Two things you should do tonight.

1) Visit my friends at Crafty Life and Style to see my Dimensional Magic collage art.  You may also want to enter a giveaway to win some of the wonderful magic goodness . . . I'm just saying . . .

2) Visit my other friends Lia and Erin of Yay! DIY - they are doing a series where they ask craft bloggers "why they craft."  See my answer, leave a comment and then browse around for more crafty goodness.

Personalize a kids' chair with Making Memories.

Confession.  I love wood balls.  Especially ones with polka dots.  Before you start laughing, realize that I'm very serious - that is why I used them in copious amounts on this kids' chair.  My friends Christopher and Holli have taught me a lot about "blinging" out projects, and they introduced me to wood balls.  I think one of my biggest challenges as a crafter has always been how to finish things, because my style always leans toward simple.  Simple is good, but sometimes you need a little added flair.

And in comes the Panorama chair.

I'm a big Making Memories fan - I'm totally jazzed about their new Bravissimo line because I firmly believe that award ribbons are the new doilies.  I chose their Panorama line to decorate my kids' chair simply because I like the colorway and of course, the polka dots.  I hope you like it too.

PS - I know my name is on the chair, but don't worry, I won't sit on it.  It's a small chair and I don't want splinters in my bum from breaking it!

DIY scrap paper bowl.

This bowl from Ashley at Under the Sycamore is one of my favorite bowl projects that I have ever seen.  I always have this huge temptation to paint and decoupage everything, but you don't have to roll that way.  Sometimes simplicity is the best.  This bowl uses paper and fabric scraps, and I also love the doily bits I'm seeing.  Find the tutorial here.

Refurbished dress form.

Do you remember Genevieve's bird's nest boxes?  She seems always to make such beautiful things, and this refurbished dress form is no exception.  The dress form started off damaged, and Genevieve made it pretty with book pages and flower scraps from her fabric.  Her fabric,  you ask?  Yes, she has some fabric designs, and they are awesome.  Click here to see her blog, the dress form before pictures, and to learn more about her fabric lines.

DIY Anthropologie inspired pears.

I personally think that the world should be decoupaged with book pages, so I was tickled when I came across these Anthropologie inspired pears by Emily from On the V Side.  Emily took some pear ornaments that she had on clearance, spray painted them and then gave them this cute makeover.  Visit the full story here.  And now I ask you - what can you cover in book pages?

Starter pack and t-shirt.

Hey everyone!  It's the first time I've given away Mod Podge in awhile, since I've been doing book reviews.  I hope you've enjoyed those, by the way.  I do love craft books and I love giving them away.  I do want to give away Mod Podge too, so I'm back at it.  Leave a comment to win a starter pack AND a fabulous Mod Podge t-shirt.  I'm giving away TEN prizes, and you don't have to jump through a flaming hoop.  Just leave a comment.


Here are some other things to know for today's giveaway:
1. Comment on THIS blog entry. Say anything you like!
2. Only one entry per person.  Ten winners will be chosen.
3. Contest will close this Wednesday, March 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.

Full contest disclosure here.
Last week's winner of Artful Jewelry was Donna.

Necklaces made from stamps.

Jennifer from Crafting My Way inherited a massive stamp collection from her father when he passed away several years ago.  After finding out that the stamps weren't worth much (at least monetarily), she decided to put them to good use with Mod Podge Dimensional Magic.  You have to see all the pendants that Jennifer made - they are super cool.  Find the posts here and here.

How to make playful party straws.

Someone along the way turned me into a drink-with-straw person, and I don't know who it was (or is it whom?).  I thought this playful party straws idea spotted on CRAFT was super cute - that way the next time you're at a picnic, you and your friends can have matching stripey straws but not be afraid of swapping spit.  If you make these with Mod Podge, they be durable enough to save for a second round.  Get the tutorial here.

Giveaways galore.

There are a lot of Plaid goodies to be had out in the blogosphere right now, so I wanted to tell you about two of them - both include Mod Podge, so you should probably enter.  I'm just sayin.'

