The "I need your help" giveaway.

I know it seems selfish, but this is really for the greater good of all of us. You see, I've been taking a look at my tags lately and wondering if they are really helpful. Do you find everything you need? What I'm asking for this week is to take a peek at my tags on the left hand side and tell me if you've ever used them, if you would, and if I'm missing something big. Since you are so helpful, I'm giving away FIVE starter packs this week!!!! I'm shameless, really. I do promise to use this information to revise my tags, thus helping us all. Right?

Remember:

1. Comment on THIS blog entry. Read the paragraph above - five winners this week!
2. Only one entry per person.
3. Contest will close every Wednesday at midnight (EST).
4. PLEASE leave your e-mail address if it's not attached in Blogger - I need some way to reach you.

Last week most of you said you still love owls, woodland creatures, turquoise and then birds/birdcages/birds in trees. I love it! That was so fun. Last week's winner was Kim.

Some Prudent Baby projects and a book.

The Prudent Baby blog is truly fabulous, and if you haven't been there you need to go now. Jacinda and Jaime are creative, great writers and just super talented in general. Here are a few of their Mod Podge projects - the vintage cameo hanging and then the children's bathroom stool. Yet there is so much more! They do all kinds of crafts, and have lots o' giveaways. Like I said - go there now!

One more thing I forgot to mention earlier this week - if you remember, I posted this piece of collage art by Shona. Well Shona has a book, pictured above, called The Artistic Mother. It's all about being a busy mom and finding your creative side at the same time. I love it! Click on the picture to see it at Amazon, and then go here to see how you can win a copy. Not only that, but Trudy from Artistic Creations is hosting a group to follow along with the book, doing a little art each day . . . then sharing progress with other moms. Very cool! Go here to learn more about what Trudy is doing and participate.

A crown for a Mod Podge princess.

Crowns are just so cool - maybe I love them now because I didn't have one when I was younger. I had four brothers so I had plenty of Tonka trucks and Matchbox cars. No crowns. The good news is that now I can make one with Mod Podge, thanks to Christina from Full House. As she says, they would make great party favors for little ones. Who doesn't want to be a princess. I definitely do. So I'm going to make one in orange and pink, Mod Podge colors of course. Go here for the full tutorial.

Come on Flickr group! Gimme something good.

The Mod Podge Rocks! Flickr group pool never disappoints. You all are so talented. Here are six decoupage projects to start your weekend off right. Why can't today be Friday? Please go and visit the pool; give kudos to these lovely people and others who have contributed. Thank you for inspiring us!

Altered domino necklace

Idea board made with recycled cereal cans.

Shelly from I Didn't Sign Up For This makes me laugh when she says "I adore making things out of garbage." So cute. Shelly does a fantastic job with garbage, as you can see from the idea board she repurposed above - adding recycled cereal cans she also refurbished as goodie containers that hang. I never would have thought of it myself, which is why I love Shelly and all of my readers. You are just that good! Visit Shelly here to learn more about her very fun project.

An artful life wall hanging.

Mod Podge is pretty perfect for collage art, like this piece from Shona at An Artful Life. Collage art is so perfect for the beginning decoupager to the expert. If you are interested in Mod Podge but you aren't sure what to do, start with a collage piece. Choose fabrics, papers, words, ribbons, buttons or anything else you like and throw it together. Shona used a photo, also a great place to start because typically photos are meaningful. Visit her tutorial here and don't be afraid to get started. Jump in and show us what you've got.

Photo transfer with mixed media.

Mod Podge on a photography blog? Of course! Meet Nitsa of Still Alive - delivering fantastic ideas and inspiration in the world of photog. Yep, I just made that word up.

Nitsa did a photo transfer mixed media piece using Mod Podge, and her technique is so easy that even a beginning crafter/Podger can do it too. The result is very artsy and, if I may say so, worthy of a space on the wall. Go here so that you can learn to make one and then post it in the Mod Podge Flickr Pool so we can all "ooh" and "ahh."

A little felt hedgehog and a giveaway.

Hedgehogs - the owl of 2010? I think so. I made this little box with Sassafras Hog Heaven paper and some felt. I love my little hedgie, with his googly eye and button nose. I really loved it when he wasn't wearing hair, because he was cracking me up. He was a little sweet potato with legs! Mr. Hedgehog bin is actually an old project from last year. I have so many projects in the works right now, things should be getting a little kri-zazy around here shortly. Let's just say, I'm excited!


