Cute lil' tic-tac-toe game.

Have you recovered from Thanksgiving weekend? I hope so, because I have a lot of craft ideas coming up in the next few weeks that you are going to need to try. One I found recently is by Amy of The Idea Room - and uses the new Martha Stewart Decorative Paint Line goodies. It's a game or an organization center, depending on what you want to do with it. I like that it's versatile, and it's also a great gift idea. Want the tutorial? Visit Amy here.

One other thing. Have you recently been to the CoffeeTalk Community at BlogFrog? There are some fun discussions going on there and I love putting my two cents in. For instance, do you wear tights? (yes) and what is your Christmas color palette this year? (not sure yet)

Come join us!

Dazzling, sparkly druzy jewelry.

So what is druzy jewelry? Druzy is a layer of crystals that form within a mineral crust, and is similar to the effect that you get when crack open a rock and find a shiny middle. You didn't know I was a geologist did you? I'm not - as a matter of fact, I couldn't stand geology in college. But I love druzy jewelry!

This version by Alicia at Dismount Creative is just like the real thing, and you can use Mod Podge and glitter to achieve the effect. These look sparkly and amazing and would make a great gift. Do you want to make some? Find the tutorial here.

Holiday tree centerpiece, with candles.

Man Podger Walter has outdone himself this time with his gorgeous, modern tree centerpiece. Walter . . . is this going into your Etsy shop? I think some of us want it!! I know I do. If I have to pick my favorite type of holiday decor, it's the kind that's simple and clean. Though I've been guilty of the more colorful, busy type of projects, the style just like Walter's holiday tree centerpiece is my favorite. This project is not difficult, and you can see how awesome the results are; I'll let Walter tell you how it's done.

Martha Stewart Crafts painted ornaments.

I've had some wooden ornaments purchased at Michaels laying around for about two years, and I am so excited to share with you that I *finally* got the chance to paint them. I think sometimes it just takes the right crafting supplies and everything coming together at the right time. For this project, I used several supplies including goodies from the new Martha Stewart Decorative Paint Line from Plaid . . . I also used my favorite Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. There's a lot of glitter and bright colors goin' on, just like there should be for the holidays. These were so fun to make - I had a blast. Read on to find out how they were made.

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, November 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.

Winner of last week's Coco Levine book giveaway was Allen Family.

Tiffany and Amy do Design Sponge.

I would like to share some proof that I actually do get out of my house sometimes and enjoy socializing with the public. Back on November 3rd, Tiffany from Simply Modern Mom and I went to a book signing for Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge. It was at a local West Elm. As you can see, we had fun in the photo booth that was there.

Grace Bonney started Design*Sponge in 2004, and since that time the website has gone crazy. Everyone loves it. I'm am lucky enough to have had my antique key art featured there. With the popularity of Design*Sponge online, it's no surprised that Grace wrote a book - Design*Sponge at Home.

Guess what? Grace is *really* nice. You never know what to expect with blog-lebrities, and Grace is just awesome. You can tell she's appreciative for every reader she has. Oh, and she's a teeny lil' thing. I felt like a big stump next to her!

Here are Tiffany and I with our signed books. Yay! You should really visit Tiffany at her blog because she makes the cutest stuff. And she's nice.

So what do you think of Design*Sponge? Are you a regular reader - and are you going to buy the book?

Little toy pulley turned tray.

Are you looking for an interesting way to display a centerpiece on your holiday table? Elvi of LoLovie has a great idea - an upcycled pulley toy! Sometimes blocks comes in these sorts of wheeled trays, but what often happens is that the blocks end up in the toy bin, and the tray just sits by itself. So why not do something with it? I think this serving tray is unusual, surprising. . . and I like that. To see more pictures and the process of adding polka dots, visit Elvi here.

Martha Stewart holiday craft event at Pins and Needles.

A few weeks ago, the fabulous people at Martha Stewart Living held an event at Pins and Needles in NYC. I wasn't able to be there in person, but I was able to Skype in - sometimes technology really comes in handy. The event was for children and their parents, and featured five crafts including a few from the new Handmade Holiday Crafts book - the book I've been crafting along with at The New Home Ec. Skyping in was fun, and I really wished I could have been there. Everyone was having such a great time!

Here's one of the projects that was done at the crafting event - aren't they cute? I love gingerbread men (my favorite symbol of the holiday), so this was definitely a favorite. Since the folks at MS are so nice, they are letting me share the instructions with you, as well as a few other projects (with instructions) from the event. Read on!

Bright and fun nightstand upcycle.