Cathe from Just Something I Made is hosting a sponsor swag giveaway at her blog, and Mod Podge is included!  Enter this Friday (tomorrow!) to win.  She's featuring all the vendors this week, so you can see what kind of "booty" you could possibly rake in.

Craft Gossip has celebrated National Craft Month with a boatload of giveaways.  They've already awarded one Plaid prize pack, but this week makes two!  Enter to win here - the pack includes all of the goodies listed above.

Good luck everyone.

Recycled tin covered in fabric is my fave.

There are very few blogs I get e-mails for on a daily basis, but You Are My Fave is one of them.  Melanie chooses her favorite things, and often times they are my favorite things too - at least for that day.  Today her tin-turned-into-a-planter for her shamrocks is my fave.  Love the fabric, and love the bow.  The can? Recycled.  Visit her tin here and then browse around for some amazing ideas and inspiration.

PS - Check out my chair post on the Making Memories blog. You will likey.

Mod Podge Backgammon game.

Beckie from Infarrantly Creative is one of my first blog friends, so I love linking to anything of hers - I love it ever so much more when Beckie posts something in my colors!  I know she didn't make this backgammon game for me, but doesn't it look like she did?  Blue, bright and polka dot letters . . . it's so me.  It's very cute that her family calls the game "acey deucey," which I just discovered is a quicker variation of backgammon.  Get the full tutorial here.

PS - I do book reviews all the time, and I wanted you to know that Chronicle Books is having a special right now.  Click: Celebrate Spring with 30% off + Free Shipping! Use promo code SPRING11 at ChronicleBooks.com!

Spring break string bowls.

Can you say spring break string bowls?  Fast?  And a hundred times?  I can.  Vanna from Queen Vanna Creations actually made these for a winter break kids' project, but they'd be great for any break - and so many of your children have spring break right about now.  These bowls are budget friendly, great stash busters and stinkin' cute.  I really want to make these for myself because not only are they darling, but I have loads of yarn.  While I head off to string bowl production, please take a peek at Vanna's tutorial here.

PS - The blog Mouse in my Pocket did a nice feature on me.  It's a cute blog so check it out.

Spring celebration card.

I don't post enough paper crafts here on Mod Podge Rocks, so I turn to one of my favorite card makers to show you some goodness.  Kelly Marie Alvarez of Lawn Fawn was featured about a year ago, and I actually went back into her archives to find a spring-inspired, Mod Podged card for you.  Kelly's cards are gorgeous, and this one is no exception.  I love the orange . . . and the yellow . . . wait a second.  The same colors on the Matte Mod Podge bottle?  I'm so predictable:

Kelly's card is so pretty and could be used for a variety of occasions.  I think you should make one too.  Visit here for the instructions, and then take a peek at her beautiful stamps here.

Artful Jewelry book review and giveaway.

I had an awesome giveaway planned for today, but that fell through like things do sometimes - so I'm having a different awesome giveaway - Artful Jewelry by Jo Packham for Chronicle Books.  I'm very excited about this one because I have a confession.  I'm getting back into jewelry.  For the last several years I've been wearing silver hoop earrings and nothing else, and now it's time to spice things up a bit.

Dinosaur pins with Dimensional Magic.

It's dinosaur week at school for Christine from Christine & Co., so she made these delightfully cute dinosaur pins with Dimensional Magic.  They make me wish that there were dinosaur week at work, though I don't quite know what that would entail.  It sounds fun though, does it?  I guess depending on if the dinosaurs are carnivores or not. 

Anyhoo, Christine did several versions of the pin and even used googly eyes.  Which makes anything fun in my book.  Check out the entire tutorial here.

Jennifer Paganelli lovebirds project.

I've been super-dee-dooper stressed lately, so I need to share a tutorial with you that makes me happy.  What could be more happy than two lovebirds?  Jennifer Paganelli of Sis Boom did this project for Valentine's Day, but you could use these for an anniversary, a cute embellishment or just a simple "I love you."  You can find the tutorial and printouts for these sweet birds here.  You should also visit Jennifer's fabrics, because they are gorgeous.  Don't you think she's an amazing designer?  The Poodle line is my current fave.  What's yours?

We did it - thank you!

