Video with Hot Glue Gun Helpers and Dimensional Magic.

My cute and crafty pals Elena from Scrapbook Royalty and Marisa from Modern Surrealist did a fun video at CHA featuring Hot Glue Gun Helpers and Dimensional Magic.  I think you're going to like it!  Marisa will show you how to make some wild magnets with tchotchkes and Mod Podge.  Visit here for the full broadcast.

Mod Podge buffet revamp.

I really can't believe that this is Kim's first Mod Podge project.  She's definitely got the mojo - as you can see from this buffet revamp found on her blog Savvy Southern Style.  I will tell you that she used fabric and some fun glazing to get the effect you see.  It really puts my Mod Podge furniture re-dos to shame, it's so gorgeous.  Visit Kim here so that you can see some of her close-up pictures and tell her how much you love this piece.

PS - I recently did a review of the book Sew Retro for Craft Critique. Visit here to read it.

Pulp Fiction by Mark Montano review and giveaway.

I always get tickled when Mark Montano releases a new book - if I had to choose a crafting idol, he would be the one.  It's a little like a pre-teen getting the latest issue of Tiger Beat with Justin Bieber on the cover, only there is a lot less obsessing and screaming.  I'm honored to be one of the first to review Pulp Fiction: Perfect Paper Projects by Mark - published by Design Originals.  Mark and I have something big in common: we LOVE paper.  It's my favorite medium too (paired with Mod Podge, of course).  The fun part about this book review was browsing all of the Mod Podge projects.  Nearly all of them use our favorite decoupage glue!  Per usual, Mark's projects are brilliant and I find myself asking "why didn't I think of that."  Here are my five favorite things about this book.

I'll be on Artistically Speaking tomorrow night.

Hey everyone! Just a quick note that I'm going to be on the Artistically Speaking radio show with host Rebecca Parsons and co-host Lyna Farkas tomorrow night! Show starts Sunday evening, 6:30 pm EST. I love to talk, so hopefully you'll join me while I yammer on. I promise I'll try to make it good! Listen online here.

Make some Mod Podged pots.

I absolutely love it that Debbie from Debbiedoo's blogging and babbling isn't much into crafting - but this blog inspired her enough that she tried a project!  That is the main reason that I blog, so it brings me great joy to see Debbie's decoupaged pots.  She fashioned these using clay pots, Mod Podge and some magazine cutouts.  You have to visit her, because there's a cute story behind the pots - and she made some darling labels for the herbs she put in them.  Debbie's blog entry is here.  One additional note: if you want to seal this for outdoor use, use Outdoor Mod Podge.

PS - Debbie recently did an interview with me for her Coffee Talk Tuesday series.  Check me out right here.

Make your own Dimensional Magic bead rings.

I've been obsessed with Martha Stewart Microbeads lately.  I think they are the most wonderful thing since Mod Podge, and the best part is that you can use them together.  Before I get into this project, I want to let you know that I'm guest blogging at Crafty Life and Style with some bangles featuring these beads (and there's a giveaway) so visit that entry here.

After the bangles, I decided it was time to branch into other forms of jewelry.  Basically the question is "what can I sprinkle beads on?"  I had a few ring blanks in my stash and I also have a boatload of Dimensional Magic.  Since the ring blanks had wells to put things into, the beads magically sprinkled themselves in there.  Okay, not really, I might have helped.  These rings took just a few minutes to make and are great gifts.  Here's how I did them.

A Mod Podger from Pakistan.

In my last few years of blogging I've met people from all over the world - there are Mod Podge fans in Europe, Asia and a huge percentage in Australia (you guys know how to represent, thank you!).  I don't have many readers in the Middle East, so I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to Khadija from Creative Mind.  I met her after she won one of my weekly contests and I sent a t-shirt and starter pack across the ocean.  I've learned so many interesting things about this young student and crafter, including 1) there's no Mod Podge available in her country or anywhere close and 2) she can't wear her Mod Podge t-shirt outside.

