By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

As a crafter, I have TONS of bags.  Some of the bags I have are merely functional rather than good looking, so I like to embellish them.  Ones of the ways I embellish things are with pins!  Pins can be small or large, and they are easy to make with supplies that you probably already have on hand.  Pins are great scrapbusters!  They can also be made pretty quickly and give as gifts.  As you can see, my pin is inspired by summer.

To make, you’ll need to gather these supplies:

Chipboard shape  – approximately 2″ x 4″
K&Company Berry Sweet Paper and Chipboard Fruit Embellishments 
Mod Podge Matte 
FolkArt Acrylic Paint – Yellow Citron, Hot Pink (or coordinating colors)
Pink Rhinestones  
Wood Letter – initial of your choice
Pin back 
Craft Glue 
Scissors 
Pencil

Take a small piece of scrapbook paper a little larger than your chipboard piece and trace.  Cut the shape out and set aside.

Paint your chipboard shape and letter – since they are so small, I just painted them both on both sides.  Cover completely and allow to dry.

Spread Mod Podge on the top of your chipboard shape.  Grab the paper you cut and smooth down thoroughly.  You can use your hands – I always use a brayer because it works *really* well.  Allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.

You are now ready to coat the top.  Give a medium layer of Mod Podge and allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.  I also put a coat of Mod Podge onto my letter “A.”

Time to add embellishments!  I used craft glue to add the letter “A,” the strawberry and then one rhinestone in each corner for a little bling.  Allow to dry.

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

I like things that are small, and that includes miniature canvases.  I happened upon these sweet little things and knew I had to Mod Podge them.  I’ve attached magnets to the back, so they are great for your home or office.  Add a little creative flair to your workspace!

To make it, you’ll need to gather these supplies:

2″ x 2″ canvases
FolkArt Acrylic colors – I used Sky Blue, Coffee Bean and Buttercup
Wood circle
Scrapbook paper in various patterns (you can use scraps)
Cardstock in various colors to match your scrapbook paper
Die cut machine, punch or scissors – whatever you have to make shapes
Mod Podge Gloss
Craft Magnets
Hot Glue Gun
Flat Paint Brush 

Here are the baby canvases – aren’t they cute?

I always measure and cut my paper first.  These are 2” x 2” canvases, so I cut three squares of decorative paper and set aside.  I actually trimmed them just slightly within the 2” mark so that I could leave a little color showing around the edges.

Paint the canvases.  This is very easy!  Just choose FolkArt paint colors that coordinate with your scrapbook papers.  Paint the edges of all three canvases.  Give a few coats until you have full coverage and allow to dry.

At this time also paint any embellishments you want to add to your mini canvases.  You’ll notice that I painted a small wood circle.  Make sure to paint enough coats to cover and allow to dry.

Note to self: move cell phone and TV remote control for tutorial pictures.

Paint Mod Podge onto your canvases, using a medium layer.  Add the paper on top and SMOOTH SMOOTH SMOOTH!  Wipe away any excess Mod Podge that comes out with a brush, and set aside your canvases to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.

Once dry, apply Mod Podge over the top of the paper.  Allow to dry and then coat all canvases with a few more layers of Mod Podge.  Allow to dry.

This is your chance to add embellishments!  You’ll notice that I used some die cut shapes and a few punches with some cardstock to make shapes and designs for the tops of my canvases.  Mod Podge them down and then allow the canvas to dry.

Your final step is to hot glue any embellishments (like my wood circle) onto the front of your canvases, and then hot glue the magnets onto the back.  Wait until the hot glue is dry for awhile to hang.

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

I’ve been doing a lot of fashion crafting lately, which is fun because I feel like I have a new wardrobe!  I really love chandeliers, and my boring orange ol’ t-shirt needed something to spice it up.  Simply Screen, a DIY screenprinting program, was just the ticket – it took only a few minutes to get this fabulous glittery chandelier.

To make, you’ll need to gather these supplies:

T-Shirt

Simply Screen Stencil Chandelier 

Simply Screen Glue 

Simply Screen Glitter Precious Metal 

T-shirt form, or something to put in between the t-shirt while crafting

Parchment Paper

Iron

Here are the goods (minus the glitter pack, which I couldn’t find when I took this photo).  I’m ready to get my craft on!