You could be one of those people who went out shopping last night at 10pm - in which case, you got back at 5 this morning and are ready to tackle a DIY project! Maybe not, but luckily this is a long weekend, and so you could complete a nightstand like this if you wanted to. This revamp was done by Lesley of The Homeless Finch. The bright, pretty fabric is a great contrast to the painted white. You have to see more pictures of the "before" as well as the finished dresser - prepare to be impressed.

Toilet paper roll pendants.

I know some of you craft supply hoarders have toilet paper rolls as part of your stash - for those of you who fit this description, you're going to love this project. For those of you who don't keep TP rolls, these pendants are a good reason to start. Meg from Mega*Crafty is the creator (remember her acorns?). All these pendants are easier to make than you think, including the really cool dimensional tree one. Want to give them a try? Visit Meg here.

Happy Thanksgiving.

I'm thankful for a lot of things today:

-My friends, family and dogs
-My craft supplies
-A warm place to sleep
-You!

Have a great day.

LiveOn, create a memory.

I was recently invited to review LiveOn, an online program for creating memories using pictures and milestones. Before I went into the program, I did a little research and was intrigued to find out that the site was named to the Startup Open's Global Entrepreneurship Week Top 50. I have been enjoying reading about startups lately, and I think it's great thing to have a business idea, develop a plan and then actually get to move forward with it. But anyway, the program. I think you're going to like it.

Bow front bird chest.

I've featured a few dresser re-dos on here (I think about 100), because if I had a bigger house or even a place to sell them, I would re-do dressers all the time. I love making old, crappy furniture look good. I spotted this project on Cottage Hill, and I was impressed with Lindy's dresser transformation. She used images from Graphics Fairy and her own painting "skillz" to make this chest as pretty as it is. See the process here.

Do you want to see some other dresser transformations I've featured? Check these out:

• Decoupage photography dresser
• Vintage sheet dresser
• Polka dot dresser facelift
• Bird wallpaper dresser
• Map dresser
• Lining dresser drawers (after your dresser is done!)

Guest curator on Crescendoh and a free holiday e-book.

Hi all! Just a few news bits for your viewing pleasure. First of all, I'm being featured as a guest curator this week on Crescendoh. In celebration of my new book, Jenny is featuring links that I love and more about me. I'm so pleased to have Jenny as a featured artist in the new book, because her art is amazing. See the posting series at her blog (the first one is here).

Another feature I'm pleased to share is the Handmade Holiday Decor e-book (free!) you can find at My Blessed Life. I've got a project in there, and so do 32 other bloggers. You can't lose with a free e-book . . . and there are tons of great ideas. Download it today!

Faux federalist re-do.

I'm not quite sure what a federalist (in furnitureland) is, except I know this - I like them. Missey re-did one on her blog RedoPalooza, and I really adore the light gray paint with the yellow fabric. I can tell that it's going to be in a primo place and hold some fancy little goodies. I definitely need one. You should visit Missey at the post here.

Fabric covered storage boxes.

I spotted this post on A Beautiful Mess and fell in love. Cool fabric Mod Podged boxes with Polaroids of what's inside? Why didn't I think of that! Then I was thinking that these same boxes would actually make good homes for gifts, so I should show them to you. I can totally picture a red chevron one with a million dollars in it underneath the tree, just for me. If only what we pictured really happened, right? Anyhoo, if you want to get the tutorial, you should go here.

Butter rum muffins and giveaway.

I am the worst baker in the world. Actually, I'm not really sure if I'm the worst baker in the world because I rarely do it. With the holidays coming up and some hungry co-workers to contend with, I decided to bake some muffins. Translation: time to get out of my comfort zone and use the KitchenAid that collects dust on my counter.

You'll be proud to know that not only did I use a baking pan, I used muffin cups. I mean, these are completely official. I also used a secret ingredient known as International Delight Vanilla Spiced Rum since I did not want to use alcohol in these muffins.

CoCo Levine, Cupcake Queen book review and giveaway.

I absolutely love children's books, especially when they have to do with my favorite subject: crafting. I haven't done a book review in awhile, so I felt it was time, especially with the holidays coming up (gift ideas). Today's book review is CoCo Levine, Cupcake Queen: Fabulous Adventures in Cooking, Crafting and Friendship. Do you see why I'm excited?

CoCo is part storybook, part recipe book, part crafts guide . . . so you can read with your kids and do the activities with them, too. The crafts include an adorable dish towel apron, cupcake soap and swamp slime (CoCo has an icky best friend named Larry Contrary who loves all things slimy and silly). The recipes include pickled frogs, and of course, cupcakes.

