My life with Polly, my Original Scrapbox.

I wanted to update all of you on the amazing progress made with Polly McStoresalot, my Original Scrapbox!  As many know, I got her as an organizing solution for Mod Podge Command Central.  Let's just say that a one bedroom apartment with three small dogs and one human in it doesn't have a lot of room for crafting.  So I took the dive and got Polly - and I love her!  For those who are interested, I ordered the Minibox in white beadboard.

I wanted to show you a few pictures as I started to put craft supplies in Polly's enormous belly.

End of summer (please) Flickr group roundup.

I'm really looking forward to fall coming - I mean, a lot.  I don't like hot weather (I know some of you are thinking I'm crazy) and I love Halloween.  So those are two reasons why fall needs to come right now!  I recently browsed the Mod Podge Rocks Flickr group and was thrilled to find that queenvanna posted this Halloween countdown clipboard - she must be ready for fall too.  Continuing reading for more inspiration from awesome readers, like yourself.

Goal picture holder frame.

I used to play soccer in high school - I was on the varsity team as a freshman.  What can I say, I really liked the knee socks!  Mod Podge Walter made a themed picture holder that commemorates the good ol' days of my youth.  It makes me want to play soccer again so I can wear those knee socks.  But then I think about sweating it up in 90 degree (plus) southern weather every weekend for a game and you know what . . . I think I'll leave my glory days in the past.  Enjoy Walter's tutorial below.

Fun pennant magnet plaque tutorial.

I recently made this plaque while playing around one day, and I think it's a really cute gift idea.  It would work not only as a wall plaque, but as a magnet for a fridge or to label children's storage.  The plaque only cost $1, and if you have supplies on hand you can easily work several of these up inexpensively.  There's no end to the possibilities of plaque decoration.  Here's how I made mine.

Westcott and Modern Surrealist scissor holsters giveaway.

Do you love fun crafting supplies and organizers?  Me too, me too!  My friend Marisa from Modern Surrealist has developed these fun and colorful scissor holsters with Westcott Brand.  Here she is with her pal Jim at a trade show - doesn't Jim look smashing?  Hahaha!

The best part about having holsters is that you can keep your scissors on hand, close by, always.  I'm constantly losing scissors, so I love this concept.  Since Marisa is so sweet and loves Mod Podge, she wants to give away ten sets of her holsters to Mod Podge Rocks readers.  Yay!

Marisa is also including a pair of Westcott's 8" Non Stick Titanium Bonded Scissors with each holster.  My friends, I have these scissors and they are awesome.  They were also recently awarded one of the Top Ten Tools of 2011 By Creating Keepsakes Magazine.  You are going to want to carry them everywhere in your holster.  Just please don't go out to dinner with friends wearing your holster and scissors.  Take them off before you leave the house.

Time for a giveaway - here's how to win:
1. Comment on THIS blog entry. Which pattern would you want?
2. TEN sets of holsters and scissors will be given away.
3. Get an extra entry for liking Westcott on Facebook.  Leave an extra comment for that.
4. Contest will close this Wednesday, August 31st at midnight (EST).
5. PLEASE leave your e-mail address if it's not attached in Blogger - I need some way to reach you.
6. If you don't win a pair of scissors or can't wait, these are available at WalMart for your purchasing pleasure.

Full contest disclosure here.

Winner of last week's starter set was linda from arizona.

Dyed newspaper eco-art.

The Beatles said it - do think it's true that all you need is love?  Sometimes I really just need sleep.  Or someone to do my laundry.  Or a pedicure.  But love is nice too, don't get me wrong.

This "Love" artwork from the Rit Dye blog is pretty cool, and I love the bright colors.  Of course I do.  I forget (frequently) that you can dye things besides fabric, so this is a good reminder.  Dye a ton of newspaper at once and do a ton of projects, including these canvases.  It all comes together with Mod Podge.  Visit the entire tutorial here.

DIY glass citrus plates.

