Podge! My husband and I love to cook, so I post recipes and life experiences we've had with food. We also are HUGE wine-o's. Everything about wine is wonderful, and we love sharing a bottle any chance we get. Actually, that topic even gets my husband to post every once in a while! And finally, last but certainly not least, Mod Podge! I fell in love with Mod Podge at the age of 14, and though we fell out of touch for a couple years, I am back and at it now with passion! And since I live downtown, I don't have a car, so I get to be extra creative with things I have lying around the condo. This is actually a good thing because all the projects have very few materials and anyone can do them in a snap!

Christmas decoupage do-over with a giveaway.

I love it that Stacy from Calling All Sleepyheads was motivated to re-do a piece of her own artwork with collage. I'm sure I have a kitten in a basket painting from years ago when I took art classes that could use an overhaul! I also love that she didn't have a plan for her collage. Some of the best projects I've ever done just happened - no plan, just a bunch of supplies. What else do I love? The project that resulted from Stacy's experimenting; learn more about it here.

AND ONE MORE THING!

Stacy, because she is so awesome, is offering another version of her fabulous collage above to one of you! Check it out:

So what do you have to do?
1. Be a follower of Mod Podge Rocks.
2. Be a follower of Calling All Sleepyheads.
3. Tell me in a comment on this post what your favorite holiday song is.

It's that easy! We'll close the giveaway this coming Sunday (December 20th) at midnight. Yay!

A snowman . . . and a garden.

I'd like to introduce you to the work of Lindsay from Paint Me a Picture. She does the most delightful paintings (using Mod Podge to seal) and even personalizes them if you would like. They are whimsical and fun, and I was taken by her and her paintings right away. Take a peek at her snowman here and then the garden (which I personally fancy) right here. She also has an Etsy shop, so if you are looking for something fabulously cute for the holidays (it isn't too late!), go visit her.

Oh, and one other thing. I'm posting here this week - come visit me please!

Fabric scrap ornaments.

I posted some fabric ornaments you can make with kids a few weeks ago, but I want to introduce to what I consider to be the "adult version" of fabric ornaments from Jane at Jane and the Ducks. It's a great reminder that not all ornaments need to have the standard issue holiday colors, and you could actually use these year round for decoration. Don't limit yourself to Christmas green or Hanukkah blue - remember, ornaments aren't just for hanging on a tree! Go right here to see more ornaments from Jane and some of her other work. She's an amazing seamstress (in addition to Mod Podger).

Menorah for the first day of Hanukkah.

Today is the first full day of the big H - being that it is the Jewish Festival of Lights, I thought it fitting to show you a great menorah idea from my friend Diane of CraftyPod. She used Shimmer Mod Podge and tissue paper to liven these votive holders, and if you don't yet have a children's menorah keep in mind that this would be great and whips up very quickly.

Diane posted the full tutorial right here on the CRAFT blog site, and in her very Diane way her project is not hard to duplicate and doesn't drain your wallet. That's what I love about her!

Blog inspired refurbishing = fun.

Taking a break from holiday projects to show you how one reader, Stephanie from Cre8tive Designs, gets inspired by reading blogs (including this one!). She recently transformed a spare garage space into a craft room, and repurposed several furniture pieces to go into it. One was this table above that she painted and Mod Podged - a $2 garage sale coffee table that looks delightful, especially on that teal backdrop. Stephanie, has anyone ever told you that you have a great eye for color?

Visit here to see some other pieces that she did and additional photos. I'm currently contemplating whether or not it would be weird to find a random someone's garage and convert it into a craft space for moi. I mean, as long as they aren't using it, right?

Christmas holiday minis.

Check out my holiday minis! Remember when I did the Halloween ones? Well they are back - like a bad penny - this time in perfect holiday shades. Am I the only one who likes brights this time of year? Colors that are non-typical? I know my readers by now, and you do! Here's what you'll need to make these little babies.

Supplies & Tools:

FolkArt® Acrylic Paint
Bright Baby Pink
Magenta
Teal
FolkArt® Extreme Glitter - Hologram
Mod Podge® - Gloss
Wood minis - I got these shapes from Michaels, each were $1
Wood shape - I chose a gingerbread man, $.29 at Michaels
Scrapbook paper - I used Brenda Walton Peppermint Twist from K and Co.
Embellishments - all were from my stash: ribbon, self-adhesive rhinestones, buttons, paper flowers, small letters
Flat Paint Brush
Beacon's Premium Tacky Glue
Scissors
Pencil or pen
Spare sheets of plain paper

1. I always trace the shapes for my finished project first. Why? Because if pencil marks get on my surface, then I can paint over them. Start by tracing the top of the minis onto your spare sheets of plain paper. These will be your templates for cutting out the scrapbook papers later on. At this this time you should also trace any wood shapes you are going to use (like my gingerbread man). Set those sheets aside –you’ll cut them while the paint is drying on your project.
2. Choose what papers you want to use from your pretty scrapbook papers - figure out which paper goes on which mini and then choose corresponding paint colors. Paint the minis accordingly. You will have to paint several coats of all colors. Allow to dry. Don't forget to paint the edges of any wood pieces you use! I painted my gingerbread man Magenta to match the plaque it was going on.
3. At this point I used FolkArt Extreme Glitter in Hologram to *really* make my plaques sparkle. I painted 3 coats around the edges of all my minis, letting dry about 15 minutes between coats. Allow to dry after the last coat.
4. You are now going to cut the paper(s). Grab your templates and place them down onto the scrapbooking paper. Cut out the shapes of the plaques and of the gingerbread man.
5. When your plaques are dry, adhere these paper pieces to the fronts of the plaques and wood piece(s) using the Mod Podge. Try not to get any on the edges of the minis because it will cause the glitter to dull. Completely smooth out all air bubbles and allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.
6. Coat the fronts of the minis again with at least two coats of Mod Podge. Allow to dry completely.
7. Here's the fun part - go crazy with embellishments! Check out my picture to see what I did. Use your Beacon glue to glue any wood pieces down, then add embellishments as desired. Try to use items in your stash; it's fun!
8. Allow the minis to dry for at least 24 hours before using.

