Tin can pincushion.

I *really* love this pincushion by Susan at Living with Punks. I also have to mention that I love her blog name. I grew up with four punk brothers, so I can totally relate! Susan used an old almond can and some scrap fabrics to pull this together. Since I have enough scrap fabric to make about 1,000 of these, I'm thinking this might be a great project for me. I think it would be for you too. Find the complete tutorial here.

Giving plaques some new personality.

I always love bright splashes of color - but I have to admit, most of the time I'm not drawn to primary combinations. Having said that, I can't help but adore these revamped plaques by Morgan from Meet Virginia. These little cuties caused me to rethink what I said about primary color combinations . . .I love this project. Thanks Morgan, for knocking some sense into me. Learn more about these see the very funky 70s-before-look right here.

Mod Podged clock.

I recently found this clock on The Tortoise and the Hare, and then it struck me. I've never Mod Podged a clock. That is why I love all of you, dear readers - you come up with the brilliant Mod Podged projects I never think of. And some of the most fabulous projects are the simplest.

Michelle from T and H did such a fabulous job of Mod Podging a circle, which is harder than you might think. The fabric flowers are also a great touch. I love it. Visit the entire blog entry (and see some pretty pics) right here.

The giveaway, a little late.

Hey everyone! My Sunday got away from me. So here I am! I'm happy to say that a lot of you are loving blues right now as your favorite color (see last week's post). That happens to be my favorite, but who knows, that could change.

I'm going to go ahead and jump into the giveaway this week.

Rule reminder:
1. Comment on THIS blog entry. Say whatever you like!
2. Only one entry per person.
3. Contest will close this Wednesday, June 30th 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's winner was cstironkat.

Veneer lamp trio.

Can you believe these lamps use Mod Podge? I'm to the point where I believe anything and everything can use it, even space shuttles. I say that, but it is waterbased. Okay, maybe not space shuttles.

Edie is a Junior Ambassador for Rit Dye, and her Fashion Factory site is pretty cool. She does all types of projects using dye, and it just so happens that she's combined dye, wood veneer and Mod Podge to make these lamps. Go here for the tutorial. I'm positive you'll love them as much as I do.

Mid century clock magnets.

I adore How About Orange - and that includes Jess, the woman behind the blog. She's one of my favorites, and has a special gift for finding wonderful things on the internet. Jess is also particularly talented with Mod Podge, as demonstrated by her mid-century clock magnets above. She uses recycled bottlecaps and provides the art to make them. You really can't ask for more. Go here for the tutorial and to download the clock faces.

A glittery owl for your sparkly pleasure.

Hey there! I'm back on the Art Glitter blog for a second installment of projects. This week I'm playing with different colors of glitter on the SAME WOOD PIECE. This is big for me, everyone. I've never mixed glitter like this, so please bear with me if you are more advanced in the glitter arena than I. While you have a chance, come on over to my entry on the Art Glitter blog right here and see the entire project. Let me know if you like it! There's Mod Podge. . .

Paper punch earrings.

I'm not a big jewelry wearer; large silver hoops are my signature, and that's about it. I have to tell you though that when I saw these paper punch earrings from Keren at Free Pretty Things For You, it made me reconsider my moratorium. I have so many cute punches AND a Sizzix Big Shot, so I could make some pretty great paper jewelry. It's all sealed with Mod Podge, and you could even use varying formulas (like Sparkle) for a different finish. Check out her blog entry here.

London canvas that you can customize.

I really like simple wall art with bold colors - you may not believe that Mark Rothko is one of my favorite artists! I love color blocking and standout graphics, so you can understand why I was drawn to this London canvas by Alison from Oopsey Daisy. The bridge is vinyl and the Mod Podge on the front was kind of an "oopsey" (daisy). Nevertheless, it turned out fabulous, so go here to get the tutorial to do your favorite city.

Fabric tape tutorial.

