DIY birdhouse key holder.

I was browsing Flickr recently and happened upon this ever-so-gorgeous birdhouse key holder by Pearl of krafty pearl.  I can't believe how awesome it is!  That's not true, I can believe it.  From the little birdie accents to the pom-pom trim . . . I need one as soon as possible.  I wouldn't put keys on it, but I would definitely hang jewelry from the hooks.  I'm picturing a wall of pretty birdhouses that would make a man run screaming.  Ha ha!  Living alone here at Mod Podge Command Central, I'm lucky that I don't yet have to compromise, and therefore can put as many birdhouses on the wall as I like.  I'll start with one I think.  You can get the supply list for Pearl's pretty key holder here.

Fifteen minute wood bracelet.

Sometimes you just need a quickie - I'm talking about a project!  You might need a quickie for yourself (to dress up an outfit, for example) or for a hostess gift (let's say you have an hour until a party).  I spotted this bracelet at maya*made and was thinking how perfect it would be in such an instance.  You can make it in fifteen minutes, let it dry and still have time to get your lip gloss on.  For complete instructions, visit the tutorial here.

PictureKeeper review and giveaway.

I am a photo junkie.  I take pictures of everything like pets, family, friends, etc. . . . and I'm obviously a blogger, so I take TONS of pictures of projects.  I could just store them on my computer, but after my MacBook died last fall without warning, I realize that's probably not the best idea.  It's always good to have a backup.  That's where Picture Keeper comes in handy!

It looks just like a memory stick, and so you might be asking why you wouldn't just get a memory stick.  Here's why:

• Picture Keeper holds a ton of photos.  The entry-level PK4 that I have holds 4,000 photos, which is way more than my memory stick can hold.  There are three other options, which hold 8,000, 16,000 and 250,000 photos respectively.
• There is software built-in that automatically finds and indexes photos for you.  No hunting and pecking.  There's also a search tool that makes photos easy to find.
• If you modify/update a photo, the software will overwrite the old photo rather than saving ten copies.  I LOVE this feature.  I can't stand it when I have multiple copies of the same thing on a drive, hogging space.
• Compatible with Mac or PC.
• Easy to take to a photo kiosk to find what you need and print it up - or for travel.

I'm giving one PK4 Picture Keeper away today - yay!  It's the same size that I have - holds 4,000 pictures.  One of you will get to try it out and find out how awesome it is.  If you win, I also highly suggest getting reminders sent to you to backup (which you can do on the website).  Um, yes, I have a bad memory.  Oh, and if you don't win?  Purchase a Picture Keeper and use the promo code "modpodgerocks10" to get 10% off.   Here are the rules for the giveaway:

1. Comment on THIS blog entry and tell me why you need a Picture Keeper.
2. Get an additional entry by liking Picture Keeper on Facebook.  Get a third entry by following the Picture Keeper blog.
3.  Leave one comment for each entry above.
4. Contest will close this Friday, June 3rd at midnight (EST).
5. 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 the Mod Podge starter set was Jon, who said he would even jump through a flaming hoop for Mod Podge.

Plain to pretty shoe makeover.

I can't help it - I've a recent addiction to Mod Podged shoes.  Especially when it comes to a re-do of summer sandals that might be either 1) boring; 2) out of style or 3) worn out.  Sibylle from Fun.kyti.me purchased these wedges at a big box retailer and gave them a totally cool makeover with Mod Podge.  I haven't personally Mod Podged sandals yet, but hopefully this weekend I can get to cleaning out my shoe collection and figure out which ones are going to get the super duper treatment.  Read about Sibylle's makeover here.

Have you Mod Podged shoes yet?  Are you going to?

Clothespin fridge magnets.