It's giveaway time now! Remember:

1. Comment on THIS blog entry. I just said hedgehogs are the new owl . . . what trend are you digging on for 2010? Tell me what you like right now. I'm so curious.
2. Only one entry per person.
3. Contest will close every Wednesday at midnight (EST).
4. PLEASE leave your e-mail address if it's not attached in Blogger - I need some way to reach you.

Yep, you should even Mod Podge a broom.

Household chores pretty much bite the big one, and Teri from Piccolina Designs brings us a way to make them just a little bit better. She actually Mod Podged a broom for her daughter because the little one kept taking hers, which I think is really cute. I've noticed my friends' children prefer household items like Tupperware and pots over toys . . . what is that all about?

Visit Teri here to tell her you love the broom, and then go Mod Podge your vacuum and Lysol wipes jar so your kids will want to use those too.

Enjoy! card makes me happy.

I've never been a big card maker or scrapbooker, but I'm becoming more sentimental in my old age. Kelly Marie from Lawn Fawn reminds us (me) that Mod Podge can be used to glue and seal paper crafts. Kelly's Enjoy! card has inspired me to make some . . . I forgot cards could be this cute! Now is the perfect time given that I still have a few thank yous to send out from my birthday (better late than never). Paper Mod Podge, for those who don't know, is archival safe - so Mod Podge away and don't worry about yellowing! Visit Kelly's blog here to learn more about this card and then to see some of her other paper crafts. She's fabulous!

Recycled organizer project, only a month late.

I'm pretty sure that January was National Organization Month - you'll have to forgive me that I couldn't get it together (aka, organized) to post projects for it. Ah, I crack myself up. Luckily, I have you, the wonderful craft community, to pull it together when I can't.

Kathy from Creative Home Expressions created this organizer out of a napkin holder, and it's nothing short of genius. I love how she added the dividers (also recycled) and then embellishments. Go here so that you can be impressed too.

Lifestyle: Destri From The Mother Huddle.

I think one of the hardest things for me to accomplish when writing is the virtual handshake. Really they always end up feeling a bit awkward. So lets just make as if we're good friends and are having one of those late night conversations, you know, where we learn things about each other that we never knew. Sound good? Good.

Since we're already good friends you know my husband Aaron and how completely, madly in love with him I am...most of the time. Sometimes I love him more madly than completely.

You have met my son Hank who is three...

and my daughter Eleni (fifteen months) and you agree they quite possibly could be the cutest kids you've seen since, well...at least yesterday. You know I am from Utah but have lived in 5 different states in the last ten years, and now reside in the beehive state once again. You know I can be found over on The Mother Huddle daily where I pretend to be one of the craftiest people you've ever met. Yes, you already knew all that. So here are a few things you may not have known....

I grew up on a horse, I was even a Rodeo Queen. I can't believe I just told you that, I must really like you. I used to ride through the drive-thru at McDonalds, yep, sure did. I have the widest feet known to man, they quite literally could be featured on National Geographic. Now you know why I never have cute shoes, they just don't fit. One of my life goals is to learn to play the guitar. I think nothing would be cooler than showing up to a barbecue and after dark when everyone is sitting around the fire pit, whip out a guitar and give 'em my best version of Taylor Swift. I love to sing, but I have horrible stage fright. Unless I'm in my car-for some reason I have no problem with people watching me sing while driving.
I used to be a hair stylist, and was a pretty darn good one. Then I decided to stay home with my little wonders, and am horrible at doing ours. Funny how that happens. I love to cook and believe that butter is the single best ingredient in my kitchen. If all else fails, throw some butter in it. I hate to exercise, and have given myself a life pass on it. I dance with my kids instead.

Now...why the blog, why The Mother Huddle. I get asked this question all the time. Quite frankly it came from a few basic needs:

• A need to Connect-I missed all of my friends and our daily conversation, and the outside world in general. I was used to connecting with women all day and all of the sudden that was gone. I have loved the online community. My sister said something to me the other day, "these people you meet, they're not your friends, they are people you have never met" But they are-slowly, somehow they become your friends. Imaginary as they may be they are people who have inspired me to be a better person. Those are the best kind of friends. (I should note I still love my sister...she herself is an inspiration)


• A need to be Inspired-I found myself leading a lackluster life that was in desperate need for an intervention. I was just getting through the day. Breakfast, laundry, dinner, dishes, baths, then bed. TMH has made me a better wife, mother, cook and creator. A better housekeeper? Not so much. Still learning the whole time management thing!