It's a fun story of friendship, and I LOVE LOVE the illustrations. I wouldn't hesitate to give this to a friend's child for the holidays or even a birthday. The author Audrey is nice enough to be giving away a copy to one of you. I'm excited, because I would love for one of you to win it. Here are the rules for today's giveaway.

1. Comment on THIS blog entry. Who would you give this book to?
2. Only one entry per person.
3. Contest will close this Wednesday, November 23rd at midnight (EST).
4. PLEASE leave your e-mail address if it's not attached in Blogger - I need some way to reach you.
5. If you can't wait to see if you won, get a copy here.

Full contest disclosure here.

Last week's winner of the Where Women Create mag giveaway was Fitzy.
Last week's winner of the Mod Podge starter pack was Allison the Meep.

Who I am, and a word on paid blogging.

Hi friends! I'm doing a post about a few things today, because a personal post on this blog is way overdue. For those of you who are new and don't know much about me, I'd like to introduce myself. Here's what you should know.

• I love aliteration - so Amy Anderson is the perfect name for me.
• My favorite color is blue and I try to wear it every day, in addition to stripes and polka dots (one or the other, sometimes both).
• I grew up with four brothers, so I'm a bit of a tomboy. I love the outdoors, hiking, camping, running. I also don't like the heat, so I don't do as much of those things in the South as I would like.
• I love school. I have too many degrees and want to go back for more (though I probably won't). I could definitely be a professional student.
• I try to have fun as much as possible. I don't ever want to be one of those people who takes themselves too seriously. 
• Crafting and writing are my favorite hobbies, so blogging about crafts is a natural fit for me.
• I don't have children yet, but I definitely want one or two.

Those are just a few things, and I hope something in there resonates with you. I enjoy connecting with people. I'm open to your e-mails about crafting, Mod Podge and just life in general. That's just how I roll.

Now I'd like to talk about paid blogging.  There are a few things I need/want you to know about Mod Podge Rocks, because you spend your time coming here, and I spend my time writing here, and I want us to be on the same page (or at least as close as possible).

Why you shouldn't make your own Mod Podge.

Photo courtesy of Cre8tive Designs

I get a lot of questions about homemade Mod Podge, and I've seen a lot of it on Pinterest recently, so I wanted to address with a blog post. Interestingly enough, I have been asked these questions for years. I should start by saying this is not a paid endorsement - no person or company asked me to post this, or even knows I'm doing it.

I just don't want you to be disappointed.

The truth is, I've gotten MANY e-mails from people (with pictures) asking why their photo/furniture/gift project is yellowing/flaking/peeling and what they can do. With further prompting, I find out that they made a glue concoction on their own by adding water.

Mod Podge is a step above craft glue in terms of the sealing properties. Mod Podge is glue, but it's also a sealer - and there are varnishes, etc. in the formula that don't exist in craft glues. The bonding properties of Mod Podge are way stronger than that of (most) craft or school glues. Long story short, the ingredients in Mod Podge are not the same as craft glue, and in 99% of cases are superior. That is why Mod Podge costs more than craft glue.

And that is why it lasts longer and is more durable on projects.

A lot of the homemade recipes take craft glue and dilute it with water, which is just about the worst thing you can do to make a decoupage medium of any sort. You're taking a glue that is inferior to decoupage medium and made it even thinner by adding water. This is why I receive pictures all the time of ruined furniture or home decor items that didn't last more than a few years before the paper started peeling off or yellowing BADLY. In the short term, the projects might seem okay, but over the years, the projects go down the toilet. And then I get very sad e-mails.

Decoupage medium is more expensive than glue, but you'll notice on the glue aisle of any craft store that there is a wide range of pricing depending on what the specific glue does. The more specialty the application, the more it's going to cost. Mod Podge might be more expensive than glue and water, but the 8 oz. bottle lasts a long time, and you can always use a 40% coupon (do an online search to find them). Of course I think it's worth it - but I also have the proof: jewelry, home decor items and furniture that have been around for years and still look as great as the day they were made. I hope this helps.

I'm always available for questions, by the way. Just send me at e-mail: modpodgerocks at gmail.

If you're a newbie or can't figure out how to get rid of wrinkles, check out my learn-how videos.

Some colorful bird feeders.