I love learning about other Mod Podgers, and I hope you do too.  Please visit Khadija if you'd like to see a different perspective on Mod Podge and on crafting in general.  You won't believe what a warm heart she has.  I admire Khadija a lot.  Visit her blog here.

Earn money on your blog with SocialSpark.

I promise this isn't a gimmic or a sales pitch - but I have gotten e-mails from several of you asking me about ad networks and opportunities to make money on your blogs, so I wanted to address it with a small post.  The truth is that it is very difficult, and there aren't many programs out there right now for paid posting.  There is one that I have run into that I LOVE and can give a glowing recommendation: SocialSpark.  They will match you up with paid posting opportunities that best fit your blog.  All you need to do is register here, enter information about your blog, and then you will receive opportunities in your "leads" inbox.  You can choose to accept or deny those opportunities, which is what I love.  Everything is up to you.  I hope this helps some of you who have written me.  Again, register here, and thanks for all of the e-mails!

Mod Podge frame art with glitter.

I had spotted these same frames at the store that Melissa from 100 Billion Stars used on the project above, but I typically don't go for black items.  Dumb me.  I absolutely love black with bright colors, and I was reminded of this when I first saw Melissa's frame art.  The frames are tiny, but after decoupaging a few you could make them part of a larger frame "wall installation," or you could use them for place cards or party favors as Melissa suggests.  But you can't forget the glitter letters, because if you do, your project will fall apart when you aren't looking.  Kidding - or am I?  Visit Melissa's tutorial here.

Chest of drawers and headboard.

I wish I had known about Mod Podge when I was little - I would have blown out my room decorating with it.  Fortunately and unfortunately my mom was a seamstress, so it was always sewn crafts.  Little did I know there was a perfectly orange bottle of wonder awaiting me in my adult years.  And these two projects are why I love it.  I think that Kristi from Addicted 2 Decorating has possibly made the most fun and funky headboard and dresser for a kid EVER.  Both furniture pieces underwent a huge transformation, and I just love the results.  Visit her dresser here and then go to the headboard tutorial here.

Project of the Week #132 - Glittered cuff bracelet.

Meet Sparky.  She's a bracelet decorated with glitter and Mod Podge made by Sara at Craft Snob.  The best part about Sparky is that you could customize her, because you decide the glitter color.  Did you know that Mod Podge is completely awesome for applying glitter?  Yes, because the original formula is not too thick.  Check out Sara's instructions for Sparky here - she even tells you where to get a cuff just like this one.

PS - I'm starting my reign as a reporter for Craft Critique - a site that reviews all sorts of awesome crafty supplies and products.  Check out my first-ever review of an awesome cordless glue gun.  I'd never tried one before and now there's no going back.

Handmade Weddings book review and giveaway.

When I say that Handmade Weddings by Chronicle Books is the coolest handmade wedding project guide I've ever seen, I mean that sincerely.  It's AMAZING.  I know what so many of you are thinking: "I want a beautiful wedding, but I don't have the bucks to do it."  Well, you don't need as much money as you think.  If you use Handmade Weddings . . . if you take the time for some planning . . . and if you get a little help from friends and family, you can have the wedding of your dreams on a budget.  I'm drawn to the whole idea of an upscale crafty wedding because it's so much more personal; and I never realized that crafty could look so elegant.  Here are my five favorite things about this book.

An Etsy shop called Podged.

Come on, an online shop called Podged?  Of course I have to blog about it.  It's my responsibility.  Here's what the owners so eloquently say about their shop:

"That which is Podged begins by getting lost in thrift stores and in the backs of closets to find forgotten castaways for our upcycled housewares and accessories. Mirrors, picture frames, jewelry, you name it... We'll podge it."

They do this stuff with silk neckties, my friends.  Super cool.  And if eagles aren't your speed, there's plenty more.  Visit their Etsy shop here.

Mod Podged yo-yos from a yo-yo.