Are you looking for a quick weekend project?  Perhaps a gift - or something personalized?  Check out these cute and bright magnets from Melissa at 100 Billion Stars.  I'm particularly drawn to the color palette, but there's another reason I love these.  I have a new office desk where I can push pins into the wall, but I do have a magnetic surface from which to hang things.  These serve both purposes of having something fun at my desk and then also holding important papers.  So given my organizational style, I need about 32 of these.  I will eventually have a hard time figuring out which papers are on which clip, but that isn't your problem.  Enjoy Melissa's clothespin magnets here.

Dimensional Magic scissors.

It was about a year ago that I featured Mod Podge scissors, and I'm pleased to say that my pal Char from Crap I've Made did some too . . . but did them a little differently.  I like her addition, which was Mod Podge Dimensional Magic.  Fancy, huh?  They are shiny and smooth and perfect for teacher's gifts.  Or for yourself or anyone who uses scissors, really.  Go and visit Char's spiffy scissors.

PS - You should visit me at The Frugal Girls today.  I did a post in which I dress up a citronella lantern with fabric and Mod Podge Outdoor.  Come see me.

Soap box canvases.

Let's face it - canvas ain't cheap.  And sometimes, for little art projects, there is an alternative solution to purchasing a canvas surface.  Alma actually demonstrates how to turn a soap box (which you might normally throw away) into a "canvas" on her blog.  There is so much you can do with these soap boxes, including your own pieces of art (or even copy your own art and Mod Podge to the surface).  You can then display, hang them or give them as gifts.  Simply brilliant, I say.  Visit more pictures from Alma here.

PS - I'm on Craft Critique with an article for their Crafty Business Week - it's about social media sites for crafters.  Check it out!

Mod Podge Flickr roundup.

It's Flickr roundup time!  Have you joined the Mod Podge Rocks Flickr group yet?  There are great photos added all the time, and I'm going to do these roundups regularly so that more people can get featured on the blog.  Today's roundup starts with this magazine holder from foodwinemodpodge.  Where do I get one this shape?  Plus I love teal.  Here are seven more fantastic projects.

Mod Podge breakfast tray.

I wish to have breakfast served to me in bed, but then I would also want someone to vacuum up the crumbs afterwards.  I actually ate an English muffin in bed the other day and I'm still paying for it.  There's nothing worse than slipping into bed and touching down on crumbs.  I know, I should change the sheets.  So lazy.

I think Lauren of Sweet and Bossy must like breakfast in bed too, because she decorated a breakfast tray of her own.  It's a perfect example of traditional decoupage turned modern.  The paper is actually three different patterns, layered together with Mod Podge.  Didn't she do a great job?  Visit more pictures here.  Lauren also has a Twitter and Facebook page that she would love for you to be a part of.

Sylvia's super awesome maker show.

I try not to boss all of you around, but this time I MUST ask that you visit Sylvia's Super Awesome Maker Show.  Now.  Sylvia is truly the coolest nine-year-old around, and her latest episode is about crafts you can do with Mod Podge.  Sylvia is amazing, and I want to be like her when I grow up.  Visit Sylvia and watch videos here.

Refurbished funky jewelry armoire.

If you have asked yourself "I wonder what Mod Podge Amy's style is like?" then please see above.  Though I wouldn't have every single piece of furniture in my house decorated this way, I like carefully selected pieces that make a big statement - like this refurbished jewelry armoire from Beth at Two Tiny Towheads.  I'm wondering if you can tell me why I like it so much?  If you've read this blog for awhile, then you'll know.  And yes, I meant to sound like a preschool teacher.  I'm done lecturing, but would instead like to invite you to visit Beth's post here to see the transformation.  You are going to be so impressed when you see the before.  This piece has pizazz!

Mod Podge starter pack giveaway.

Want more Mod Podge?  Okay.  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.
3. Contest will close this Wednesday, May 25th 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.
Recent winner of .  . .
the Picaboo giveaway was Steph at Crafting in the Rain.
the starter pack from last week was Ms. B.

Michaels coupon.

Hey all!  Since Mod Podge is available at Michaels, I wanted to make you aware that I have a 40% coupon in the sidebar (to the right of this post) running now through 5/29.  It will take your average jar cost down to below $4.  That's big.  I don't typically shop without a coupon if one is available. Plus Michaels has a huge selection of Mod Podge including my favorite formula - Hard Coat.