I had the pleasure of meeting Tiffany from Simply Modern Mom a week ago at Whipstich here in Atlanta. She is so sweet, and that makes me even happier to share her fabric tape made using Mod Podge with you. I have about a zillon fabric scraps and I know a lot of you do too - Tiffany's done a full tutorial and you won't believe how easy it is. Visit here to learn more. I'm five minutes from being all about some patchwork fabric tape!

Happy Father's Day!

Meet Mod Podge Keith - my dad. When I was born, my parents had just moved from a communal farm they owned with a few other couples (picture A = hippie dad). Just so you know, it wasn't THAT kind of a communal farm (tee hee). Shortly after that, my dad got a job with UPS, where he worked for over 30 years (picture B = corporate dad). He supported five children - I'm the oldest with four younger brothers - for many years, and that couldn't have been easy all the time. Thanks, dad.

True dad story: I have fond memories of our house on NE 166th Lane in Woodinville, WA. I also remember riding bikes with my brothers and neighborhood kids on 154th Ave NE nearby - it was a great place to ride because it was so L-O-N-G and straight. For the many of us who were learning to ride two-wheelers, it was a nice runway on which to practice. Apparently it was also a nice runway for a teenager with a VW Bug to terrorize us. I remember riding around, kinda wobbly on my two wheels, when I'd hear the sound and my heart would start racing. The unmuffled growl of that horrible car. Without warning this kid would come speeding down 154th Ave, causing all of us to ride into the ditches on the side of the road so we wouldn't get hit.

MAJORLY dangerous, right?

So my dad catches wind of the situation and decides to do something about it. VW Bug comes back one day for a terror run, except this time my dad is out there. VW charged down the street, and dad stepped out in front of it. The car came to a screeching halt! A teenager got out of his car with a cigarette between his lips and walked toward my dad. This is the cool part. Dad grabbed the cigarette out of his mouth and put it out IN HIS HAND. He said some things I can't repeat on this blog (so I'm told) and the teenager never came back again. Later the car ended up in a watery grave in a nearby pond. Did my dad have something to do with that? I'll never know.

Love you, dad.

Time for the giveaway! Here are the rules.
1. Comment on THIS blog entry. This doesn't have to do with Father's Day, but just because I'm curious - what is your favorite color of the moment?
2. Only one entry per person.
3. Contest will close this Wednesday, June 23rd 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's winner was Mrs. Kwitty.

Flickr roundup on a hot weekend.

Is it hot where you are? It's going to feel like over 100 degrees here today. Besides knowing that I love the color blue and cinnamon pita chips, you should know that I really don't like the heat. Strongly dislike it. The good news is that I'll be crafting inside in the A/C today, so no worries. I hope you get a chance to craft too, and I wanted to share some inspiration from the Mod Podge Rocks Flickr pool to get you going.

Visit these awesome Podgers, and if you have a Flickr account, give them some MP love!

Embellished letters by Dona Caixa e Companhia

Lifestyle: Cheryl the Mod Podging Fiskateer.

I had the pleasure of meeting Cheryl virtually after finding her Mod Podge projects on the web - then I find out she has been to Brave Girls' Camp, where I am going in July. I knew she had to be a lifestyle blogger so we could all learn more about her.

Hi! My name is Cheryl Waters. I was born and raised in Southern California. I've lived here all of my life with the exception of six years when I lived in Florida, Zambia, Souh Africa and most of the time in Madagascar. I also spent time in Europe, Switzerland, Venezuela, Zimbabwe and England. I was raised in a very loving Christian home and have fond memories of my family always being so supportive of my art, even from a young age. I was surrounded by loving friends. A next door neighbor also helped to mold me into who I am today by caring for me as my mom worked. I have wonderful warm memories of holidays, special trips and every day moments.

I have been crafting since I can remember . . . some of my first accomplishments :) were winning an art contest in first grade and a book float contest in second grade. When I was old enough to hold a crayon in my hand, I started to draw, craft and create. I never took any formal art lessons and now I wish I had.