I get a lot of questions about whether or not you can Mod Podge on glass plates.  The answer is yes, you can.  One thing that you should always keep in mind is that you should Mod Podge on the back of the plates, because Mod Podge isn't food safe.  I spotted these at Frugal with a Flourish and I love the colors - Pretty Handy Girl did an awesome tutorial as a guest post to show you how Mod Podging on the back of plates works.  It's quite simple, and great for a beginning Podger.  Visit the complete tutorial here.

Recent crafty posts on Babble.com.

Hi all!  I've been doing so many fun posts on Babble.com's The New Home Ec recently.  You could say that I'm on a roll.  I even got to post about buttons, which is my favorite thing in the whole world.  Did you know I love buttons that much?  I do.  Read the post to find out why - and then check out more awesome craft projects at Babble.

• 23 Craft Ideas with Buttons (pictured above)
• 18 Projects to Sew with Fabric Scraps
• 21 Budget Spray Paint Ideas
• 23 Pillow Tutorials to Sew
• 21 Paint Chip Craft Ideas

DIY Book planter with succulents.

Are you kidding?  A book used as a planter?  How cool is that!?  I spotted this technique on What.Lauren.Loves and it would be amazing for a party centerpiece or two.  I would even have these at the nerd party I'm planning.  Actually, I haven't started planning it yet, but I'm going to.  And book planter centerpieces will definitely be a part of the festivities.  Visit the full tutorial here.

Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Mobility dog food and giveaway.

This post brought to you by Hills Pet Nutrition. All opinions are 100% mine.

I'm a total nut when it comes to my dogs - I have to admit my friends, I love them more than Mod Podge.  I call them the piggies for those of you who don't know.  Mod Podge Roxie is one of them (see her above).  Isn't she sweet?  I love talking and posting about my piggies.  Recently I received a gift basket from Hill's Pet Nutrition to try on the piggies.  You can see what I got below.

Make a silhouette canvas.

Sometimes ideas are so brilliantly simple - that I want to take myself outside of Mod Podge Command Central and kick my own butt because I didn't think of it.  This canvas guest posted by Char of Crap I've Made at Tatertots and Jello is a perfect example.  Char used a few simple ingredients (canvas, paint, magazine scraps, Mod Podge) and this is the result.  I love it.  What do you think?  Take a peek at the tutorial here.

Affordable decorative luminaries.

Desperately seeking a cool and functional lighting option for your space?  Man Podger David has a new tutorial for you - affordable, decorative luminaries made with hardware store goodies.  Most of you don't know this, but I'm really into mood lighting.  Not a big fan of bright light.  I'm straight out of the Twilight series, and I think it's because I grew up in Seattle.  The great thing about these luminaries is that they are for vampires and non-vampires alike.  I need to make about a hundred, because my friends would love them for gifts.  Here's the tutorial, straight from David.

A sis boom suitcase.

I'm blushing because Jennifer Pagnelli from Sis Boom has been so kind to mention me - and our little conversation about fixer-uppering her small suitcase.  It just so happens that Jennifer designs some amazing, beautiful fabrics that go so well with Mod Podge.  If you haven't given Mod Podging with fabric a go, I highly recommend it.  It really is my favorite.  In fact, you should start with Jennifer's fabrics.  Visit here to learn more about Jennifer's Sis Boom business and to see more pictures of her little suitcase.

PS - Thanks Jennifer!

Love a local business - Whipstitch.

Hey everyone! I have talked about my favorite local small business before - Whipstitch. I want to bring them up again because Intuit is having a Love a Local Business Campaign, and I'm trying to help get them a $25,000 grant.

Whipstitch is so amazing. It's an Etsy shop but also a brick and mortar store about 45 minutes from me - do you remember when I went there to meet Dana from Made? Deborah Moebes is the owner, and she's a very awesome person. Do you remember when I reviewed her brand new book, Stitch By Stitch? I don't get to talk much about sewing since this blog is all about Mod Podge, but sewing is how I started crafting when I was about ten years old. My mom made me go to sewing camp; I think that says enough. I can say that in all my years of sewing, one of the biggest sewing challenges has not been the sewing itself (although trust me, I've made my fair share of mistakes). The hardest thing has always been finding cute fabric! Deborah gets that, and one of her biggest goals was to create a destination for awesome fabrics, lessons and community. Whipstitch does it all. Thanks Deborah, for all you do. When you have a chance, please visit the Whipstitch site, the blog and the Etsy store. You won't be disappointed.

