Inspire Canvas

A simple flat panel canvas turns into an "inspiring" decoration with Mod Podge and some simple embellishments.

After creating a base layer of Mod Podged scrapbook paper, I layered the cut out shapes and the "inspire" wording. When dry, I added some lace trim and buttons. The finishing touch was the adorable charm I created using a Craft Fantastic Charm Tray. The flower charm was designed to be a necklace but I flipped it upside-down and hung the bird charm off of it. 

I loved the results and this canvas became a wonderful decorative touch to my craft area! 

**Please be advised that Plaid Enterprises, Inc. has compensated the designer by furnishing Plaid product at no charge in connection with this posting. 

Impress your teacher with a Money Machine!

It's been a long hard school year! But take heart the finish line is in sight. There's just a little hiccup end of the year teacher gifts. As a homeschooler, it seems kind of silly to give a gift to myself, (although I've been known to 😉) but my children do participate in cooperative classes at times and I need to find gifts for those teachers.

So enter in the need to find gifts for two very special ladies. One of them put together an entire government/constitution class for two of my kids (and 15 others) and the other opened her home to us to have that class for 12 weeks! The families of the students wanted to get together and bless these ladies in some way. After tossing around several places to give gift certificates to, it was decided cash would be the best gift and since I never want to just "give cash" I had to find a creative way to present it. So enter in

"The money machine"

 

I saw several of these "premade" boxes online ranging from $5 to $17 dollars (plus shipping.) Who wants to spend money to give money. So I tried making one myself. 

Supplies needed:

 Money- $1 are fun (because the roll is longer.) but any denomination of bill works.  

Reposition-able Tape- (Scotch- Matte' Finish)

Small Box

Scissors/trimmer

Craft knife

Fake Money- Or use fake/play dollar bill images printed from online.

Letter Stickers

Mod Podge-Plaid Crafts

Computer/Printer

To create your "Money Machine"

• Start by taping your bills together end to end (I used a small piece of tape on both sides for extra strength.) The "matte finish"  tape came off the bills nicely as long as the tape didn't over lap the entire edge of the bill.

 

• When your money chain is finished rolled up the bills and place in a box that will fit not only the roll but big enough you can cut a slit in the top to feed your chain through.

 

• Using the craft knife, cut a slit in the top of the box. Then take your play/fake money and Mod Podge to the surface of the top of box.  Add your letter stickers. If you want a title on your machine.  I gave it a final coat of Mod Podge to act as a sealer to make sure the stickers stayed in place.

• I added some directions on how to use the money machine that I printed out.  I also realized I wanted some type of "pull tab" to thread through the top of the box so this I also printed off and then taped to the end of the dollar bill roll.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Then it's wrapping your gift and "patiently" waiting for your favorite teacher to open!

What are you "Podging?"

Happy Mod Podge Day!!! 

What are you "Podging" lately?

So many wonderful things happen in May, the "April showers" bring "May flowers." Mother's Day is Celebrated and last but certainly not least May 18th, is "National Mod Podge Day!" Yes, Mod Podge is celebrating it's 51st birthday and I decided to wrap all of our May celebrations in one fun project and a contest!

So how would one tie all of these wonderful celebrations together with one project? By redoing an adorable sewing desk!

 I was given this adorable sewing desk that belonged to my Grandma Helen. I love it's petite size and the drawers hold tons, but it isn't compatible with my sewing machine. So for Mother's Day I asked for help to adapt the desk for my use and time to be able to refinish it.

After filling some holes with wood putty, I sanded down the rough edges. I then taped off edges and started painting the main part of the desk a lovely creamy color of Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint called "sheepskin." For the top of the desk I created my own shade of "Aqua blue" with two additional colors of chalk paint. 

 For the top of the desk and the drawers,  I created my own shade of "Aqua blue" with two additional colors of chalk paint. 

My next step was to use Mod Podge Furniture, to adhere this gorgeous floral scrapbook paper to the front of the drawers. The used the darker aqua in the flowers as my paint inspiration! I love the way the paper reminds me of vintage wall paper.

Now comes the fun part of waiting for Mod Podge to dry! So while things are drying lets have a contest! Answer the question in the comments below, "What are you Mod Podging lately?" or if you have never used Mod Podge before, what would you like to? 

My friends over at Plaid Crafts will award one lucky recipient a wonderful "Mod Podge Prize pack" including: 

-8 oz Mod Podge Mega Glitter

-8 OZ. Mod Podge GLOSS 

-8 OZ. Mod Podge Matte 
-8 Oz. Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe Gloss 
-Mod Podge Image Transfer Medium with Brush
-Mod Podge Silicone Craft Mat
-M/P 4pc Spouncer Set -M/P 4pc Foam Brush Set


The contest is open to U.S. Residents only and will close next Thursday, May 24, 2018(11:59pm CST.) Please don't forget to input your email address when you leave your comment, so I may contact you if you are the lucky winner.