Make sure that you put something between your t-shirt and lay it down on a flat surface – smooth the stencil down firmly wherever you want the image to go (the stencil is self-adhesive).

Place a line of glue across the top of the screen.  I’ll show you why in the next step.

Using the squeegee that comes with the stencil, spread the glue down the front in smooth strokes.  I repeated several times until the glue covered the image, making sure to get it in every part of the design. You can even go side to side – just make sure not to get any on the t-shirt!

Peel off the stencil and let the glue stand for 30 seconds.  Then sprinkle glitter all over the design, making sure to cover all areas well.  You might want to do this outside, or at least in an area that be glitterized.  Don’t shake yet!

Allow the adhesive to dry for three hours, and then place parchment paper over the top. Iron for 30 seconds on the cotton setting.  Shake off the excess glitter and your design is done!

One other thing – Simply Screen also comes with some great paints, so you can combine paint and glitter to your heart’s content.  Fun, huh?

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

Do you have a little princess that likes to play dress up?  I highly suggest a magic wand!  This is actually an inexpensive yard decoration that I found.  With supplies that I already had on hand, I was able to make a wand fit for a princess on a budget.  Keep in mind that because this is wood, it’s for older princesses only!  Always make sure to use with adult supervision.

To make, you’ll need to gather these supplies:

“Magic” Wand – decorative wood stick
FolkArt Acrylic Paint – Ocean Cruise, Wicker White, Perfect Purple, Kelly Green or the colors of your choice
Art Institute Glitter – Blue Hawaii (Ultrafine Opaque), Celery (Ultrafine Opaque), Angel Dust (Ultrafine Transparent)�
Mod Podge Gloss�
Flat Paint Brush and Liner Brush
Ribbon – 6 feet of your choice, I used white chiffon

Using your flat paint brush, paint your flower first.

Paint the handle and the leaves next.  If your wand has black print on it like mine, it will take several coats.  I used the smaller liner brush on the petals and to get around the edges of my flower.  Allow to dry.

Using the end of your brush handle, dot white polka dots on the main body of the flower.  Allow to dry.

It’s time to apply glitter in the areas of interest – I’ll show you an example with the center of the flower.  Paint Mod Podge in the area that you want glittered.

Using your glitter (I have one of these cool dispensers), spread the glitter all over the Mod Podge.  Allow to dry and then tap on the side of something (like a table) to get ride of the excess.  You can see that I did it on the leaves as well – I also went back and added some on the white polka dots.  It’s very sparkly!

Allow your wand to dry completely overnight before giving it to your princess.  I highly recommend adding some ribbon tied around the handle for some extra flair.

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!” 

My parents re-did their backyard, so I decided to make them a birdhouse in celebration.  They aren’t as kitschy as I am, but I still think they will appreciate this gnome and mushroom birdhouse.  If they don’t love the gnome or the mushrooms, they will surely love the woodgrain roof.  It’s magical! 

To make, you’ll need to gather these supplies: 

Wood Birdhouse
Mod Podge Outdoor
FolkArt Paint – Fresh Foliage, Burnt Umber, Pure Orange
Martha Stewart Woodland Collection – 12” x 12” paper pad, stickers and letters
Cardstock scraps
Craft Glue
Flat Paint Brush
Scissors or Craft Knife
Ruler
Pencil
Outdoor Sealer  

Choose a few sheets of paper to cover the sides of your birdhouse (except for the front).  Using your ruler, measure the size paper you’ll need and then cut it down to fit with the craft knife.  Set aside. 

Paint your birdhouse.  I chose to paint the roof with Burnt Umber and the sides with Fresh Foliage.  The only side you’ll have to completely cover is the front – all of the other sides are going to be covered with paper. 

You can’t see it here, but later I went back and covered the perch with some Pure Orange.  It needed a special touch! 

This is the fun part.  Keep in mind that Outdoor Mod Podge is thick, but that is intentional.  Working one side at a time, spread a medium layer of Mod Podge on your birdhouse. 

Immediately smooth your paper down thoroughly.  Use an old credit or gift card to get underneath the roof, and make sure to smooth *really* well.  Complete the other two sides and the roof.  Allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes. 

You are now ready to coat the entire birdhouse.  Give it a medium layer of Mod Podge, allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes and then repeat.  Allow to dry. 