• A need to Create-I used to spend my day in a salon creating. I never realized how much that fed my soul. I love to make things with my own two hands, and see the vision become a reality. A sense of pride comes when watching your baby play with something you've made, or run around wearing your hard work. I am still learning new ways to create. I want to learn to knit, quilt, design...I think that is my favorite part...the possibilities are endless.

So now that you know more about me, I would love to get to know you. Stop by The Mother Huddle, have a sit on our blanket, and join our conversation. There are still five of us you don't know a little too much about ;).

A big thank you to Amy for having me on her little piece of the internet today. She is one of those imaginary friends I was talking about. Quite possibly one of the nicest gals I've yet to meet that inspires me on a daily basis.
luvs~Destri

Simple tree canvases.

Tiffany from Simply Modern Mom recently completed this pair of canvases - and can you believe this was the first time she's every done anything like it? She couldn't find artwork that worked for her, so she made her own. I love that! I love her canvases. Go here to learn more about her project, and enjoy her site for its amazing crafts with tutorials. Tiffany is very kid-friendly.

Time for the Olympics, and a giveaway.

Before we start, Happy Valentine's Day! Now onto business.

I love these little characters designed for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics - aren't they cute? I want Quatchi's striped boots and blue earmuffs. BTW, did anyone else notice he has a tat? I'm going to watch the Olympics while I craft, pretending I know the rules of luge and curling. I'll get really into it, wish I was a downhill skier and then forget about it for two years until the summer Olympics.


So the giveaway - we're at lucky number seven. If you've forgotten the rules, remember them now:

1. Comment on THIS blog entry. I want to know what winter Olympic event you would enter if you HAD to. Mine is downhill skiing - because if I'm going to break my face on ice or snow I might as well just go for the most dangerous option. I would do the event where you ski between the sticks (technical term). Isn't that slalom?
2. Only one entry per person.
3. Contest will close every Wednesday at midnight (EST).
4. PLEASE leave your e-mail address if it's not attached in Blogger - I need some way to reach you.
NOTE: I'm so so sorry, but my spam is so bad that for this week I'm going to have to shut off Anonymous comments. I'll try to resume accepting them next week, and hopefully the jerks will have found something else to do.

Last week's winner was Loraleigh, and the Inspired at Home listener winner was Cindy.

Some faerie dust dreams of your own.

I want to introduce to you Michelle, purveyor of Faerie Dust Dreams and Mod Podger extraordinaire. I had the pleasure of meeting her at CHA, and she is really one of the nicest. Above are just a sampling of her projects, including magnets/clothespins and then a journal she collaged. Visit here CHA entry here, but also take a peek around FDD for more fun. She's always creating, and there's nothing more inspiring than that!

Fabulous Flickr Friday and some alliteration for you.

The Mod Podge Rocks! Flickr pool rocks the hizzy, and to prove it I bring you six projects to inspire your weekend crafting. Visit the photo pages for blog links and more information.

Valentine love blocks by queenvanna creations

Shrine for your loved one.

I'm one of those chicks with double standards. I'm not going to make a boyfriend shrine, but if he makes one for me, hey - I'm not going to turn it away! I can't say I wouldn't love it if he made me a special gift like this one from Diana at Confessions of a Craftaholic. I love the how and why behind this shrine, and Diana really has a way with words, so I think you should read her post yourself right here. I'm off to make a pug shrine - I'm not beyond doing one for the dogs.

Globe bowl from one of my favorite people.

It's been awhile since I posted a project from Cathe of Just Something I Made, but as someone very smart once said, there is no time like the present! Cathe has supported me since this little blog seed grew into a Mod Podge flower, so I owe her big thanks. Not only is she a very awesome Mod Podger, she's a fabulous person.

This globe bowl was something she made awhile ago, but I recently discovered and liked it, so here it is. She sawed a globe in half and then Mod Podged the inside - wow, huh? Visit here to learn more, and then get lost for hours at JSIM, because I know you will.

You aren't going to believe this camera.

This is an example of how when I say Mod Podge can make something old new again, I'm not joking at all. CoriKindred has proven that with her re-vamped "old skool" Polaroid. Yes, it's vintage, but she completely restored this camera with a bit of wallpaper and then some Mod Podge. Visit here for more - you are going to love Cori and her blog.

Go Valentine's Day roundup!

V-Day is on its way, and I'm floored by all of the fabulous Mod Podge projects I'm finding out on the world wide web. I can't remember the last time I called it that, by the way. Anyway, take a peek at these nine fabulous projects for the day of love. Each of them unique - each of them wonderful!