Okay, I know it's a little late to be posting summer projects, but these were so cute I had to feature them somehow. At her blog, Candice features these painted and decoupaged cartons (you can use old milk cartons) that were turned into crafty birdhouses by her children. I love the colors, I love the papers, and I think you should keep these on your project list for whenever the birds are feeing again. Visit Candice's fun post here.

Fancy camera strap.

If you saw my camera, you might be mad at me. I leave the lens cap off way too much, there's paint on it in various places and I don't put it back in it's case. Shame! I might be able to make it up to all of you by glittering my camera strap like Sibylle of Fun.kyti.me did. She also added mini rhinestones. I'm normally not a huge bling person but I LOVE this project. I've been loving glitter more and more lately. What has come over me? You can see a peek of the project above - to see more images of the strap and get the tutorial, visit Sibylle here.

The latest Babble goodness.

I love posting on Babble.com at The New Home Ec, I really do. I'm basically curating slideshows of my favorite things and wonderful ideas that I find on the internet, and it's a blast.

• 17 Cute Winter Sewing Projects (shown above)
• 24 Crafty Christmas Tree Projects
• 21 Christmas Tree Skirts to Make
• 24 Creative Gift Wrap Ideas for the Holidays
• 23 Festive Christmas Stockings to DIY
• 25 DIY Christmas Wreaths
• 22 Kids' Craft Ideas for the Holidays

And of course you haven't forgotten that I'm crafting along with Martha Stewart's Handmade Holiday Crafts for a whole year. I totally decimated one of her turkey projects - they didn't even have a chance. Come see my pom-pom toms.

DIY pallet map boys' room decor.

Making something with pallets is all over the blogsphere right now. It's got me trolling around behind stores (driving slowly, wearing a trenchcoat) to see what I can dig up. Not really - I'm lucky that I can get them at work for free. Pamela from PB&J Stories made this with a pallet, a poster and Mod Podge. I've always wanted one of those license plate maps, and now I can have one for a fraction of the cost. Learn how to make your own by visiting here.

Applying fabric to furniture with Mod Podge.

I get a lot of questions about re-doing furniture by Mod Podging fabric. It's not as hard as it looks, and I wanted to share a tutorial from 508 that I think you'll enjoy. I love the bright green and the fabric panels, and the author even learned an important lesson at the end that I also learned on my first furniture project. Take a peek at the entry here.

For more fabric on furniture projects, visit these links:

• A fabric table mosaic
• Mod Podged shelves
• Revamped IKEA drawers
• Upcycled table with owl fabric
• Dresser repurposed with sheets
• Fabric coffee table
• Bright and cheery stool

Gilded pumpkin lights.

It may be after Halloween, but pumpkins are still perfectly acceptable for Thanksgiving decor. In fact, this display by Lindsay of Shrimp Salad Circus would be a gorgeous addition to any holiday table. I'm not only thrilled that they are real pumpkins, but also that there are tealights involved. How does she use Mod Podge in this project? You'll just have to pop over here and see. Be advised that there is cutting of pumpkins involved (disclaimer for sensitive audiences).

Inspired decoupage candles.

The one thing I love about this time of year and the whole getting dark early thing is candles. I like them a lot. I'm also afraid to burn them, because I'm absent-minded and I don't want Mod Podge Command Central to go up in flames. Lisa from Crafting Rebellion has a great solution: LED flameless candles. She bought them from the dollar store AND she made them pretty with some Vera Bradley napkins. It's not going to cost much to make a whole bunch of these, and then you can give some as gifts. Find the how-to here.

Turkey from children's artwork.

I love Aunt Peaches - she never ceases to amaze me with her projects. This time is a crazy, colorful turkey out of children's art. The best part (besides the color) is the red balloon waddle that made me laugh out loud. I think everything needs a red balloon waddle. If your children a) have leftover artwork and b) need something to do in the upcoming days before Thanksgiving, give them this project. It's also a fine table centerpiece. Get the tutorial here.

Chevron polymer clay pendant DIY.

 

My name is Johnnie and I blog over at Saved By Love Creations. I am one happy lady about being here at MPR!! I heart this blog, and Amy is wonderful. Today, I will be showing you how to make a polymer clay chevron pendant (yes, the Target Missoni line has everything to do with the inspiration behind this project). If you have never touched polymer clay, it is ok. You can do this. It is super easy, fast, and cheap, so let's go!

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, November 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.

Full contest disclosure here.

Winner of last week's Mod Podge giveaway was Allie.

Book news and live chat.