PS - if you don't see the coupon on the side, there is one available through the 21st here.

I used a Silhouette to overhaul my bag.

I've decided that for my blog titles I'm going to say exactly what I did from now on.  Kidding!  I couldn't think of another title for this one.  Writer's block - it happens to the best of us.  Anyhoo, I recently got a Silhouette machine (after everyone else in the universe) since I'd heard so many good things about it.  I'm a late adapter of technology.  I still had a boombox and listened to cassettes up until recently:

Haha!  No, that's not mine.  I have an iPod.  But I am a late adapter.  My point is that I wanted to share my experiment with all of you, because I had fun (even without Mod Podge involved, shocker).  Silhouette is also having a smokin' deal right now that you should know about.  Here's how I revamped a travel bag I just got.

Vintage Craft Workshop book review and giveaway.

I can't even express how pleased I am to be on the Chronicle Books tour for Vintage Craft Workshop.  The book is by Cathy Callahan (also known as Cathy of California), and she is one of my heroes.  I've even gotten to meet her in real life!  Cathy is absolutely amazing and I wish I could be just like her.  To this day, I haven't met a craft of hers I didn't want to make.  This book is filled with 24 projects inspired by the 60s and 70s, but with a current twist.  Cathy grew up in Southern California with a very crafty mom.  I had a very similar experience growing up.  I have fond memories of crafting as a child, and one of my favorites is making fruit leathers in a dehydrator.  What can I say, my parents were complete hippies.  Without further adieu, here are my five favorite things about this book.

Five fabulous bloggers.

Thanks to Trop50 for sponsoring my writing about fabulous bloggers. This year Trop50 is granting 50 Fabulous Wishes. Click here to enter for a chance to win $1,000 to celebrate a friend with a refreshing attitude about looking and feeling fabulous!

Everyone has bloggers that they love, respect . . . admire.  I do too.  I'm so excited to share with you five that I love.  Of course there are more, but today is about sharing five.  So without further ado - visit these five blogs.

1.  How About Orange - Jessica has been one of my favorite bloggers in the whole word since the start of my blogging.  She's a graphic designer by trade, and that means her blog is super cool, because graphic designers are super cool.  Jess discusses a whole passel (love that word) of topics on her blog including crafts, design and things that are just plain fun.  Her blog rocks and she's a nice person.  What more could you ask for?  PS - She designs beautiful fabrics that you can buy.

Spring art includes Dimensional Magic.

I like to show all of you how there are so many more options for Dimensional Magic than just jewelry - and this is a great example from my pal Jen of Tatertots and Jello.  Most of you already know her because she is amazing.  Jen is also one of the hardest working, nicest bloggers I've ever met.  She has a great house and is always adding to it (hanging head in shame because I'm not like that).  Anyhoo, she did this spring wall specimen art and incorporated many great craft supplies, including Dimensional Magic.  Isn't it gorgeous?  Check it out here.

Handmade kids' hair bobbles.

What are these?  Hair bobbles!  I love the word "bobbles."  I never even thought you might be able to make them yourself.  Stephanie from The Silly Pearl did, and she even used her fabric scraps to do it.  The tutorial is super easy to follow, and these would make great gift ideas or even party favors for little girls.  Plus they are interchangeable, which is super cool.  Almost makes me want long hair.  Almost!  Visit Stephanie's hair bobbles tutorial with decoupage beads.

PS - I'm a leader in the International Delight Coffee Talk Community, where you might find a discussion on extreme couponing, being a Mom or even easy craft ideas. There are also live chats that you can participate in. A couple of the upcoming discussions are:

• Your Summer Body, Wed, May 18th at 1 pm EST - I'm hosting this one with Heather from Dollar Store Crafts and Sally from Already Pretty
• Build a Marriage that Lasts, Wed, May 18th at noon EST - with my good friends Beckie from Infarrantly Creative and Jen from Tatertots and Jello

Come join my chat today and join us in the Coffee Talk Community!