I love Whipstitch so much that I entered them into the Intuit's Love a Local Business Campaign. They can win a $25,000 grant! I'm a fan of local businesses and I visit them whenever I can . . . I want to keep the local craft shops going strong! I'd love it if you help support them too. Here's how:

1. Click here.
2. Click on "I'm a Fan of a Local Business."
3. Type "Whipstitch" in the search bar.
4. Click on "Whipstitch" in Atlanta, GA.
5. VOTE!

That's all you have to do - and Whipstitch could win a $25,000 business grant! One more thing - if you leave a comment about what business you would like to start, you can win an iPad 2. Let's do this.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Intuit’s Love A Local Business competition. The opinions and text are all mine. Contest runs August 10 to September 1, 2011. A random winner will be announced by September 6, 2011. Official Contest Rules

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, August 24th 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.

Winner of last week's starter pack is craftsbycharliegirl.

Upcycling with coffee labels.

I think Mitzi from Mitzi's Collectibles uses Mod Podge more than I do.  She inspires me to raise my game a bit!  Mitzi is also great at finding vintage items and making them pretty - she can visualize what a project can be and then make it so.  Her latest is Mod Podging vintage coffee labels to old containers, and she evens provides them for free.  Check out Mitzi's post here.

Beautiful barstools before and after.

I've seen the barstools above (on the left "before" side) in a lot of houses in my life.  They must be the main barstools available at the barstool store . . . or maybe it's because the white and pine goes with everything?  If you have them, it's time to change your barstools from what everyone else has.  Revamp yours like Brooke from The Crafting Chicks did.  It's quick, budget friendly and uses fabric.  You might even have enough goodies in your stash.  Visit the full tutorial here.

PS - do you remember last year's Trick Your Pumpkin challenge?  Plaid is doing it again!  Enter a decorated pumpkin to win cash and prizes.  Visit the rules and get information here.

Petit collage decoupage stool.

Everyone needs a little Petit Collage in their life - and once you see the work of Lorena Siminovich, you'll find out why you do, too.  Lorena shares a tutorial for decoupaging a stool (that you see above) over at Design*Sponge.  Lorena makes all her collages in this same manner, so hopefully this post will encourage you to do a few of your own.  The bird collage above the stool is another piece of Lorena's.  Visit the stool tutorial and you'll also see a few other Petit Collages as well.

Recent crafty posts on Babble.com.

Hey folks!  Each week I'm going to do a recap of my latest posts for The New Home Ec at Babble.com. I think one of the most fun jobs I have is looking for awesome crafts, and I have found so many wonderful things floating around the interwebs lately.  Here are my recent picks - I think you'll like.

• 20 DIY Headboard Ideas to Make
• 13 Recipes for Cleaners and Household Products (eco-friendly!)
• 17 Budget Craft Ideas from Dollar Store Crafts (pictured above)
• 15 Ways to Create a Bracelet
• 9 Pretty Greeting Card Ideas

Simple votive centerpiece idea.

I spotted this idea at Arrow and Apple and thought it was so stunningly simple that I had to share.  When I saw these votives, I thought about a centerpiece at a wedding or a party.  Wouldn't that be lovely?  You can use book pages, thin papers or whatever else you have.  It might be fun to use comics for a kid's party.  The best part?  You might have everything you need, so this could be free; it's also great for beginners.  Visit the weekend DIY votive tutorial here.

Beauty secrets live chat.

Hey all!  I'm having a live chat about beauty secrets tomorrow in the BlogFrog CoffeeTalk community!  Come share your favorite beauty secrets, products and recipes.  Here are the details:

• Date: Thursday, August 18th
• Time: 9 - 10pm EST
• Topic: Beauty Secrets - click here to join!