I'm so pleased to announce that I was given the honor of #8 best overall craft blog by Babble.com!  I say "we did it" because it's important that I thank all of you for everything - I'm doing a special giveaway on Sunday to show you my appreciation.  I couldn't have done it without all of your support and readership!  I also can't forget to thank my family, friends and sock monkey collection.  Oh, and the pugs. Ha!  Visit the rest of entire top 50 list here - you'll see I'm in some amazing company.

Clover headband for St. Patrick's Day.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Sometimes I feel sorry for this holiday, being sandwiched in between V-Day and Easter.  I'm so glad Sara from Craft Snob gave it a little credit with her delightfully cute little headband.  It was easy to make and didn't cost her but a few bucks, so visit her whole tutorial here.

Guest Blogger: Natalie from Corduroy Dreams.

I love guest bloggers and I'm so glad to introduce you to Natalie of Corduroy Dreams. You will certainly love her budget friendly revamps! Check out her tutorials below.

Hey there! I'm Natalie, and I blog over at Corduroy Dreams. I am so excited to be guest posting on Mod Podge Rocks. Amy is so talented and creative and it really is an honor to be here.

Today I'm going to share with you how I Mod Podged my TV cabinet and my lamp. I got both items from yard sales in not-so-perfect condition, but with a little TLC, they turned out perfect!

DIY cage light from hanging planter.

Does this look like a pleasant place to read a book?  Or perhaps blog on your laptop?  Maybe sit with a cup of hot chocolate?  I think it's particularly nice because of that lamp - and you should know that the lampshade you see is actually a hanging planter basket.  I found the post about how to construct this lamp at Apartment Therapy.  I want one because I feel like it would make me look really smart, like I were an architect or an engineer.  But then one of you would probably bust me, because you know better.  If you want one too, you can make it with Mod Podge.  Get the tutorial here.

Decoupage photography dresser.

I don't use the word "decoupage" a lot around here but I'm trying to be technical today so that you will think I'm smart and know what I'm talking about.  Is it working?

I spotted this dresser at Sew Kate Sew and I had to share because I know you will appreciate it as much I do.  Isn't it grand?  Kate's black and white effect really makes a statement.  It also shows you that you can Mod Podge photographs, which many of you have asked me before.  Note that if you print your photographs out on an inkjet printer, you must seal them with a clear acrylic sealer before Mod Podging or the ink will smear.  With laserjet prints you are good to go immediately.  Visit Kate's super cool dresser here.

Playful Patchwork book review and giveaway.

I have been obsessed with patchwork for a long time - I think it reminds me of the clothes my mom sewed for me when I was little.  I had the cutest patchwork vest.  I still love it after all these years, and I've always wanted to know how to sew patchwork successfully.  For those of you who don't know, I have been sewing since I was ten.  Yep, I'm not just a Mod Podger!  It was delightful to review Playful Patchwork by Suzuko Koseki, and before I go on, I want to mention that the author is from Japan and I'm praying big time for her whole country.  Thumbs down to natural disasters.

This book was a delight to review, and more than lived up to its title of "happy, colorful and irresitible."  Koseki studied with a master quilter starting in the 70s, so if there's one thing I can say about her it's that she's the expert.  You can definitely tell from this book.  Here are my five favorite things about Playful Patchwork.

Terri O birdhouse bonanza.

I've always like birdhouses, especially the non-utilitarian kind that are use for decoration rather than for feeding - though honestly I think some of the cute birdhouses I've seen at the craft stores can accomplish both purposes!  Terri O does a fun video on decorating birdhouses and even mentions Mod Podge.  Take a peek here when you have a chance.

PS - You can seal any of the birdhouses you create with Outdoor Mod Podge to make them suitable for outdoor use.

Pier 1 Spring shopping trip and giveaway.

This post brought to you by Pier 1. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am a huge Pier 1 fan, and I recently made a stop by my local store because I heard that the new spring/outdoor decor had arrived.  I wanted to see what they have because I was interested in some new porch furniture, plus I knew they were having a sale - and I'm all about sweet deals.  Come along with me on my trip so that you can see the goods, and don't forget to enter my giveaway.  Oh, and you should also sign up for the Pier 1 Outdoor newsletter so you can see more than what I've got pictured here.