I guess if I were to be describe by a toy, a yo-yo would be a good description.  I can be a bit of a fruitcake, but in a very good way, I promise.  I'm an Aquarius - you have to forgive me!  We have our heads in the clouds.  So the yo-yos.  When I spotted these at Michaels, I squealed.  Can I tell you that a large part of my childhood was spent practicing with my Duncan?  The funny thing is that I had more than one.  These were competition quality yo-yos, my friends.  My brothers and I had them and learned all sorts of tricks.  I could walk the dog, do the sleeper and more.

I even watched the Yo-Yo Man (on the Smothers Brothers).  And know I'm realizing that I'm an enormous dork, so I should probably move onto the tutorial before I embarrass myself further.  I blame my mom, since she's the one who bought us the yo-yos.  If you want to do the same to your children, then follow these instructions.

Guest Blogger: Mitzi from Mitzi's Collectibles.

I'm going to be honest - I just love Mitzi from Mitzi's Collectibles.  I've featured her several times, and she's one of the most talented Mod Podgers out there.  She specializes in antiques, and she always thinks of something new and unique I've never seen before. I think you'll like her upcycled vintage wallpaper butterfly magnets.  Here they are.

Howdy Mod Podgers, I'm Mitzi Curi from Mitzi's Collectibles and my crafting specialty is "up-cycling" vintage items so they can be used and appreciated in our modern lifestyle.

Blogging is a full-time job - take time to relax.

Thanks to Crystal Light for sponsoring this post. To learn more about how Crystal Light can flavor your day with 30 refreshing flavors, visit www.facebook.com/CrystalLight.

I've been thinking a lot about blogging lately - you will probably laugh, but I mean not just the Mod Podge/crafty part of blogging.  I'm talking about blogging itself.  Sometimes I'm in awe about the sheer TIME that it takes to be a blogger.  The bigger your blog gets, the harder it gets to manage time.  I hardly ever do it, since I'm mostly providing craft ideas and inspiration, but I wanted to take this opportunity to address a few things that I do to put myself first - before my blog.  Here are five things that I like to do on a regular basis to recharge.

1. Get my nails done.  I'm not suggesting that you go get a mani-pedi today, but I'm going to tell you, it's 45 minutes to an hour of awesome.  What I really mean is that you need a weekly activity for at least ONE HOUR that is by yourself.  Put your phone in your purse, shut your computer, get away from your children - and zone out.  There are 168 hours in one week.  Please take at least one for just you . . . and I highly recommend getting out of the house to do it so that there are no temptations.  Plus if you do the nail thing, you'll have such cute toenails that it will all be worth it.
2. Schedule a block of posts.  All the blogging platforms I have ever come into contact with have a scheduling feature.  Sometimes I'll write three to five days of posts beforehand and then let them go live on their own.  Guess what?  I can avoid checking the computer for a few days if I do that.  The e-mails and comments will be there when I get back.
3. Plan your time to blog.  I think it's a good idea to have the laptop closed when your husband comes home or your boyfriend comes over - or when your kids first get home from school.  Believe me, it goes a long way to give someone an hour of quality time with no electronics.  They are typically much nicer about it when you finally do go back onto the computer.  Ex - tell yourself that you will blog from 1 - 3:30 and the computer goes OFF at 3:30 no matter what.  I promise you that the commenters will not revolt.  And if they do?  Tough.  You need to take care of what's most important first.  You and your family.
4. Take a vacation day.  I work full-time in addition to running this blog.  A lot of people feel like they have to use a vacation day to DO something.  You don't.  Sitting around in your jammies relaxing for one day is not a waste of time, not when you are plugged in 24/7 like I am.  If you do take a day, refer to #2 - don't use the day as a catch-up for your blog.  I also realize that not everyone has the vacation time to take a day here and there, but if you do, consider yourself lucky and take advantage of workday off.
5. Phone a friend.  This is different than your lifeline on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.  Sometimes you need to re-connect with old friends, or touch base with a girlfriend in your town, or call your cousin and check in.  When I'm frustrated with blogging or just need a break, I'll make a few phone calls.  Not only do I get to check in with someone and find out about their life, but I get the added bonus of talking about what I'm going through.  It relieves stress just to talk about it.  Friends are awesome.  They really are.