Storage bins to make during your holiday break.

I'm hoping you are going to get some time off this holiday season to do a little organizing. My plan? Clean out those craft bins that have become black holes in my closet. It's going to be fun to discover what's in them - like Christmas all over again!

Jen from The Haystack Needle has a leg up on me because she not only has some fancy storage bins, but she has decorated them. She is using hers for summer clothing, but you can revamp storage bins for craft supplies, or even for your holiday decorations. See her transformation here. Take a peek around her blog while you are there; lots of cute eye candy for your viewing pleasure.

Because it was time to post a dude craft.

I had to break with the holiday crafts to show you a project from a guy. . . a dude. I recently got an e-mail from a guy telling me how much he liked my blog, and then around the same time I found Paul's blog, Dude Crafts. It was a sign.

To get this amazing mosaic effect, Paul took a tool box and transferred an image with transfer paper. He then cut up bits of junk mail and magazines and Mod Podged them together. The result is creative genius. See more pictures of what he did right here. If you need a present for a dude in your life, I suggest using Paul's project as inspiration. Furthermore, I'd love to see your pics of dude crafts - we need to learn more about the elusive male crafter!

A Christmas star.

Holiday traditions are nice, and I like the one that Tanya from Trey and Lucy has started. Last year she took a tin star (kind of like this one) and Mod Podged papers and photos of her kids from that year to it. It was so fun that she did it again this year - find more photos of it right here.

This is yet another great gift idea from the Mod Podging community. It will also be fab when her kids are older and demand to know where the Christmas stars are, because they were an important part of their childhood holiday experience. Not that I've ever done that to my own mother. . .

Crafty help for two kidlets this holiday season.

These two little kidlets, Benson and Claire, are siblings born with a rare genetic disease of the liver. Little Claire's condition is worse that her older brother's, and she has to be on dialysis for 15 hours A DAY (3 during the day and 12 at night). Long story short, they are both going to need liver and kidney transplants. Sometimes I am so thankful for my life.

My blogger friend Abbie made me aware that Bloom is hosting an auction for these two from December 10th - 13th, and they are seeking handmade goods to sell. If you have have something you could spare, please consider donating it. 1oo% of proceeds will go to the family for the transplant fund.

Go visit Bloom here. I'm sending them an e-mail today with my item! The deadline was the 4th, but the auction isn't until the 10th so I'm sure you have a few days if you jump on it. Read more about the two little ones here. Thanks to everyone! Let's show Bloom that Mod Podge Rocks certainly does have the most amazing readers.

Story stones and story tags for handmade gifts.

Emily from Red Bird Crafts makes some Uh-mazing story stones and story cards for her children. My first thought when I saw this was how they are not only great for every day, but how they could be altered for holidays. What a fun little Christmas stone village you could assemble!

If you have children home during holiday vacation (approaching so quickly), consider using fabric scraps, rocks, cereal boxes, paper scraps and whatever else you have laying around to mimic Emily's story cards and stones. Her story cards are here and her story stones are here, here and here. Cute gift for grandparents, anyone?

A pink and teal holiday ornament. And a contest.

You've known me long enough now to know that when I get invited to an ornament party for Christmas, it may involve the color blue and polka dots. Kristin from Write It Down is the hostess of the party I'm referring to:

Visit her now to see the other ornaments and follow along. My tutorial for the pink and blue ornie above is is right here. Who doesn't love a great ornament idea?

Speaking of ornaments . . . the Amy's are hosting an ornament party! Amy from Things We Make and yours truly are giving away great prizes for your recycled or repurposed trash turned into an ornament treasure. All you need to submit to win is a picture - head here for more information. I expect to see a lot of Mod Podge . . . Podgers!

Candice's personalized craft swap plaques.

We're about three weeks until the big C, so it's time to go mad with the gift ideas. Personalized plaques are always a fab way to go if you are lacking a good giftie, as demonstrated above by Candice from Made With Love. If you visit her here you can see the collection of plaques she designed for a craft swap, and it got me thinking, what a great gift grouping for co-workers, mom groups, friends or neighbors. Candice personalized with Bible verses . . . you can also do names, favorite phrases, sayings, corny inside jokes. . . .

PS - the little Mod Podged patchwork squares around the border are not only cute but make it easy to avoid wrinkles. . . so if you are a beginner this is a great starting project.

Try these cookie sheet calendars.

I've got a great Christmas idea/gift idea alert - cookie sheet calendars. I've only just discovered them recently, and am happy to bring you two versions from two very talented crafters.

The first is an advent version done by Jen at Tatertots and Jello. I'm so thrilled by all of the little Christmas goodies and shapes, I'm kind of like a kitten with a ball of yarn. Visit here for the tutorial that she was kind enough to post.

Second is a great gift idea from Erika at Oops I Craft My Pants! Erika made hers to last year round, and Mod Podged some fun little holiday and birthday markers. Visit here to see additional pictures - love how she numbered some days and spelled out others. How delightful!