When it comes to the front, that is your embellishment area, so decorate it how you like!  I added my parents’ last name, the gnome and then some mushrooms I cut out with my die cutter.  I had some extra cardstock lying around.  This is the time to decorate to your heart’s content.  Seal everything with the Outdoor Mod Podge and allow to dry overnight. 

Once your birdhouse is dry, it will be slightly tacky – to remedy this and to give the birdhouse an extra protective layer, I highly recommend using a clear outdoor sealer so that your project will last for years to come.

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

Are you interested in decoupage, but don’t know where to begin?  Have I got the project for you!  Coasters are great for home décor and gifts, and are the perfect project to start with if you have never used Mod Podge.  I got mine from the dollar bin, but these are easy to find.  There is always a set needing a little love.  Set aside a few hours one afternoon, grab your Mod Podge and you’re ready to go.

To make, you’ll need to gather these supplies:

Coasters  

K & Company Scrapbook paper  – 3 sheets coordinating

Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Ink Set Cottage Path  (I used Meadow)

Mod Podge Outdoor 

Flat Paint Brush 

Scissors  or Craft Knife 

Ruler 

Pencil or Pen

Cotton cloth or facial round – something disposable for alcohol ink application

Sandpaper  (optional)

Here are the coasters I started with.  They were only $1 for six!

I sanded my coasters lightly because the paper on top had a coating, and I wanted to rough it up so that the Mod Podge would stick well.

Place one coaster down on the paper and trace – repeat for as many coasters as you have.  I used three different sheets of coordinating papers, two coasters came out of each sheet.  When you are done tracing, cut out the coaster shapes with your craft knife or scissors.

Spread your Mod Podge down on the surface of the coaster in a medium layer.  Apply the paper and SMOOTH thoroughly until the air bubbles are removed.  Wipe away any Mod Podge that comes out the edges with your brush.  Repeat with the other coasters and then allow them to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.

DO NOT Mod Podge over the top yet.

The alcohol ink adds a little extra color and distressing effect around the edges.  I grabbed a bowl and mixed some Meadow ink with water.

Using your cloth or facial round, apply the ink to the edges.  Add more ink for a stronger color effect.  Allow to dry.

Once they are dry, seal them with at least two more coats your Mod Podge.  I used the Outdoor to seal (even though my Gloss is sitting nearby) – this is the most water resistant!

Your coasters are finished, but before you use them, I HIGHLY recommend spraying with an outdoor sealer to make them waterproof.

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

I have a boatload of books and not enough bookshelves.  I also have a craft book selection that I like to have easy access to on my desk, but the stack wasn’t working out.  So I decided to make these bookends.

To make, you’ll need to gather these supplies:

Bookends – any will do.  I got these from a friend

K & Company scrapbook paper  – 1 sheet (you might need 2 if your bookends are larger)

FolkArt Acrylic Paint   (whatever coordinates with your paper).  I used:

•             Light Periwinkle  
•             Pumpkin  
•            Turner’s Yellow  
•             Wicker White  

Mod Podge Gloss  

Flat Paint Brush  

Scissors  or Craft Knife  and Mat  

Ruler  

Pencil

First trace your bookends onto the BACK of your sheet of paper.  Cut out.

Trim the sheets of paper down to fit your bookends exactly.

Paint your bookends using the orange paint.  For complete coverage, you’ll need about three or four coats.  Set aside to dry.

While you are waiting for the bookends to dry, put a coat of Mod Podge on your paper sheets.  Coat the front, allow to dry, coat the back.  Set aside.

Tip: If you don’t have a cutout in your bookends like I do, you can skip this step.

Coat the back of the bookend with a medium layer of Mod Podge.  Apply evenly.

Place your paper down on the back of the bookend and smooth thoroughly.  You’ll notice that I used a brayer, and then to get down into the crack I used an old Starbucks card.  These are my favorite tools for smoothing!  Make sure you get the air bubbles out and then set aside to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.

Once the bookends are dry, coat both of them with Mod Podge.  Cover the fronts, backs and bottoms.  Give a first coat, allow to dry and then apply at least two more coats.  Allow to dry.

Once your bookends are dry, use the end of a paintbrush and the other coordinating paint colors to create polka dots around the cutout.  Allow to dry.

Tip: If your bookends don’t have a cutout, add a decorative shape cut out of paper to the front of your bookends for an accent.  Then you can use the polka dot method just like I did!