A shout out to Claude (the manager) and team at the Pier 1 on Jimmy Carter Blvd in Norcross, GA.  They are the nicest team ever and the store is so cute!  I love spring too.

Mod Podge magic wands.

You might have young children, in which case I think you'll be interested in these magic wands from Michelle at Lovely By M.  Then again, you might be like me and not have small children, but are still interested in having a Mod Podge magic wand  One with ribbons that makes annoying people in traffic and non-working gas pumps disappear.  I'm guessing these fun wands don't really have that power, but they are so cute it's worth the craft - and they would make great party favors for little girls.  Visit the entire tutorial here.

Instagram, how I love thee.

I will tell you right now that I'm a late technology adapter.  I sound like my grandfather when a new piece of equipment comes out.  "Matches?  I don't need matches!  I will just continue to rub two sticks together!"  Meanwhile everyone else is starting fires.  Yep, that's me.

But I finally got an iPhone 4.  And it's the best thing that's happened to me in a long time.

When I first got my iPhone, Heather from Dollar Store Crafts told me that I HAD to get Instagram.  It's a photo sharing app and it's free, so I said, why not?  I'm hooked.  Here are some photos I've taken.  Don't you love the filters?

Make a Shrinky Dink pendant necklace.

I've been on a jewelry kick for awhile, and I've had some Shrinky Dinks in my stash for about six months - combine that with some Dimensional Magic, and you have a Shrinky Dink pendant necklace!  This project is actually a little bit of a CraftFail because it didn't go as planned, but it might be okay.  I'm wondering what you think.  First I'll walk you through the project.

Amazingly awesome dollhouse.

Before I start on this project, I have to tell you that this picture reminds me of the movie UP (of course).  The best part is that I saw the movie for the first time with my dad at my parents' house in Seattle - and it was my dad who had seen it and loved it.  My dad is not a "sweet" man per se, at least by outside appearances.  Yet the beginning of the movie really moved him, the part where there are scenes of the old man's life and no words.  My dad and I have gone through some rough patches in our relationship, and seeing that movie with him endeared him to me.  Go see it if you haven't!

But that's enough about me. Onto the fun project.

This house with balloons is actually a dream dollhouse that Kiki from Kiki Creates decorated for her daughter.  I saw the pictures of the outside and thought "what a pretty blue" and then "I love those flags."  Then I saw the pictures of the other side.  And the roof.  I'm still in awe.  Kiki did a lot of the decorating with Mod Podge, and the detail is amazing.  Visit her site here to see it all for yourself.

Revamp IKEA drawers with fabric.

Jenny from Stumbles and Stitches hit a Mod Podge home run with this IKEA drawer revamp.  I think one of the biggest things about revamping with fabric is the fabric selection itself - and as you can see, Jenny did an awesome job.  One thing I would like to point out (and Jenny mentions) is that you don't have to seal over the top of the fabric with Mod Podge if you don't want to.  You can Mod Podge the fabric down and leave it if you don't like the texture of the Podge on top.  Go see the full tutorial here.

Project of the Week #134 - Recycled paper doily tray.

I've never thought about recycling styrofoam trays - you know, the kind that meat and vegetables come in with the cellophane?  As long as you wash them thoroughly, they are great for crafting!  Sara from Creative Jewish Mom decoupaged one with a paper pulp mixture that she made from recycled scraps.  The whole technique is fascinating, and I never would have thought of it.  Visit Sara here for the full tutorial.

The Original Scrapbox - I finally organize my crafts.