I also have a special BlogFrog community just for Mod Podge: the Mod Podge Rocks Community embedded on my site.  You can ask me questions about Mod Podge and we can have interactive discussions.  Yay!

Mail holder made with Mod Podge.

Mod Podge Walter is at it again - making practical projects that we all can use!  There's nothing wrong with that, now is there?  His latest piece is called "Moo"-ve the Mail off the Table.  Do you have that person in your life who stacks the mail in piles?  And you've asked that person politely to place the mail somewhere but they don't?  This might help.  Here's the project straight from Walter.

Turn trash into something cute.

Stop whatever you are doing.  Right now.  Head to the garbage can and start digging - I guarantee there is something in there you can Mod Podge, so you need to pull it out.  That is what Ashley from Under the Sycamore did, and how she has some smart containers for storing supplies.  It's all about matching up the organization you need with the garbage you have - just Mod Podge it.  Visit Ashley's tutorial here; and if you haven't seen these other Mod Podge projects by Ashley, she's really good.

• Craft closet dividers
• DIY scrap paper bowl
• Pretty terra cotta
• DIY paper bird painting

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, August 17th 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.

Winner of last week's starter pack is Jetske.

Mod Podge towel rack.

What do you do when you get tired of your children's towels being thrown on the floor?  Mod Podge a towel rack.  That's what Meg did from A Little Knick Knack.  She did it with a scrap piece of wood, some papers and the best decoupage medium ever.  Visit Meg's post here, because she has a great way for keeping it stable on the wall.

DIY glass magnets for gifts.

Now and again I like to present projects for the beginning Mod Podger (you more experienced Podgers will have to excuse me).  These magnets from Two Girls Being Crafty are perfect if you've never picked up a brush and a bottle of Mod Podge.  But even if you are an expert, I would give these a try with some scrap paper.  They make cute gifts for new neighbors or hostesses.  Enjoy the tutorial here.

Tons of craft ideas on Babble.com

Hi everybodeee!  As you may recall, I have started blogging for The New Home Ec at Babble.com.  It's been a few weeks and I'm absolutely LOVING it!  Why?  I love writing - and I love talking about projects other than Mod Podge.  Not that I don't love Mod Podge, I mean, of course I do. . . but I love all crafts, and it's great to be able to chat about other things.  Here are the posts I did for this past week - with SO many ideas per post.  Enjoy!

• 10 Ways to Refurbish a Filing Cabinet (one pictured above)
• A Dollar Store Autumn Sign Re-Do
• 10 Ways to Refashion an Old T-Shirt
• DIY Nail Art
• Make a Duct Tape Tote Bag
• Sew Your Own Dish and Hand Towels
• Men Can Mod Podge, Too
• Macrame is Coming Back

Your own intepretation of birdie wall art.

I've not done any birdie wall art.  Well, not officially.  There was this project.  But I haven't yet painted a canvas Mod Podged bird shapes to it like this canvas from Kristen at Who's Watching the Baby?  She was inspired by several other sources including a project from Ashley Ann Photography that I featured on this blog.  Have you done any birdie wall art yet?  Visit Kristen's inspirations and see a larger shot of her finished project here.

Customized handles (knobs).

I've noticed over the years that it's the little details about a project that make me squeal.  It's like shoes on a person - have you noticed how shoes can make or break an outfit?  I think knobs on furniture are similar.  I spotted these customized knobs from Kristine at The Painted Hive and thought, this is the perfect way to get the knobs of your dreams (haha) that coordinate exactly with your furniture.  They are quite easy to make.  Visit the full tutorial here.

Speaking of the perfect shoes making an outfit, I definitely need these.

They are SO me.  I'm pinning them.

DIY some pretty kitchen cabinet handles.