Here they are, holding my books and magazines!  Aren’t they great?  Quick, easy and perfect for some fun home décor.

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

I like to keep little notebooks around to capture inspiration when it strikes me.  I like to use notebooks like the one above for magazine clippings, color chips, photos or any other ideas.  This one fits neatly in my purse, and I can pop it out to record what I see for future art projects.  If you don’t have an inspiration journal, make one!  You’ll find they come very much in handy when you have an inspiration block.

To make, you’ll need to gather these supplies:

Paper Mache Book

Making Memories Vintage Findings Embellishments

Paper Accents Cardstock – 1 sheet Splash

ColorMates Cardstock – 1 sheet Smooth Ice Dust

Coredinations Cardstock – 1 sheet Vintage Sun Coral

Mod Podge Gloss

Paper Flowers – 2 coordinating

Buttons – 7 coordinating

Die cut machine, punch or scissors – whatever you have to make shapes

Clear “Bird Sing” stamp

Colorbox Brown Ink

Craft Glue

Flat Paint Brush

Scissors or Craft Knife

Ruler

Pencil

Take a sheet of cardstock and cut it to the size that will fit the front of your notebook.

Coat the front cover of your notebook with a medium layer of Mod Podge – don’t forget to cover the corners well since they are the first to dry.

Smooth your cardstock down thoroughly onto the front cover of your notebook.  You can see that I use a brayer – your hands work too, but just make sure to smooth *really* well.  Allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.

After the cover has dried, you are now ready to coat the top.  Give it a medium layer of Mod Podge and completely cover the front (don’t Mod Podge the inside or your pages will stick).  Allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.

Start adding embellishments with Mod Podge to the front of your notebook.  I always do the Mod Podge items first.  Allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes between layers.

Lately I’ve really been enjoying clear stamps, so I used one to make an embellishment for the front of my notebook.  You’ll see that I have a small bird stamp and used brown ink on the Ice Dust cardstock.  Cut out and Mod Podge to the front of the notebook.  I also cut out my name from the Sun Coral cardstock with letter punches and then Mod Podged those to the front (please return to me!).

Use your craft glue to adhere coordinating buttons, paper flowers and whatever other embellishments float your boat.  Allow your notebook to dry for 24 hours before using.  Also consider sealing with a clear acrylic sealer if your notebook is going to touch other items in your bag or purse.  Mod Podge can get sticky, especially when hot and you want to make sure it doesn’t get damaged.

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

Does this frame look bright?  That’s because it is!  Bright colors are a big trend right now, so I wanted to embrace them for the upcoming Mother’s Day.  I distressed the frame (which is very easy, and I wish showed up better in photography) and then added some felt flowers – so simple!  I know my mom, and she is going to love it.  She is going to love it even more with the picture of me in it!

To make it, you’ll need to gather these supplies:

Square wood frame

FolkArt Acrylic colors – I used Lime Green, Bright Pink and Deep Ocean Blue

Felts in different colors to coordinate with your frame color choices

Foam stamps to spell the saying of your choice – I used “MOM”

Mod Podge Gloss

Buttons – 12 coordinating

Die cut machine, punch or scissors – whatever you have to make shapes

Sandpaper

Craft Glue

Flat Paint Brush

Start by base coating your frame with Pink.  Completely cover, but just on the front of the frame.  Give about two coats and allow to dry.

Paint over the pink with Lime Green.  Wow, it looks like an 80′s party threw up on my project!  Paint enough coats to completely cover the pink.

This is the toughest part of the project – you need to sand the frame in select areas to allow the pink to show through the green.  Sand as much or as little as you want; the amount of distressing is up to you.  Wipe any extra dust away after you are done.  And yes, that is my robed arm.  I get out of bed and craft.

Cut your shapes from your felt pieces.  You can do this with a die cutter, but you can also do it with regular punches or with your scissors.  If you would like a nice flower template, I recommend searching Google for clip art.  There are so many free patterns to be had!  Set your shapes aside.

Mod Podge your frame.  Completely coat the front and back, allowing to dry between coats.

Time to add your saying!  I used foam stamps, and it was easier for me to paint the backs rather than dipping in the paint.  You can control the amount of paint that goes onto the stamp if you use a brush.

Press the stamps with paint firmly onto your frame.  Allow to dry and then touch up with your brush.  Once the paint is completely dry, Mod Podge over the words to seal.