My Picaboo book arrived and a giveaway.

Thanks to Picaboo for sponsoring this post. To learn more about Picaboo photo books, cards, calendars and other printed products visit http://www.picaboo.com?siteID=B_MPR. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

So I recently tried out the Picaboo site - if you recall, I created a book using photography of my crafting projects and have been waiting to get it and tell you about it.  It arrived!

Isn't it wonderful?  I am SO pleased with it.  The cover was glossy and awesomely thick - and the printing color is phenomenal.  I was actually a book editor for awhile and have gotten a lot of printed goods over the years.  I'm am picky.  I was totally impressed.

Mod Podged game boards.

I'm a game playing kinda gal - I can kick some major butt in Star Wars Trivial Pursuit.  Embarrassing?  Maybe.  I like simpler games too, like this solitaire board found at my friend Lara's blog Less Cake, More Frosting.  It's actually a guest post by Megan from Happy Looks Good on You, and I have to say, I love her color choices.  Megan believes that scrapbook paper doesn't get enough crafting credit, and I totally agree.  Once you see the other gameboards, you'll totally agree.  Check out the entire tutorial here (she did some variations as well).  Interested in making other games with Mod Podge?  Check out the following:

• Miniature Memory Game
• Family Yahtzee
• Kids' Matching Game
• Concentration
• Backgammon

DIY Mod Podge canvas art.

I like canvas art.  I like easy canvas art.  I also like Amy from The Idea Room.  Everything came together in a recent post by guest Haley on Amy's blog, and you won't believe how fast and easy it will be for you to create canvases that are gorgeous just like these.  And thanks to Haley for using such a lovely shade of blue (though she didn't even know it was my favorite color).  Take a peek at the DIY Canvas art tutorial.

PS - Did you see my Who Am I article on Whipperberry?  Check it out.  You might learn something about me (if you want to).

Mod Podge starter pack giveaway.

Want more Mod Podge?  Okay.  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.
3. Contest will close this Wednesday, May 18th 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 the Hot Lunch Date Box giveaway was The Answer is Chocolate.

Mini album with precious cover.

I met Kelly Marie from Lawn Fawn when I did a guest posting series for Torendi.  I haven't gotten to meet her in person yet, but from what I can tell she is super cool.  I mean, check out this album.  Did you know that those are her stamps?  Yep, she designs and sells them.  Kelly Marie is such an amazing paper crafter, and she always incorporates Mod Podge (at least a lot of the time).  She used a lot of Mod Podge in this very project, and she has an amazing video tutorial on her site so that you can make one too.  Visit Kelly Marie's fabric album as soon as you can.

PS - Lawn Fawn is releasing new stamps on May 19th, and she's having a big party starting tomorrow to celebrate.  Hello giveaways!  Visit her blog for the fun.

An interesting coaster set.

The amazing Patricia from A Little Hut is a fellow Babble Top 50 Craft Blogger - and I was not surprised when I started poking around her bloghouse to find out why.  Patricia is really good at everything.  Seriously.  She says she's a novice with Mod Podge, but she thought of using pretty paper cutouts (rather than just a flat, solid piece of paper) on coasters and I didn't.  This makes her an official genius.  I wonder if I can hand out Mod Podge degrees just like the Queen can knight people?  Hmm.  While I'm thinking on that, visit Patricia's tutorial here.

Mod Podge shoe love.

I've shown you shoes before. I've featured flats and I've featured pumps with glitter. I love these heels discovered at The Diary of Dave's Wife because they completely fit into the enormous Mod Podge shoe collection of my dreams. The transition is flawless and Kristy (the mind behind them) gave us an amazing treat with the yellow floral clip-ons that you can move from back to front.  I need these (please?)!  Find more pictures and visit Kristy here.

Where to find me.

I have so many projects going on that I really have to update all of you on what I'm doing and where to find me on a regular basis.