They aren't organized yet, but I'm beginning.  What is Nellie guarding, you ask?  It's the pieces of my new Original Scrapbox!  For too long Mod Podge Command Central has been, well, let's face it .  . . a crafty dump.  In case you need a refresher, here's what she looks like:

There are dogs and craft supplies everywhere - nothing is organized and everything is hard to find.  My friends, I've finally had enough.  I ordered my Original Scrapbox (the Minibox in Vanilla Raised Panel specifically) and have been eagerly awaiting its arrival.  I'm happier than a woodpecker in a lumber yard now that it's finally here!  This is what it's going to look like after I assemble it:

I'm going to take you on my journey of getting her set up and going.  I want you all to be a part of the transformation of my craft space!  I need a name for her (or is it a him?) but I haven't come up with one yet.  Suggestions are appreciated.  And because this entry needs an Oscars-type speech: "Thanks not only to the Original Scrapbox for helping me to get my life in order, but to Erica Domesek of PS I Made This - I first spotted this amazing organizing tool on her loft tour and I've wanted one ever since."

Sublime Stitching book review and giveaway.

I want to be a hip embroider-er, I really do.  My issue is that I am intrigued with the finished look, but I really don't know WHAT to embroider.  I feel like I don't have time to think of patterns, and even if I did, I would certainly pencil a disaster worthy of Craftfail.  Luckily Sublime Stitching by Jenny Hart provides the perfect solution to my embroidery woes - I don't have to think of one pattern, because there are hundreds in this book.  In fact the official title is Sublime Stitching: Hundreds of Hip Embroidery Patterns and How-To, and it's published by Chronicle Books.  And that's exactly what the book is.

Alice in Wonderland dresser re-do.

There have been a variety of Alice in Wonderland series on TV and in the movies, but there is one in particular I remember: this one.  Did any of you see it?  This version featured Redd Buttons, Scott Baio, Telly Savalas, Ringo Starr, Sammy Davis Jr., Carol Channing, Beau Bridges . . . I loved it.  I still remember songs from the movie, and I've loved Alice in Wonderland ever since.  I had some rough school years back then, so it was one of the few good things I remember about the 80s.  I need to rent it on VHS!

Since I love Alice in Wonderland, I generally like any crafty project that features it.  Josie from The Owl and the Elephant found this fabric and decoupaged it to a a dresser - and oh my, you HAVE to see the fantastic knobs they were waiting for to finish out the piece.  I hope you'll visit the project here, and feel free to leave comments about Alice in Wonderland OR the 80s - or both.

Make silhouette family gift tags.

I went to a baby shower recently where a lot of people had tied small items onto their gifts.  It's not a new concept, but it got me thinking about doing the same thing and incorporating Mod Podge.  I had some new chipboard shapes from Maya Road and some wood ovals, so I decided to throw some gift tags together - gift tags that could also be used as ornaments for any time of year.  I have to categorize this as a definite stashbuster project, as I used paint, fabric scraps and ribbon I already had in addition to the chipboard shapes.  Here's how to make this family.

Desperately seeking Man Podger.

Are you a man? And do you like to Mod Podge?  Then we need to chat.  I'm seeking a new Mod Podge Rocks contributor with both a healthy dose of testosterone and a love of Mod Podge - someone who can do more DIY-type projects than I do.

Ladies, if you know of anyone (including but not limited to DH) please send him my way.  I'm a kind taskmaster and this position pays.  Please send an e-mail to modpodgerocks at gmail dot com. Hope to talk to you soon!

PS - It's my friend Katie's birthday week!  Visit her here at Food, Wine and Mod Podge to enter a very awesome giveaway with lots of Plaid product (including Mod Podge, of course).

Ashley's crafty closet dividers.

I really need to get my act together in terms of organization, so I was thrilled when I saw this post from Ashley at Under the Sycamore.  Her house must be amazing (do you remember her paper bird paintings?) if her closets look like this.  I think these dividers would be appropriate for little ones and big ones alike, and now I want to section my closet by colors.  With Mod Podged dividers just like these.  For the complete tutorial, go here.

DIY altered ukulele.

You just never know what you're going to find on this blog - one day it might be Mod Podged shoes or a piece of furniture . . . and then the next day, an altered ukulele!  This project is from Jenny at Crescendoh.  I've never met her, but I saw her across the room at CHA this past winter.  It's okay - we are Brave Girls' sisters, so we might as well have been friends forever.  Jenny is so talented, and I love her blog for every piece of art that she does, not just Mod Podge.  But she's good at that too, and this ukulele is a perfect example.  See the transition here, then poke around a bit.  You'll be so happy that you did.