The final step is to glue down your flowers into a nice pattern and then add buttons in the centers.  Now add a picture of yourself and give to that special mom in your life.  She’s going to love it!

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

I’m so excited for spring!  I was sprucing up my apartment the other day and realized that I needed some additional spring-like decorations.  Something pretty and fun just to liven up the place.  I decided to jazz up some white towels using paper stencils and fabric paint.  The great thing?  You can also give these as gifts – and you won’t believe how easy they are to make.

First you’ll need to gather these supplies:

White cotton towels

FolkArt Fabric Paint

• Flower Towel – Red Violet,  Lavender,  Coastal Blue,  Yellow Citron 
• Bird Towel – Azure Blue,  Teal,  Pure Orange,  Coastal Blue 

Plaid Paper Stencils

• Flower Towel – 6.75″ x 8″ Houndstooth
• Bird Towel – 6.75″ x 8″ Vase Silhouette

Stencil Brush(es)

Wax paper

Wash and iron your towels.  Fold them so that the side is showing that you want to paint on.  Tear a sheet of wax paper off and place between the layers of towel – then your paint won’t seep through as your are completing your project.

Think about your design and even sketch it out on another piece of paper.  Punch out the paper from your first stencil and lay it down on the surface.

You have two options – you can hold the stencil down with your hand or secure it with tape.  My preference was to just hold the stencil down since the paper didn’t slip on my surface.  If you have a more slippery surface, you should definitely use tape.

Start painting.  Stenciling works a lot differently from regular painting.  With stenciling, you will “dry brush.”  This means to dip your stencil brush in paint and then remove most of it by tapping it onto your plate or paper towel.  Once you are ready, dry brush a light layer onto your fabric surface.  Keep repeating until your shape is filled in.  DO NOT put too much paint onto the brush or it will seep under your stencil design and ruin your project.

Move to the other side of the project.  Paper stencils are nice because you can cut the elements apart (or if you are a slob like me, tear).  Repeat the dry brush process.

If you are completing different parts of the same design element like I did above, you’ll want to wait until the first part you paint dries.  That means paint the top of the flower (petals and center) first, and wait 15 – 20 for it to dry.  Then go back and lay the stencil back over and paint the stem and leaves.

Keep going until your towels are completely painted with your stencil design, then allow to dry.  Follow the finishing instructions listed on the bottle.  Save your paper stencils by wiping them off and putting them back into the bag for later.  They are completely reusable!

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

Christmas is not the only time for ornaments, in my humble opinion.  Spring is so fun and the weather is so nice that I created this ornament to celebrate.  I think it would make a lovely home decoration, and you can even get the kids involved in this one.  It was really fun and took hardly any time at all. 

First you’ll need to gather these supplies:

Craft Pedlars Paper Mache Ornament

FolkArt Acrylic Paint – Calypso Sky

Mod Podge Fabric

Mod Podge Gloss

Fabric pieces – 2 small coordinating

Buttons – 6

Die cut machine, punch or scissors – whatever you have to make shapes

Craft Glue

Flat Paint Brush

Wax paper

Paint your ornament with your base color – I used Calypso Sky.  Keep rotating and painting more coats until the ornament is completely covered.  Set aside to dry.

While your ornament is drying, prepare your fabric.  Wash and dry it, then iron it (which I neglected to do as you can see, but it’s okay for small cutouts).  Place the fabric down on a sheet of wax paper and “prepare” it using the Fabric Mod Podge.  Preparing fabric with Mod Podge means to paint Mod Podge over it in a medium layer and allow to dry.  Make sure to coat the entire area you are planning to use.  The advantage of preparing fabric is that when you cut it, the ends won’t fray.  Mod Podge both pieces and set aside to dry.

When the fabric is dry, use either a die cut machine, punch or plain ol’ scissors to cut out your flower shapes.  I did the flower tops with the blue fabric and my Sizzix Big Shot, and cut the stems and leaves out of the green fabric freehand with my scissors.  Do whatever inspires you!

Adhere the fabric pieces to do the ornament using Mod Podge Gloss.  I used six flower shapes – three of large and three of small.  I glued them down evenly spaced around the ornament.  Allow to dry.

Attach the stems.  You’ll see from the photo how I connected them at the bottom.  Flowers across from each other shared stems, so I only had to cut out three.