I reside in Portola Hills, California with my husband of 19 years and my beautiful eleven year old daughter who is a mini-me. My husband is originally from Minnesota and made his way out here while serving in the Marine Corps. He is also a vet (Desert Storm and the Gulf War). I'm close to my family here and most all of them reside in California. I have one sister (who is married with three beautiful girls and a stepson) and my mom and dad, all living within about a 20-mile radius. Extended family as well. Now that's a close family. :) I love my family so much! My daughter is very creative although she doesn't like to think she is. Maybe because she's so exposed to art she wants to be different but she is one crafty gal. I can give her scraps and she turns them into something unique and beautiful.

I work full time in law enforcement for my local Sheriff's Department. I thoroughly enjoy my position at the Sheriff's Department. I work 4/10's which allows me a flexible schedule. I've even had the opportunity to use my artistic abilities 'in the line of duty' with face painting . . . a bit like an 'officer friendly opportunity'. I also have the privilege of being a lead and founding Fiskateer (#002) for Fiskars 'the orange handled scissor company'. I helped to get the community off the ground in 2006 and this creative journey of friendship and inspiration has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. In addition, I enjoy writing articles and sharing my work in several Stampington publications such as Somerset Memories, Somerset Home, Handcrafted, Altered Couture, Stamper's Sampler and more. I call the wonderful individuals and friends I've met through Stampington my Stampington family. I've met wonderful artists, editors and people through Stampington.

I love being inspired by nature. Often the colors of nature inspire me. I also enjoy surfing the web and visiting friends such as Kim Caldwell, Jenny Doh and Melody Ross. I have to share that recently one of the most memorable experiences has been Brave Girl Camp. A dear friend Gail who is the behind the scenes at Artsy Findings shared with me about her Brave Girl experience. This is also when Melody Ross and I began a wonderful friendship . . . this experience has been oh so beautiful! It will be something I will always remember. I'm a Brave Girl!

Another recent experience that has been such an artful and wonderful experience included my participation with a group of friends and artists . . . folks call us the Lucky 13. Our upcoming projects and work will be published in the future issue of Somerset Memories or Art Journaling.

One last lost lasting memory I have includes the memory of helping my uncle journey through cancer and helping to grant his last wish. If you're interested you can read more about it here. Although sad, it's such a privilege to help someone journey through their last moments here and feel as comfortable as possible.

The other major experience I think that has helped mold me into who I am today . . . our time on the Christian mission field. I had the most incredible six years of learning, loving, being blessed, sharing what we had, did I say learning, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. We lived in very rural conditions while in Madagascar with no running water, no electricity and we lived in a mud house for several months before building our own home (with our own hands). I had my daughter in the US and we went back when she was only about four monhs old. Talk about an experience of being a new mom . . . I had to boil and then cool her bath water and much more. But again I learned and I was so incredibly blessed! So many incredible people, adventures and experiences.

Of course dedicating my life to God when I was young and rededicating my life in 1993 or so is so pivotable for me! I'm so grateful for my upbringing, my family and dear friends I have in my life!

Mod Podge coasters from Martha Shmartha.

Hey Mod Podge Rocks Readers! I'm Emily from Martha Shmartha, and I am beyond excited to be blog swapping with Amy today. Amy has taught me a lot about Mod Podge, the most important thing being not to say, "Modge Podge." (Yup, I did that. What shame!) But now I know better and I am so pleased to be sharing a really nifty Father's Day project with you.
I'm going to show you how to make Father's Day coasters! My coasters spell G-R-A-N-D-P-A, but you could easily make yours to say D-A-D-D-Y. Let's get started!

Altered mirror with a twist.

I did a double-take when I first saw this mirror by Vanessa at elle piggo - because it wasn't at first glance that I noticed the delightful little flower in the corner. I love torn/distressed paper flowers. They work very nicely as simple accents, as you can see. The mirror was refinished, and I love her sponge technique around the edge before she Podged. Go here to visit the post, and then poke around some more. Vanessa is a talented crafter.