Thank you to Plaid Crafts for sponsoring the paint and Mod Podge used in this project and the contest!

Now if  you are like me and can't wait to win your Mod Podge, Plaid Crafts is having a special sale in honor of Mod Podge Day. From now thru Sunday May 20, 2018 you can get 40% off and free shipping when you spend $60 on all Mod Podge Branded products when you use promo code MPDAY18! See the website for details!

Shop now: http://bit.ly/2wM3wI8

Be sure to check back next week to see the finished project and if you are the lucky winner! Happy "Podging" 

National Mod Podge Day Winner

National Mod Podge Day was a blast. I loved viewing the videos on  Live Stream and seeing the projects being promoted by Plaid Crafts. We hope you enjoyed our "wobble people" are inspired to make your own!

As promised, we had a $50 prize pack to give away  sponsored by Plaid Crafts. The winning comment was made by:

Amy L

My favorite childhood toy was a cupcake doll. I begged for one for Christmas when I was 4. It is the first thing I remember really wanting.

Congrats Amy! You will be contacted on how to claim your prize.

A big THANK YOU to Plaid Crafts for sponsoring the give away!

50th Anniversary of Mod Podge! -Crafting for Shoeboxes-Wobble People (Contest Closed)

One of my FAVORITE things to use is Mod Podge! I remember my mom using it as a child to make all sorts of craft projects and it's safe to say I followed in her footsteps!

Mod Podge is turning 50 and Plaid Crafts the makers of Mod Podge have declared May 19th as "National Mod Podge Day!"

The good folks at Plaid Crafts are holding a celebration all over the web to celebrate Mod Podge's 50th and sent me some Mod Podge to join in the celebration! Naturally I had to think of something fun to put into a shoebox gift for Operation Christmas Child using Mod Podge!

With Easter being just a few weeks back, we had a bunch of plastic eggs left over, when some spilled on the table they reminded me of a childhood toy. When I was little, I loved playing with "Weebols" (ya know the kind that wobble but don't fall down!)  If you don't remember them, check out this old ad I found on You Tube from the Museum of Classic Chicago Television

My version isn't as fancy, but just as fun and even the "big kids" around here had fun knocking them down only to see them wobble back up. Best yet, they are perfect for 2-4 year old shoeboxes!

Wobble People

Supplies: plastic Easter eggs (test first as you will be using these with Mod Melts and the thinner plastic eggs can melt), metal nuts, wing nuts or washers for weights, Mod Melter by Plaid, Mod Melt sticks, Mod Podge, Brush, scissors, cut outs of faces, alcohol markers. Silicone Craft Mat. Optional Supplies: Silicone tool set.

• Start by opening the eggs, using the Mod Melter, glue a couple of washers, or one nut into the middle of the bottom of the egg. (Images 1 and 2) You will notice that the "middle is already marked out for you due to the markings from the creating of the egg. TIP-the more weight the quicker the egg rights itself, less weight equals more "wobble".  Wing nuts provide more of a "consistent" wobble. Experiment to find out what you like best. This is where the Silicone tools  came in really handy, they don't stick to the glue AND are heat resistant!
• Carefully on the inside of the top half of the egg place a thin ribbon of Mod Melt and then quickly close the egg to glue shut. (Image 3) 
• Color in your faces or images you wish to adhere to your eggs using alcohol markers. Alcohol markers will not run when you apply the Mod Podge. 
• Mod Podge your images to the surface of the egg, for fun add images on the front and the back.  Allow to dry and add a second coat. I only covered the the image with Mod Podge. I felt it looked better.  TIP-if you create a "circle" of mod melt on the silicone mat and allow to cool, it will act as a base to hold your egg while Mod Podging. (Images 4 and 5)

You are now ready to try them out:

How would you like a chance to win a $50 prize pack from Plaid Crafts the Makers of Mod Podge???

This prize pack includes: -8 OZ. Mod Podge gloss,  8 OZ. Mod Podge Matte, 8 Oz. Dishwasher Safe Gloss, Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium 2 Oz., Mod Podge Silicone Craft Mat, Mod Podge 7 Piece Tool Kit, Mod Podge 4pc Spouncer Set, Mod Podge 4pc Foam Brush Set. 

To enter, you simply have to leave a comment sharing your favorite toy as a child! Want a second entry, subscribe to my blog. Entries will be accepted until 12:00 Noon CST May 23th 2017. Sorry the contest is open to US residents only. Winners will be selected at random based on all comments. Be sure to enter your email in the comment form if you wish to be contacted when you won!

Be sure to follow Plaid Crafts on Facebook May 19th for more giveaways and amazing Mod Podge inspiration!!