I cut out leaves for the large flowers only.  I adhered them to the ornament the same way I did the flower tops – by gluing them down and then putting Mod Podge over the top.  Once you are done, coat the entire ornament with Mod Podge.  Allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes and then give it a second coat.  Allow to dry.

Use your craft glue to adhere coordinating buttons to the center of each flower.  Wait 24 hours until completely dry to display.

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

Do you love birdhouses?  I do.  I love anything to do with birds, including the homes in which they live.  I thought it might be fun to decorate a little birdhouse, and it turns out it is very fun!  A set of these would look great on a mantle, or make perfect little party favors.  To start, gather these supplies:

Mod Podge Gloss

Small wood birdhouse

FolkArt Paint – Fresh Foliage, Glazed Carrots, Wicker White

Making Memories Scrapbook Paper, 3 sheets of various

Paper flowers, 6

Buttons, 4

EK Success Paper Shapers Punch, Medium Scallop Circle

Flat paint brushes in various sizes

Beacon 3 in 1 glue

X-Acto knife

Paint the center piece of your birdhouse with Wicker White.  Let dry.

Paint the base and perch of your birdhouse with Fresh Foliage, and the top with Glazed Carrots.  Don’t worry about overlapping a little onto the white, because you are going to cover it up.  Allow to dry.

At this time, use your punch to create some scalloped circles out of the paper.  Punch out several so you have many to choose from.

Begin covering the center part of the birdhouse by gluing down the scalloped circles with the Mod Podge  Overlap them as you work around the birdhouse.  When you get to the edges, cut some of the circles with your X-Acto and place the straight line portion flush with the edge  Completely cover the birdhouse center with circles.  Allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.

 At this time, coat the entire birdhouse with Mod Podge.  Apply at least two coats, allowing to dry in between coats.  Allow to dry after finishing.

You are so close to being done!  Cut out the pieces that overlapped the center hole with your X-Acto.  It’s not too hard.

To finish, use your Beacon glue to add some paper flower embellishments with buttons.  I actually layered a few flowers as well.  So fun, so cute and so easy!

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

I don’t know about you, but I’ve got some paper and supplies left over from Valentine’s Day.  I thought about what I could do with the goods and then it hit me – it’s a great idea to tell someone I love them any time of the year!  I went through my stash and picked out some items that I liked to make a cupcake canvas.  Cupcakes are huge right now and great for gift giving.  To make it, gather these supplies:

 Mod Podge Gloss

Artist Canvas – 11″ x 14″

Wood letters spelling the phrase of your choice

Wood heart embellishment

FolkArt Paint – Bright Baby Pink, Graffiti Pink, Soft Apple, Sky Blue, Wicker White

K&Company Paper Pad 12×12 Lovely

Cupcake punch

Coordinating ribbon – ¼” width

Beacon 3 in 1 Glue

Flat paint brushes of various sizes

Piece of paper to cover the top of the canvas (8.5″ x 14″ legal size)

Scissors

Stencil Tape

Ruler

Paint your entire canvas Sky Blue, or the background color of your choice to coordinate with your papers.  Coat the entire canvas a few times, and don’t forget to paint the sides.  Allow to dry.

Use the stencil tape to create a stripe at the bottom of your canvas.  I chose a width approximately a few inches wide – just big enough to hold my wood letters.  I just eyeballed it, no measuring.  Affix the stencil tape firmly and paint within the tape.  I used Bright Baby Pink.  Pull the tape off immediately after painting and allow to dry.

While your canvas is drying, paint your letters Soft Apple and your wood heart piece Graffiti Pink.  Allow to dry.  Use the end of your paint brush to make Wicker White dots on the letters and a little tick mark on the top right corner of your heart.  Allow to dry.

At this point I glued the letters, wood heart and some ribbon to the canvas with my Beacon glue.  I knew that the assembly of the cupcakes was going to be complicated so I just wanted to get that part done.  Allow the letters to dry and pay careful attention to what I did next.

Creating a grid from scratch and by hand is hard, so I decided to let my computer do the work.  I went into my PowerPoint program and made a slide that was 8.5″ x 14″ – the size of a legal sheet of paper.  I decided that I wanted ten cupcakes across and six cupcakes down after a quick measurement of the punch and the canvas.  If your punch is smaller or larger than about 1″, you will be able to fit a different number of cupcakes than I was.  Take that into account!