Revamped kids' dresser.

I never tire of furniture revamps, and I'm enjoying more modern patterns right now - that's why I love this children's dresser re-do by Clara at The Home in Paradise. She took an old IKEA dresser and sanded it - I only bring that up because BOY do I need a palm sander! She refinished the dresser wtih some paint and pretty fabric, which is sort of a modified quatrefoil, no? Clara gives a complete tutorial here, plus she has a funny writing style. Go visit her, pretty please.

Quilled monogram letter.

I've seen quilling projects around the net before, especially by Martha. Ihave always been interested but wasn't officially intrigued until I saw this quilled letter by Kara at Craftastical. It seriously blew me away. I LOVE it, especially her color choice. I'm a sucker for anything blue; it's my very favorite color in the whole world.

Kara assures that it takes patience but you don't have to be a quilling expert to do it - she's also very nicely provided a tutorial that you can find right here. Like everything on this blog, Mod Podge was used. Amazing, huh?

What I did this weekend and Father's Day is coming.

Bear with me as you read this long entry - there's just so much to share! I went to a very fun sewing workshop at Whipstitch here in Atlanta. You see, I heard that Dana from Made was coming and I had to meet her! Dana is primarily a seamstress, but she does Mod Podge every now and again. Since I've been sewing for a long time (although it's taken a backseat to decoupage), I thought it would be fun to participate in a Saturday workshop, and it was. We had a blast! I also met some other awesome bloggers. Please visit my new-found friends. They rock!

Dana and I

Tiffany from Simply Modern Mom

Larissa from MMMCrafts

In other news, Father's Day is coming quickly, so I need to get you prepared! Here's a project from Roots and Wings that I really love, and it involves the kids. Please click on the picture below for the tutorial!

And finally - the giveaway for this week!! I didn't forget.

Here are the rules.
1. Comment on THIS blog entry. Are you looking forward to anything fun this summer?
2. Only one entry per person.
3. Contest will close this Wednesday, June 16th 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's winner was Heather. Oh, and remember this giveaway?

I realized I never announced the winners, who were all contacted by e-mail. They are The Amazing Mrs. B, Julie, D, B & J, Betsy and BlueMoon.

A boo boo box with bling.

I'm a firm believer that everything in a person's house should be decoupaged, so why not a "boo boo box" too? If you have children, you completely understand the boo boo box. With so many outdoor activities during the summer, there are sure to be a few skinned knees or scrapes. Jenny from Craft Test Dummies is ready for summer with her boo boo box, and she is kind enough to share the tutorial right here. It also features Mod Podge Dimensional Magic, so what can we say except that we love her very much for being so creative.

Some awesome school fundraising projects.

You have got to see this labor of love designed by Laura of Olive and Love. Laura was recently in charge of developing a project that 30 children could participate in for a fundraiser, and she came up with this awesome vase. What I really loved about this project is that she documented the creation process, and I really enjoyed reading along, especially the pics of the kids participating. So cute! Visit here to read the first part and here to read the second part.

Here's another school project for your viewing pleasure, done by my co-worker Maria. She actually used acrylic paint, fabric and Brushstroke Mod Podge for a little texture. Isn't it wonderful?

Consider either of these projects for your school OR even on a smaller scale for some cool home decor. Ask your kids to participate - they'll have a great time.

A sneak peak of my glitter project.

Guess what? I'm a guest designer for Art Glitter for the next 3 months! I know it's kind of crazy - I like glitter but I don't use it that much. Well that has changed, my friends. Above is a sneak peak of the project I did. As a glitter newbie, I'm starting out slow and easy. You know Mod Podge must be incorporated in everything I do, and luckily glitter and Podge go very well together. Visit here to see the project - please come and tell me what you think of my first foray into the land of glitteratzi! Did I mention that I now have glitter in my teeth, on my dogs and in my underwear?