It's Love collage by BJ Mama

Vintage valentine pail from For the Love of Laundry

Heart punch frame from Joanne at Ready, Set, Craft!

Tower of Hearts centerpiece from Crafts Unleashed

Who doesn't love Valentine bubbles by Cathie Filian

Mailbox for your valentines from All Things Heart and Home

A collection of hearts from Pretty Partridge

Faux tile frame from Miss Fancy Pants

Monet-inspired heart ornament from Vanessa at Punkin Patterns

A bookshelf decoupaged with much care - and the giveaway.

If you are thinking the little box you are going to Mod Podge is a chore, take a peek at this bookshelf from The Redhead Riter. I was blown away! She covered each shelf cubby (all sides!) with dictionary pages, and they are so smooth . . . not a wrinkle to be found. No easy task! Visit here to tell her how proud you are of her - maybe comment on the delightful way she highlighted choice words for the recipient, her daughter. How sweet!

Don't forget about entering this for today. . .

Can you believe this is #6? Ah, time flies when you are having so much fun! To reiterate the rules.

1. Comment on THIS blog entry. I want to know what your least favorite household chore is. I HATE mopping. It's wet, gross and I never figured out how to prevent mopping myself in. I'm cleaning this morning if you can't tell - ugh!
2. Only one entry per person.
3. Contest will close every Wednesday at midnight (EST).
4. PLEASE leave your e-mail address if it's not attached in Blogger - I need some way to reach you.

By the way - last week's winner was Sarita.

You can have faux brand name glitter pumps.

Thanks to Suzannah from Adventures in Dressmaking. I very much respect and admire the whole "I saw it and I can make it" attitude, which is exactly how she came up with these pumps. If you don't already know what fab designer she's knocking off, visit her blog post here. You'll also get a tutorial, and then strut your stuff knowing that you didn't pay full boat for some classy shoes. Shhh, it'll be our secret!

I take a stab at a Valentine's project.

Lorie was so kind to let me post at Be Different, Act Normal today - which is awesome because I love her blog! Especially the name. I made a fun and easy necklace for Valentine's Day (think colors rather than patterns) and I want to share it with you. Please visit her blog right here for the tutorial.

Oh, and in case you haven't heard, I'm going to be on Inspired at Home with Tiffany Windsor this Sunday night. You'll need to listen on your computer at Blog Talk Radio - I know the Superbowl is on, but please come visit me for a few minutes at 7pm. You can bring your potato chips and have the game on in the background!

I like this reward chore board.

I find this reward chore board from Shannon Makes Stuff to be really motivational. If you were going to make a reward chore board for me, you should either put donut holes or $100 bills in the metal tins - I promise you'd get the same "hop to it" response. In all seriousness, Shannon came up with this brilliant idea for her three children, and it's great for those industrious little ones who want to make a little extra cash. Visit here to see how she did it. It uses lots of Mod Podge.

Kia does crafty. With plates.

Kia from Urban Paper Loft is a great (and talented) friend of mine, and I've been on her buns to do a Mod Podge project so that I could feature her. She finally did it! Kia crafted these vintage inspired memory plates to give as gifts - didn't they turn out wonderfully? She won't believe me when I tell her how cute they are. It's kind of like when your girlfriend asks if her butt looks big and you say it doesn't, and she just thinks you are being nice. Anyway, visit Kia right here and tell her what you think. There are a few more plates to see, and while you are browsing, pop on over her Urban Paper Loft and Kia Nicole sites to see some gifty wonders.

You'll never know how much olive you.

Tiffany from Gus & Lulu made this cute-enough-to-inch jar of knitted olives for her husband's birthday in December, but when I saw it I also thought that it might be perfect for a loved one for Valentine's Day. She didn't use Mod Podge on the olives, but she did use it on the lid (letters = hello trusty die cutter). Knitting and Mod Podging are my two favorite crafty pursuits, so I found this apropos. Check out Tiffany's entry about this craft right here. I've also found a knitted olive pattern for you - go here.

Cardboard box oven.

Yes, it's exactly what it looks like - a play oven from Ashley at Ashley's Craft Corner. Isn't it the cutest thing YOU'VE EVER SEEN?!? She even painted the inside silver, which I'm completely impressed by. There's nothing like attention to detail. The knobs turn and there's paper Mod Podged inside the drawer. You really must visit her and tell you that you love her oven too - check it out right here.