You are going to laugh at what I did next – I inserted a table into the PowerPoint slide, eleven columns wide by seven rows.  I then stretched it until it fit my slide exactly.  This was the perfect size and grid for my canvas!!!  I printed it out and laid it down on the canvas above the ribbon.  As you can see, I now have a grid for where to apply my cupcakes.  I had to figure out how to mark it.

I had a revelation – a pin!  I took a push pin and pressed through the canvas at each intersection so that I could see where I would need to apply the cupcake shape.  The pin creates a small hole that is covered by your paper cupcakes, so don’t worry.  Punch the entire grid.

Punch out your cupcakes!  I used a few different sheets of paper, mixing up the tops of the cupcakes with different bottoms.  I punched out 60 total cupcakes and had them on the sidelines.  I began by grabbing a cupcake top and Mod Podging it to the canvas right above the little dot I punched.  I had the cupcake top barely covering the dot, and it worked great.  Work along the entire row, from left to right, putting down your cupcake tops.  Allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.

Tip: Use your ruler as a guide, laying it down so you know where the top piece of your cupcake needs to go.  It helps! 

Go back and put down your cupcake bottoms right under the cupcake tops.  You’ve already laid the groundwork, so this is the easy part!  Allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.

You’re almost done!  Mod Podge everything to seal it – the entire canvas, letters, even the ribbon.  Give it all at least two coats and then let it dry.  Present this canvas to your sweetheart or other loved one for a gift or anniversary.  You know what would be fun?  Making actual cupcakes to give as a gift along with your canvas.  Yum!

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

I’m well aware of the fact that winter weather is almost over, but it’s actually a great time to start making presents for this coming fall.  I’ve been knitting since I was 15, and knitting goods for others takes some careful planning and preparation.  There nothing like the look on someone’s face when you deliver a hand-knitted gift!

A recent discovery of mine is Red Heart Pomp-A-Doodle yarn. If you haven’t felt this stuff, it’s amazing!  I got some this January and finally put together a scarf.  It’s so easy, so I share my pattern with you here.

Supplies:

Red Heart Pomp-A-Doodle, African Violet, 2 skeins

Knitting Needles, Straight, Size US 9

To Knit:

Cast on 14 stitches.

Knit all stitches.  Keep knitting until you’ve used up the 2 balls of yarn.

Cast off knitwise and bind in all ends.

Your fuzzy wuzzy scarf is complete!  These are so easy and soft . . . you should make several for gifts during the year.  Don’t forget to watch the following video for some really important tips on how to knit Pomp-A-Doodle.  It’s so fun!

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

If you want to make something handmade, but don’t know where to begin, decoupage is a great place to start.  The premise is simple, really – in its simplest form, decoupage is layering papers with a medium on top of a craft project.  I created this frame for the beginning crafter, so give it a try if you’ve never made something before.  To start, gather these supplies:

Mod Podge Matte

Small wood frame

FolkArt Paint – Hot Pink

K&Company Paper Pad 12×12 Carolyn Gavin Greenhouse

K&Company Grand Adhesions Words Carolyn Gavin Greenhouse

EK Success Paper Shapers Punch, Medium Scallop Circle

Flat paint brush

Scissors or X-Acto knife

Choose a few coordinating sheets of paper from your paper pad.  That’s what awesome about buying a paper pad – so many of them already coordinate!  Use your scallop punch to punch out several circles from the papers.  Punch enough to cover the front of the frame.  Set aside.

Paint your frame with Hot Pink.  Paint the entire back, the edges and then the edges of the front.  Since you are going to Mod Podge the paper down on the front, you won’t need to cover the entire front with paint.  It’s a great shortcut.  Allow to dry.

This is the decoupage part, and it doesn’t get much easier.  Simply begin layering your circles onto the frame, gluing down with Mod Podge, one at a time.  Work from one corner out, overlapping to cover the entire frame.  Don’t worry about overlapping the sides or the photo window at this point.  Just cover the entire frame with scalloped circles.  Allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.

Next you are going to coat the entire frame, front and back, with two coats of Mod Podge.  Simply use a brush and coat with a medium layer.  Allow to dry between coats.

When the frame is completely dry, use your scissors or X-Acto to trim the excess around the edge of the frame and in the photo window.  It’s that easy!  Your first handmade item, complete.  These small frames are great for gifts and even party favors – once you get the hang of it, you can turn out several in less than an hour.