Awesome jewelry box makeover.

I have a jewelry box that would make you think I own the queen's jewels - it's big and bulky. And brown. That is why when I saw this jewelry box makeover from Ginger Lee, I was so excited. I was especially excited because I have this Basic Grey paper that she used to cover the box. You are really going to be impressed by the inside too. It was decoupaged with great care, and it's awesome. Check the project out here.

Craft stamped resin bangle.

I can make a customized bangle in an hour? I'm so in - thanks to Jenny at Crafts Unleashed. Jenny cut some paper, stamped and decorated it, Mod Podged it and voila. I want to pump several of these babies out to go with different outfits, because I really love bangles. And that is coming from someone who typically only wears large silver hoops for jewelry. Visit Jenny's tutorial here, and then don't forget to visit her other crafty site Craft Test Dummies. Isn't that a great name?

Altered bird box.

I love altered art, collages, mixed media . . . I also like old book pages Mod Podged onto things. The two are combined in this altered bird box by Tammy at Rock River Stitches. I have tons of boxes I've saved, because I firmly believe that I will need them one day. Where I will keep them once they are Mod Podged, I don't know. Anyhoo, Tammy's boxes are so pretty, and I love the vintage art she chose. Go here for more pictures and to see her fab blog.

Etsy Craft Party and a giveaway.

Do you love Etsy? I do! The great people there have decided that for their birthday on June 18th they are going to have craft parties in YOUR city. So how do you participate? Go here - they are organizing everything through Meetup.com. I'm going to the one in Atlanta. Aw yeah!


And now the giveaway. Here are the rules.
1. Comment on THIS blog entry. You can say anything you want today.
2. Only one entry per person.
3. Contest will close this Wednesday, June 9th at midnight (EST).
4. PLEASE leave your e-mail address if it's not attached in Blogger - I need some way to reach you.
5. Remember that for the month of May I chose five winners - we're now back to one.

Last week's winners were crazydaisy, Heather at GofGG, Panda, Sangeetha and janine.

Create your own recipe book.

I'm just an okay cook. My one specialty is pumpkin roll, which I always make around September-ish. I have to make a big deal about it so that people know I baked something - I feel guilty about never baking anything so I point it out.

The nice thing is that a lot of you cook and blog about it, so I can live vicariously. My friend Katie from Food, Wine and Mod Podge is passionate about the obvious, and I always like to see what delicious stuff she's cooking up on her blog. Yesterday I headed over and she had this recipe book on the home page. . . I love it. Katie Mod Podged the book and then added a cute little stamp on the front - it's wonderful. Get the full tutorial here.

Photo transfer with Mod Podge.

Love love love it when people take posts from this blog, use them as inspiration and then create something wonderful (and post it, too). That's the whole point, right? Sabrina of Sabby in Suburbia did just that with this post. The best part is that Sabrina didn't actually do a photo transfer, but she made it look that way with inkjet printouts. And Mod Podge. Her prints look aged, and I like that. Check them out here.

Kewpie doll decoupage.

By now we are all huge fans of Mitzi from Mitzi's Collectibles - remember her vintage hatboxes, her vintage bottles and her Anthropologie-inspired mirror? Mitzi found some cute kewpie wrapping paper and some small plaques resulted. I like these on their own, for gift decorating and I also think kewpies make a great theme for a little girl's birthday party. Decoupage all your party favors, h-e-l-l-o! Visit here for the tutorial, and don't forget about The Graphics Fairy for your vintage image needs.

Jewelry display tutorial.

I am in a craft store every week (shocker, huh?), and I always notice the plaques. I know they are just flat shapes of wood, but they are calling out to me to be decoupaged. A great example of what to do with them is this project by Nancy of My Blonde Ambitions. What you see above is a very cute jewelry display, and there several more where those came from. The color choices are great, and Nancy is so awesome that she even did a tutorial on 30 Handmade Days. Go here to see it, and to see the rest of her displays.