Special thanks to Sarah Renee Clark.com for letting us use the "cartoon face" images on our Wobble People! To see the images we used check out her blog!




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New Product SNEAK PEEK Mod Podge Mod Melter!

The last two weeks or so I have been have loads of fun playing with a new tool from Plaid, the Mod Podge Mod Melter. Now everyone knows I LOVE my glue gun, but let me be one of the first to say the Mod Melter, takes traditional glue guns to a whole new level.

For starters the Mod Melter, can be used as a traditional glue gun with mini high temp glue sticks, but what makes it unique is that the Mod Melter is designed to use vertically.  Traditional glue guns are hard to see around when gluing your project, the Mod Melter is designed to be used above project with the glue flowing downward, meaning you can see exactly where you need to glue.  If the vertically design wasn't enough, Plaid added a longer cord (6ft.)  an on/off switch, a silicone safe tip, and to make holding the tool more comfortable an even a larger trigger, and silicone grip. In addition to it's gluing abilities, the Mod Melter is designed to use Plaid's Mini Mod Melts to create a whole array of embellishments for your crafting projects. Mini Mod Melts, look like a traditional hot glue stick and come in a variety of colors and finishes.

Once I practiced with the melter a couple of times getting used to the trigger, I was ready to attempt filling some Mod Melt Molds, these detailed silicone molds are designed to create resin looking embellishments with the melts.

My first attempt wasn't too bad. After they cooled (recommended time is about 10 minutes.) I found them to pop easily out of the mold, any "extra" hardened mod melt was easily removed with a pair of sharp scissors.

I loved the look of the "milk glass" sticks, the detail shown in the pieces reminded me of a cameo, so my first project I took a ring tray and made a faux cameo ring. To start i created my "shell piece" out of the white milk glass, I allowed this to thoroughly cool. Then I filled the tray of the ring with pink mod melt. I left a bit of space around the edges to allow for spreading. Then I embedded the white piece into the pink. As I carefully pushed the white piece into the tray, the pink mod melt spread out to fill the tray completely because it was still in it's molten stage.

The result a "faux cameo"ring. I can't wait to try this with different shapes and base colors.

 From the ring, I moved onto a project near and dear to my heart, embellishments for hair pretties. I pack shoebox gifts for Operation Christmas Child, and we love putting hair accessories into the girls boxes. I was given a bunch of plain clips that needed something extra. After creating some bows out of ribbon and hot gluing them into place, I added Mod Melt decorations to the centers of the hair bows. The shapes added a perfect finishing touch.

Even though the Mod Melts come in a variety of colors, you can paint and ink them to the color of your choosing. Here I simply rubbed some alcohol based ink over the owl with my finger. The color collected on the raised edges showing the detail of the piece.

My favorite project of my Mod Melter adventure, is this 8 x 10 canvas. I loved the mini frame molds, and thought mini "gilded" frames showcasing my family would be fun. So taking the frames, I simply painted them with gold acrylic paint. When finished I used them to frame mini prints of my family as the focal point of my "family canvas"

 

The Mod Melter will be available Mid March on Plaid Online and on Amazon.com and HSN.com March 9th. Be sure to check out my blog next week for more on the Mod Melter!

The Most Magical Place on Earth--CHA Show Recap

When you go to a magic show are you the type of person that wants to know "how did they do that?" I sure am. While I understand, a good magic show takes skill, technique and a whole lot of practice, I also realize you need to know "how the trick was done."

I recently returned from what I consider to be the "most magical place on earth." While I did go to Anaheim, California, my purpose there wasn't to visit a mouse, my purpose was to attend the Craft and Hobby Association trade show commonly referred to as CHA for short.

Art for me is magical. It transforms the creators thoughts, feelings, emotions, memories, ideas-- into a tangible and visible form, able to be shared with others. Before you get into a big debate with me over the word "magic" consider the definition:

mag·ic/ˈmajik/

noun

1. the power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces.
2. wonderful; exciting

Art for me is wonderful and exciting, I love how someone's work can take me on a mysterious journey into their inner thoughts, it can convey emotion, art shares a memory. Art can also be a form of self expression or a way to make "cool stuff" and bring beauty to the world around us. Yet sometimes that whole creative process can be a bit mysterious, therefore, art to me is magical. 

While I appreciate art and love creating, and I do not consider myself an artist, yet somehow, the creative industry has embraced me as one of their own, because of this, I am able to attend the Craft and Hobby Association trade show. The purpose of CHA is to bring together; creative professionals, businesses and manufacturers to further the creative industry. At the CHA show we learn about the latest products, learn new techniques, and connect with others in the industry. I like to think of it as my chance to learn the"how did they do that?!?!" to the magic of creating.