Big news my friends. I've been working on something for several months and am finally finished - a Mod Podge Rocks book!! I can't believe it's finally done. When you're doing a book, it seems like you are going to be doing it for the rest of your life. Then it's done, and it feels great! There are all kinds of projects in Mod Podge Rocks, from home decor to gifts to holiday. It's going to be out next June, but you can pre-order here. Feel free to use it for a gift, or a coaster! Haha.

One more thing. We're talking all about the holidays over at BlogFrog’s International Delight Coffeetalk community. Coming up next Wednesday, November 16 at 1pm EST/10am PST there will be a live chat about easy holiday food and entertaining ideas. To join us, just visit the link at 1pm, and see how much I love to talk about the holidays!

DIY chalkboard calendar tutorial.

I'm constantly trying to get organized. I just lost a Redbox movie the other day for three days. That cost me three bucks! It's not just movies though, it could be my keys, my phone or even my glasses on my face. I appreciate any organizing crafts I can find, and I recently spotted this chalkboard calendar on PSA Stamp Camp. I'm a big fan of all parts of this project - the stamps, the Mod Podge, chalkboard paint (and markers). I sense you'll be doing some projects for 2012 soon, and you're going to need a calendar just like this one. Find the tutorial here.

Vintage drawer to jewelry organizer.

My jewelry collection is just sitting on my cable box, and I would really love to move it. I spotted this vintage drawer turned jewelry organizer at Fun.kyti.me, and it's exactly what I'm talking about. I need to find a drawer immediately, because the greatest part about this (besides the Mod Podge) is that it's hanging from the wall. It's now on my to-do list. Visit the tutorial to make one here.

PS - Fun.kyti.me is one of my favorite blogs EVER.

Cottonelle Respect the Roll.

Thank you to Cottonelle for encouraging me to Respect The Roll by sending me these awesome roll covers and Cottonelle Clean Care product and sponsoring my creativity. You can enter to win roll covers yourself by visiting Cottonelle's Facebook page!

Um, I have a confession. I'm a toilet paper connoisseur. I don't like the cheap stuff, and it's one of the few categories where brand name is important to me. I love Cottonelle, so I was pretty stoked when they sent me some TP and roll covers to try out. What do you think of the cute roll covers?

They actually have a new campaign called Respect the Roll, which makes me laugh. I work in marketing, and I appreciate good advertising. The point is to bring your TP rolls out of hiding - and display them in a fun way. I totally get it. I want the rolls out. I've been stranded before, calling for someone to bring me some paper. Don't laugh - you know it's happened to you!

Display your children's artwork.

No so very long ago I read a funny article about children's artwork; the great dilemma about whether or not to pitch it. Now that I think back, where did my mom put all that "art" from her five kids? I have a sneaking suspicion! If you are a kids' artwork keeper, then Ashley from Little Miss Momma has a great way to hang it using plaques and Mod Podge. I think these little plaques look fun and actually wouldn't mind having them on the wall. Visit Ashley's project here and then let me know - your children's artwork, do you keep or toss it?

Where Women Create Winter 2012 giveaway.

Hey Podgers! I was recently given the opportunity to give away a copy of a great magazine that I personally love: Where Women Create. I likely have one of the dumpiest creating spaces in the history of crafters, so I love seeing where others are working and how they surround themselves with inspiration. The best part? Reading stories of extraordinary women and their processes of creating (not just seeing where they work). You could say the magazine makes me jealous - it definitely does - but I mean that in a good way. It inspires me to do the best with the space and life that I have.

The winter issue of Where Women Create is filled with new artist studios and organizational ideas. Featured in this issue are Angie Cook of Knobstoppers, Kristin Alber of Found, Rebecca Puig of Sugarboo, Stephanie Blank of Blankety Blank Designs, and even Sarah Champier, who was the personal florist to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales for 11 years. Also, featured in our brand-new column, "The Men Who Make It," is Drew Emborsky, the Crochet Dude!

 

I'm giving away one copy to a reader who is interested in checking it out. Here's what you need to know:

1. Comment on THIS blog entry. Say anything you like!
2. Only one entry per person.
3. Contest will close next Wednesday, November 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.

Full contest disclosure here.

If you don't win, you can purchase this magazine on the newsstands or order online. You can also visit Where Women Create on their website, facebook or twitter.

ABC wall letter tutorial.

Are you thinking that maybe you need some inexpensive but cute (just like this baby) wall art? This project by Jamie of The Letter 4 incorporates all of my favorite things, in addition to being on a budget: typography and book pages being the main draw. I think it looks fantastic, and the little one seems to love it too (she's smiling and showing a few teeth on the blog). Click here to get the full tutorial.