I'm curious about what you do to recharge in your own life, so feel free to leave me a comment.  I need additionAnd before I go, I want to mention Crafterminds, my bloggie side project:

It's a group of craft/home decor boggers that includes me, Heather from Dollar Store Crafts, Beckie from Infarrantly Creative and Jen from Tatertots and Jello.  Our goal is to help you grow your blog by providing you with some of the tidbits we've learned over time.  There are a lot of things that I wish I would have known at the beginning of this blogging adventure; things that would have saved me time and much frustration.  I love to write (it seems I never run out of things to say) so check out these posts I have written that I believe will help you. Even if you are just thinking about craft blogging, come check us out.  We also have Twitter chats every Monday at 1pm/4pm EST - full of tips and time savers galore.

Does Your Blog Make People Cringe?
Learn How: Truncating Posts
Putting Your Big Girl Panties On: Dealing with Negative Comments
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Remember, visit www.facebook.com/CrystalLight to learn more about how Crystal Light can flavor your day with 30 refreshing flavors. I was selected and paid for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

$1 Mod Podge pennant art table.

Oh dear.  I spotted the pennants on this table made with American Crafts paper and that was the end of that.  This table find at Maple and Magnolia was only $1, and it's even better because she used everything from her stash.  There's nothing easier than cutting little triangles, right?  I say that and I would probably need a template.  Please visit the entire tutorial here.

Reversible fabric gift box.

Michele from Michele Made Me is a genius, and I don't make that claim lightly.  She appreciates garbage and what Mod Podge can do with it - and I mean real garbage.  The kind you throw away.  This reversible gift box comes from a takeout box pattern that once held spring rolls, and she used Mod Podge rather than interfacing.  I could continue to tell you about it, but you are better off visiting Michele's complete tutorial here.

Faux tin letters and union jack.

Happy Valentine's Day!  I'm going to be honest, I'm not really a pink hearts kind of person in my home decor (although I've done those type of projects).  What's more my speed is this love plaque by Amanda at House Revivals.  It gets the point across without getting too mushy.  Are you a Valentine's Day person?  I'm not, but I'm so curious if you are.  Whether you are or not, you should check out Amanda's project, because her handmade dimensional letters and union jack background are really cool.  Thanks Amanda; thanks Mod Podge.  Visit her entire tutorial here.

Curiosities review and giveaway.

Although Curiosities is shaped like a book and is thick like a book - it isn't a book.  The full title is Curiosities: Vintage-Inspired Adornments for Gifts and Correspondence, and that's exactly what it is.  Sold by Chronicle Books, this cute little kit is a collection of fun goodies for embellishing things.  And you know how I love embellishing things.  I'm going to be honest, I want to pop open the plastic and take that baker's twine, but I won't.  Since it's a kit, there's not really a formal "book review" I can do, but I can tell you this little box is full of some wonderful stuff: glitter, flowers, leaves, ribbon, stickers and more.  You are going to love it, and I'm giving it away. I'm also giving away a Mod Podge starter set because I'm quite sure you'll use the two together. Right?


Here are my standard issue rules:
1. Comment on THIS blog entry. Say anything you would like!
2. Only one entry per person.
3. Contest will close this Wednesday, February 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.

Are you a member of my Facebook group?  Please join here.  I post additional projects and answer questions - it's good stuff you can't see here on the blog.

Full contest disclosure here.
Winner of the CHA goodies was Ola.
I also realize I never gave away my CHA starter pack!  Whoopsie.  Got caught up in the fun.  That winner was Jocelyn.

Brushstroke Mod Podge on a canvas.

Beckie from Infarrantly Creative is one of my "original Podgers" that I've featured here.  We've known each other a long time!  She's also one of the Crafterminds - my group devoted to helping craft bloggers.  Beckie is good peeps, and a good Podger.  This Mod Podged canvas is a perfect example of her "mad skillz."  She took a print and make it look like a canvas with the Brushstroke formula.  If you haven't seen it, Brushstroke adds a cool texture to a surface.  You'll need to visit Beckie's site here for the detail pictures.  You're going to love it.