Sometimes the "how did they do that" comes from a fabulous new product designed to make something easier or create a cool effect. Other times the "how did they do that" comes from learning from other creative professionals that share their techniques, and skill with us. All the time it's a chance to connect with old friends and make news ones and celebrate the "magic" that is the creative industry.

So come with me to catch a glimpse of the 2015 Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show and see why I call it "The most magical place on earth!"

 

For those wanting to view via You Tube you can find it HERE

Just playing around

What do you do when you find a paper mache' mask at the thrift store and have peacock feathers, music and a pin of your moms? Naturally you play around and get creative.

I started off painting the mask a iridescent blue, (blue was mom's favorite color)  then layered on the music paper and gemstones. Finishing off with an eyepatch also shaped like a music note and hot glued the music pin, to finish off I tucked the peacock feathers under the pin.

Not quite pleased with how it turned out, I think I would have sharpened the black patch over the eye more of a triangular shaped note. I ended up blessing a friend of my mom's with the mask, and she didn't seem to mind either way. It was a fun reminder of a very special lady. 

CHA Mega Show 2014-Sights around the show!

While the reports from back home were telling me of the cold and snow, I enjoyed the 70 degree temperatures and sunshine, the palm trees swaying in the breeze.  Well at least on my way to the show! Other than that I was too busy to enjoy the view out of my balcony!

Every once in awhile you see something created at the show that defies your "limits" for a project. The largest thing I have ever created out yarn was a giant spider web stringing and knotting yarn through all the surfaces, handles and what not of my bedroom when I was four. For those wondering my inspiration, I wanted to be "Charlotte" from the book Charlotte's web and was creating her web.  You don't need to guess at the inspiration behind these yarn creations, Lion Brands used the "Wonders of the World" The Taj Mahal, Tower of Pisa, The Spinx, Stone Hendge and more all knitted or created out of yarn. The amazing thing to me was they were created out of yarn (well they used forms for shape.) 

The Taj Mahal  in yarn! (you can see the "Tower of Pisa" in the back)

The sphinx also in yarn (the Pyramid is in the background)

Several years ago I taught a class called "Duct Tape Art." I loved that class. Each week we would learn to create something out of Duct Tape. My Jr/Sr High school students, loved using the ordinary and turn it into something they have created.

Did you know there is a "Duct Tape bus"? 

I love flowers and bling which is why I could just gaze for hours at Prima Marketing's booth. To the point I have to set a time limit on how long I can look! All of the projects were my favorite. Each one more lovely than the next until I came back to the one before and it became lovelier ;)

A gorgeous project from Prima!

Some more Prima lovliness.

One bus I wouldn't mind being thrown under ;)

I love my Mod Podge. So stopping by for a quick "photo op" with Glossy their mascot while I was running between activities was a must.

Me and Glossy the Mod Podge mascot! 

Like the yarn sculptures out of yarn, sometimes you see something that gives you a "eureka" moment. My friend Angela Daniels aka "The Guilty Crafter" now works with Rit Dyes. She has been posting sneaks of elements from their booth. Including furniture and a baby grand piano all of which have been dyed using Rit Dyes. Takes their product to a whole new level for me.

I love how Rit used their dyes to decorate everything in their booth.

Button, button, "who's got the button?"Button's Galore sure did and their flowers were gorgeous in this display!

The adorable display at Buttons Galore and More!

During a press event at "Spellbinders" Stacey Caron said something about the redesign of their booth. "For crafters, crafting isn't just a hobby, it's a life style." They wanted to reflect that in everything displayed in the booth. So you didn't see actual dies and product on display in their booth. The entire booth was what was created with their dies and products! 

Stacey talking about the product used to create the booth!
Check out the light made from Mason Jars

The detail on this purse,
it used dies and letter press for the detail on the fabric

Loved the "people"

Even the chandelier 

They did have projects on display too, in their craft room!

Mixed Media Clocks

Now that the holidays are over I can finally share my class project. A few weeks back I taught a "mixed media canvas clock" class to high school students. The finished product was to be used as a Christmas present for their families. For many of them this was their first taste of mixed media anything. Some were a little intimidated when they saw bottles of color spray, jars of mod podge, die cut machines, stencils, masks, and more. By the time class was over they were old pros and all of them had a blast.

A little intimidated at first by the color shine spray and stencils but they got the hang of it! 

Mod Podging! 

And more Mod Podging!

A few of the samples!

and some more!

Each one was amazing!

The clock my daughter made! Dr. Who inspired, she gave it to her friend Emma for her birthday. As you can see Emma loved it!

Supplies used: 8 x 10 canvas, Mod Podge, Heidi Swapp Color Shine, Stencils-The Crafter's Workshop, Dies (font and clock)-Tim Holtz, Clock Mechanics-Wallnut Hollow