Man Podger David has come up with a really interesting idea for kitchen cabinet handles.  It's an affordable solution if you are forced to go with the "standard issue" handles that you can get in a bin at Lowe's or Home Depot.  It just goes to show that just because you are on a budget doesn't mean your decor has to look like it.

Take a peek at David's project, and then visit all the rest of the Man Podger projects.

I want this Mod Podged car.

Okay, so I don't know if it's really Mod Podged - but it looks like it.  It definitely could be.  I spotted it on Gypsy Purple, and I'm wondering how I can get my hands on it.  The biggest thing I've ever Mod Podged is a toy chest.  So I ask you: what is the largest item you've ever Mod Podged?

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, August 10th 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.

Winner of last week's starter pack is Becki.

My obsession with Union Jack.

I'm totally into Union Jack; I have a discussion going on right now in the International Delights Coffee Talk community about it.  Come let me know what you think!

Sparkle cupcake necklace.

 

Sometimes you need a project that shows off your funky side.  My funky side is kinda worn on my sleeve, but if you need a little nudging to get outside of your box then I am giving it to you.  I spotted this cupcake necklace made with Sparkle Mod Podge on PSA Stamp Camp, and I thought it would be perfect for those of you who are looking to spice things up a bit.  Take a peek at the instructions here.

Are you a Type A or Type B Mod Podger?

I cracked up when I saw this post about nesting on Two Girls Being Crafty - it basically differentiates between two types of crafters (A and B) via the visual you see above.  The projects are hemp "nests" made with Mod Podge that could be used for table displays (just add pretty eggs).  I look at the nests above and I want to be a type A crafter . . . but I frequently lean toward type B.  So I ask, which one are you?  Let me know in the comments.  And don't forget to visit here for more about the nests.

Mod Podging things to canvas.

If you want to know the secret to my Mod Podge project heart, it's easy - anything with blue catches my eye.  I'm so predictable!  The bright blue of this canvas from Sassy at The Sassy Pepper had me investigate a little further, and the I realized Sassy has a great idea for making instant wall art - Mod Podged calendar pages.  According to her entry you need Girl Scout cookies to snack on in addition to Mod Podge and the basic supplies.  Makes sense to me.  Enjoy Sassy's tutorial here.

Make a visit to Hobby Lobby.

I wanted to give a shout out to Hobby Lobby. Why do I love them?  Because they have coupons weekly.  And because that's where I got the refurbished key portrait surface that I love so.


Thanks Hobby Lobby, for being awesome!  Do you love Hobby Lobby too?  Why?  If you haven't never been, you need to go . . .

Mod Podge napkin chair.

I don't give enough attention to Mod Podging with napkins, but truly, it is really fun and looks cool.  I need to do it more.  I had to point you to this floral chair by Tamara at Etcetorize because I think she aced it - and she got the chair for $2 at a garage sale, so that makes it all the better.  It now looks like a million bucks.  Please visit Tamara for the entire tutorial here.

One more thing - I've got a new endeavor!  It's cause I'm crazy and like to take on more work.  Naaaah . . . it's because I love what I do!!  Babble.com has recently released a new section of their site devoted to DIY and crafts - called "The New Home Ec."  Please check it out here, and visit my first entry here.

Catch of the day pencil holder.

Man Podger Walter has done a project that reminds me of something special close to home.  His catch of the day pencil holder makes me think about Pike Place Market back in my hometown of Seattle.  I picture it flying through the air at Pike Place Fish.  Ah, the memories!  I think this would make a surprise not only for a Seattlite who likes the market but also for the dude in your life.  I mean, what do you get the guy that has everything?  Here are the instructions straight from Walter himself.

Getting rid of the blah with pretty terra cotta.

Ashley from Under the Sycamore has been featured before - I've shown you her closet dividers, paper bird painting and scrap paper bowl.  In short, she's always Mod Podging great stuff, and these terra cotta pots are included.  These pretty pots were done as a project to help with the "blahs," and they certainly do, don't you think?  Ashley was inspired by an entry at Christine Chitnis.  I'm inspired by both of them, personally.  Visit Ashley's entry here.