Upcycled damask drawer set.

Sometimes I think I need to get over the blue thing, and then I think, why?  I love blue and I always will.  I'm actually obsessed with blue.  I always wear it on some part of my body, every single day.  Is that weird?  The blue obsession led me to this feature of Crystal from Fussy Monkey Biz.  Not only did she incorporate a perfect shade of blue into her damask dresser set upcycle, but she added black and white.  That is another favorite of mine, and I'm betting you like it too.  To see the entire dresser revamp, go here.

DIY paper bird painting.

I was thrilled when I stumbled upon Ashley's blog Under the Sycamore.  How does one become an awesome crafter AND is already a great photographer?  You'd have to ask Ashley, because she is both.  Her paper bird canvases are simple and beautiful, and you might already have the paper in your scrap collection.  It doesn't take much.  Visit the entire tutorial here.

Love rocks, don't you think?

Emily from Red Bird Crafts has wowed us before.  Remember her story stones?  Or her simple color mobile?  Some of the simplest crafts I've featured on here have been my favorites.  Deep down inside, I think I am a simple person.  When I saw Emily's latest creation - the love rocks - I was moved yet again.  These sweet lil' rocks have fabric hearts on one side and a message on the other.  Visit Emily for more pictures here.

PS - Have you seen the show My Strange Addiction on TLC?  It's completely fascinating, and there's a woman Belinda that was on the show who is addicted to rock collecting.  Check it out here.

Fabric covered boxes.

I like baskets.  For me personally, they give the illusion of organization here at Mod Podge Command Central - when in fact, everything is not organized.  But who would know?  Visitors can't see inside.  Mwahahaha!  Erin from The Smallest Sparrow developed this tutorial for fabric covered boxes with ribbon ties, and guess what?  The box part is cardboard.  So this project is recycled.  Three cheers for Erin!  Visit her entire tutorial here.

Side table before and after.

What a bright and cheery side table! I needed a pick-me-up this morning; I'm just scootin' along right now. Coffee isn't even helping. Thanks to Rita from Curbside Creations I'm feeling more inspired.  As she says in her blog entry, this table is happy from being revamped. And I am too. Visit her blog for before and after pictures here.

More on CHA and a giveaway.

I finally have a chance to show you some photos from CHA! After editing what seemed like a jillion pictures, I'm ready to report. First I should let you know that I did several articles on Paint Me Plaid - see the Plaid booth here, here and here. Then take a peek at other fun stuff I spotted here and here. I'm devoting this entry to several awesome people that I got to spend time with. Oh, and I wanted you to see this couch above. Which seems to be missing something . . .

Valentine's Day embroidery hoop wall hangings.

I recently shared this Valentine's Day embroidery hoop wall art hangings at The Idea Room, and I wanted to share them here too . . . in enough time for you to prepare for the big day.  These are perfect if you need some sizzlin' home decor, and the kids can join in.  Plus I know that many of you sew; these use scrap fabric.  I'm typically a big Grinch-ola when it comes to the day of chalky heart candies and helium balloons, but my heart softened a bit as I was making these.  I do believe in love! 

Making embroidery hoop wall hangings is a snap, and once you start you'll definitely get addicted.  To start, gather these supplies.

Pretty floral desk organizers.

I had the pleasure of meeting Vicki the Creative Goddess at CHA this past weekend, and she is even more lovely in person than online.  And that is saying a lot because Vicki is very nice over e-mail.  Here we are at CHA - Vicki, me and Jenny from Craft Test Dummies:

Yes, I'm doing the Napoleon Dynamite "Glamour Shots By Deb" pose. 

But back to Vicki's project.  She may not have meant to do this, but the fabric (and thus the resulting projects) has a 70s vibe to me and I really like it.  It's bright, cheery and perfect for winter.  Perfect for a desk or anywhere you need to organize.  Check out the full tutorial here.