I've started a new community on Mod Podge Rocks thanks to Blog Frog!  I'm super excited because it's a place that you can ask me (and each other!) questions without having to send me an e-mail or leave it in a comment.  You'll get answers faster, and essentially make me feel better :D  Visit the community here.  PS - You can ask me anything you want, it doesn't just have to be about Mod Podge!

I'm SUPER excited about the blog that Heather from Dollar Store Crafts and I recently started - Decor Hacks!  It's all about great design and inspiration . . . a lot of it on a budget.  I'm also happy that not everything uses Mod Podge.  Not that I don't love it, but I am interested in other things.  Hard to believe right?  Visit the blog here and join our Facebook page here.

Crafterminds is a craft blogger support group I run with three other lovely bogging ladies.  We have a lot of educational articles and we host a weekly Twitter chat on all sorts of blogging topics.  If you blog (or are thinking of it), come visit us here.  Our Facebook page is here.

Mod Podge Rocks - you know I'm always here!  Are you linked with me everywhere possible?  If you even want to be?  Ha!

• Facebook
• Twitter
• RSS Feed
• E-mail Subscription
• StumbleUpon

The Mod Podge papered wall.

It's hard to tell what this is, but can you guess?  Okay, I can't wait, I have to tell you!  It's a Mod Podge papered wall - courtesy of Wendy at Art Can Change Your Life.  I promise you that if Mod Podge Command Central wasn't an apartment, it would have a Mod Podge papered wall.  I have so many scraps of paper that I think it would be amazing.  If you are thinking "I really can't Mod Podge a wall," just check out Wendy's.  You might change your mind.  It's just a small section and it looks THAT cool.  Check out the papered wall here.

Spring Flickr group roundup.

Well hello! Guess what I'm going to start doing? A Mod Podge Flickr roundup every other week!  Please add your photos to the Mod Podge Rocks Flickr group to get a chance to be featured.  I'm really impressed by the quality of projects that you guys submit - I mean, really amazing!  Here are eight projects I found today and love.  I'm going to start going back through the archives too, so if you've already submitted, there's a good chance you'll end up here soon!

A House is Made of Walls and Beams by nikimaki

Wikia spring craft contest.

Are you familiar with a wiki?  Wikipedia is probably the most popular example.  A wiki is a site that is user-edited, user-contributed content.  That means all the content comes from people like you and me, not just one person or source.  I LOVE wikis and find that they are really the most comprehensive place to get information on a topic.  They rock!

The reason I bring up wikis is because there is a new one JUST for crafts - Easy Crafts!  What people can find on Easy Crafts - projects, resources, top ten lists, contests, features, a blog directory (which anyone can add to), polls, and articles.  Get on there and check out all the content!

Something you should know - Easy Crafts is having a spring crafting contest.  Upload a craft under the loose theme of "spring" and you can win an awesome prize package.  Enter here.

Other wiki resources: Vintage Sewing Pattern Wiki (super cool) and Camerapedia (camera info).  Don't forget to follow Easy Crafts on Twitter here.

Vintage travel ticket lampshade.

Kim from Too Much Time no My Hands recently decorated a fabulous airplane-themed bedroom for her son, and she completed various pieces for the room while deciding on a wall color.  Kim shared with me this vintage travel ticket lampshade she made to go in the room and I had to share with you because I love it!  I'm not just a Mod Podge person, but a bright color person.  This totally fits the bill.  Check out the full tutorial here.

PS - Have you been featured, or would you just like to show your Mod Podge Rocks love? I have buttons here!

Hot Lunch date box giveaway.

Hey everybody!  I've got a cute little dating idea for you.  You might be married - but you still need to give yourself time to go on dates with your significant other to keep the spice alive, don't you think?  Hot Lunch date boxes are just the ticket!  What I like about these little boxes is that they are actually creative kits (at a great price) for setting up a fun, themed date.  Here's more from the creators:

"At Hot Lunch we believe dating should be fun and easy! That's why we've created themed date boxes packed with all the ideas, activities, and accoutrements necessary for a ridiculously fun time!

Sound good? Well, here's your chance to enter our giveaway for your choice of date box go to our website and tell us which is your favorite date box."

Yep!  You get to win a Hot Lunch date box set.  The Night at the Drive In box is pictured above.  it's so cute I can barely stand it.  Check out the rules for the giveaway:

1. Comment on THIS blog entry. Visit the Hot Lunch date boxes and choose your favorite - leave that information in a comment.
2. Additional entries: follow their blog, like their Facebook page or Tweet about this giveaway (then leave one comment for each of those things that you did).
3. Contest will close this Wednesday, May 11th 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 the starter pack was Margo.  I realize I forgot to announce the April 17th winner of the starter pack as well - that was Laura.

Decoupage vintage postcard desk makeover.

At first I thought this desk by Kelly at Back to Domestics was covered with real postcards, until I took a closer look - it's paper from Paper Source!  While you could definitely use real postcards, what is nice about using the paper is that you will get a more smooth finish than you would with the thick postcards (which would be especially rumpled after going through the mail.  Oh, and I love the word rumpled).  Kelly did a beautiful job and organized her postcards in such a fun way . . . the finished piece is awesome.  Check out Kelly's vintage postcard desk makeover with a tutorial.

PS - I'm a judge for American Crafter, so head over to the Naptime Crafters voting post to pick your favorites as well.  There's some great stuff.

DIY Metallic glitterchargers.

Wedding season is almost upon us, and I know a lot of you are looking for sophisticated (and inexpensive) ideas for your reception, showers, etc.  I found one at The Sweetest Occasion - you can make your own metallic glitter chargers with simple supplies (including Mod Podge of course).  This would work for a wedding reception or any party, really.  Schwanky, don't you think?  Visit the tutorial here.

Note: DIY concept by Bella Rains Garden Studio. Photos by Lavender and Twine.

Boy's name tool sign tutorial.

I realize that I don't feature enough boy projects on here, so I've been in search for some cute ones.  I found a great one at taidye.original - this boy's name tool sign.  Tai runs the blog, but her sister Dora actually came up with the project.  Let me tell you that the project involves REAL tools (color photocopies), and it's really too cute for words.  Now I'm wondering what tools make my name.  Check out the complete project instructions (with tutorial) here.

IKEA hack patchwork containers.

IKEA Hackers is a brilliant site - ie., I wish I had thought of it first.  I could hack the crap out of everything in IKEA with Mod Podge, and these Asker containers are a perfect example.  A reader of IKEA Hackers actually submitted these containers, which had been white but got dirty from hanging over the sink.  She used paper to cover them, but you can also use fabric scraps if you are on a scrapbusting mission.  Check out the Asker patchwork pics here.

Mod Podge luggage tags by Candie.

I know many of you suffer from "black bag" syndrome, and if you do, then this luggage tag project from Candie Cooper is for you.  Candie is a total world traveler, and the girl knows all about a good luggage tag.  I'm so happy that hers includes Mod Podge.  Candie is correct that these are a great project for people of all ages, so don't be afraid to include the kids.  Visit Candie's luggage tags to make one (or five) for yourself.

Monogrammed chevron plate.

This project by Taylor found at Taylor Made has a lot going for it, in my humble opinion.  Chevron. Monogram.  Teal.  And of course, Mod Podge.  I love plate collections on walls, and this one would be great in mine.  I love that Taylor did hers with vinyl, but if you only have letter stickers, you can also paint the black chevron pattern with Enamels paint.  Either way, you'll be Podging the letters over the background, and that is a good thing.  Take a peek at Taylor's monogram plate action.

Mod Podge starter pack giveaway.

Well hallo there!  I'm in total Mod Podge starter pack giveaway mode, so I'm doing it again.  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.
3. Contest will close this Wednesday, May 4th 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 the Very Jane giveaway was Gina.