Valentine's Gift Guide: white.

I'm not typically into Valentine's Day, but this year I've changed my tune a bit - I've discovered the color white.  I think the issue the entire time has been that I'm more a blue person than a red person, and hearts and roses don't come in blue.  Then I figured out that it doesn't have to be that way.  You might be like me, so I got the idea to change it up a little bit and write about the trend of white for Valentine's Day.  It turns out it's not really my idea.  Check out this article from The Inside Source.  I did a little exploration on ebay and found some craft supplies that I really liked and could incorporate into my projects.

The lacy look drew me in first.  I'm all about doilies, and I didn't realize there are heart doilies.  I'm enjoying incorporating doilies into my crafts; I like the lacy look because it's vintage - which led me to white lace.  Of all the laces I looked at, I like the white daisy trim the most.  These options are relatively inexpensive for adding interest to a project.

My next stop was textiles.  I searched for hearts on white fabric and came up with a lot of cute selections.  I love the idea of sewing something with white fabric but having those touches of red or pink to make it obviously Valentine's Day.  I'm picturing a cute dress for a little one!  In the textiles section I also found white felt, which is great for accents, as well as white yarn.  I now want a white yarn scarf with a little red hard embroidered on it.  Luckily I can knit.

The last thing I checked out was white embellishments.  I adore white crochet flowers and I have to purchase them since I can't crochet worth a hoot.  Is it weird that I can knit like a bandit but I can't use a crochet hook?  I've tried several times.  Anyhoo, along the same lines of white crochet flowers are white rosettes, which are great for hot gluing onto a project.  For some smaller and more crafty embellishments, go for white crystals or white buttons.  And you know how I love buttons.

I hope I've helped give you some alternative ideas for Valentine's Day crafting.  Don't feel like you have to go with red or pink as your main color - you don't.  White as just as lovable as any other color.  For more ideas like mine visit The Inside Source.

Make your own doily wall art.

I've been wanting to make doily wall art for a long time, especially after I saw this doily art by my friend Jen at Tatertots and Jello.  My only problem was that I didn't have any old doilies, and I didn't want to use white ones.  So I had to wait for the perfect situation to come along, and it did - I found colored doilies in the $1 bin at Michaels this past week.  Then I found the perfect paper to match in the scrapbooking aisle.  My doily art was born.  Here's how to make your own.

Flip-Pal™ Mobile Scanner Blog Hop Week #5 - Boden floral pendant.

It's the last week of the Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner blog hop, and I got smart.  I realized that with the size of the scanner I could bring it anywhere - so last week, off to work it went with me.  You didn't know it was "Bring Your Scanner to Work Day," did you?  I have an enormous purse; maybe you do too.  My little scanner fits inside my enormous purse.  I was able to bring it to work (and on my lunch hour, of course) flip through some catalogs I liked and find some images.  Turns out I love the cover of the latest Boden catalog, so that became the background of my necklace.  It wasn't my catalog to cut up, so I scanned it.  Just in case you need a reminder, here is my little helper friend:

Realistic dollhouse books.

What's way cuter than a real book?  A mini one!  I like to call small things "wee."  In fact, it has become a noun rather than an adjective.  If I see a mini pony for instance, it is a "wee."  A perfect example of a cute and crafty wee are these dollhouse books by Rhonda at Dollar Store Crafts.  If your children play with dolls or Barbies, consider making the dolls something to kick back with by a warm fire.  Barbie doesn't need to be out doing donuts in her pink Corvette, now does she?  She should be reading.  You can make these in any size - the tutorial is here.

Mod Podge handmade dotty storage box.

Life brings many complicated patterns and designs, but I have to say that my favorite of all of them are dots.  Polka dots are small circles of pleasure, especially when they are all together.  Abbie from Little Family in the Big City is a polka dot girl herself, and when given the opportunity combines her dot loving with Mod Podge.  A perfect example is this storage container - and my favorite part of her entry is when she says she has an emotional connection with each dot.  Check Abbie and her dotty out here.