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

I love fixing up old items that I find!  This tray above was a thrift store treasure – perfect and in good condition, great for organizing my art supplies.  The only problem was that it was kind of boring and need a little pizzazz.  Nothing boring for my shelves!  This revamp is so easy, you won’t believe it.  First, gather these supplies:

Wood tray

Scrapbook paper – I used Anna Griffin’s Riley Collection, 2 sheets each of 2 corresponding papers

Mod Podge Gloss

Flat paint brush

Craft knife and mat or scissors

Pen or pencil

Here’s the tray beforehand – do you see why I enhanced it?  It just needed something.

I measured the compartments to make sure that I cut the paper correctly.

Turn your paper with the print side facing down, measure and cut to fit the compartments.  I used two different (yet complimentary) patterns from the same scrapbook paper collection, which I think added a nice touch.

Grab your Mod Podge and brush and put a medium layer on the inside of each compartment.

Place the paper down and smooth, smooth smooth!  You’ll see I used an old gift card to do the smoothing.  It worked really well!  Continue to smooth and wipe away Mod Podge that comes out the sides (and it will).  Do all of the compartments and allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.

Paint a medium layer of Mod Podge over the paper in each compartment, being careful not to get it on the sides.  Wipe away if it does.  Allow to dry and you’re done.

Organizing has really never been this easy, or this cute!  Not only was this craft simple to make, but it was inexpensive.  With the Mod Podge I had on hand and the thrifted tray, I spent less than $5 making something I will use for a long time.  Yay!

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

I love capturing memories through photographs, and I particularly like interesting ways of displaying them.  Regular frames are nice, but photo memory blocks add a wonderful touch to your home décor – and you can get very crafty with them!  Consider using a photo memory block to decorate your child’s room or you desk at work.  Here’s how I made mine.

Wood Memory Block – mine is a 6″ square

FolkArt Acrylic Paint, coordinating colors – I used Lemon Custard, Hot Pink and Yellow Citron

Mod Podge Matte, 8 oz.

Scrapbook paper, 1 sheet per canvas – I used K & Company’s Berry Sweet papers

Embellishments – I used K & Company’s Berry Sweet collection, as well as a few buttons, paper flowers and rhinestones from my stash

Craft Glue

Flat Paint Brush

Craft Knife and Mat or Scissors

Ruler

Start by trimming your paper to fit the sides of your wood block.  My craft mat has a ruler guide so I was able to quickly measure and cut a 5 1/2″ square – I wanted to leave a 1/4″ border around all side of the paper so that I could see the paint.  I cut six squares out of three sheets of paper, choosing coordinating papers so that they would look good together.

Paint your block with the acrylic paint and flat paint brush.  You don’t have to paint the entire side of the block since you’ll be applying paper over it; just paint the edges.  I applied three coats to each side.  Allow to dry.

Now that your wood block is dry, apply the Mod Podge.  Use a medium layer and coat well. Apply the paper to the center of the block and smooth it down thoroughly with your fingers or a brayer.  If Mod Podge comes out the sides, that is fine – simply wipe it away with your brush.  Apply the papers to all sides of the block and allow to dry for 15 – 20 minutes. 

TIP: I applied Mod Podge to the corners and edges of my paper before smoothing down – this helps since the edges are the first thing to dry!

Next add a coat of Mod Podge on top of the paper.  Allow to dry and add a second coat, covering the whole block.  The fun part is next!

Now add the images and embellishments with craft glue.  Get creative!  I planned my picture sizes first and printed them all out before I glued anything down.  You don’t have to fill the entire block with one photo; check this finished side out:

You can also do a few photos on one side and add embellishments around them.  I had so much fun!  Here’s another finished side:

Add photos and embellishments to all sides, except for the bottom and the top (unless you want to).  Now I have something for my desk at work to remind me of my sweet dogs when they are at home and I’m in front of the computer.

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

We all know what day is coming soon – Valentine’s Day!  You don’t need a spouse or significant other to show your love for someone.  In fact, I made this recycled gift box for my mom!  She’s always supported and been there for me, and to show my love I got her a gift card for a pedicure.  To make the presentation delightful, I took a candy box from Christmas and dressed it up a bit.  You won’t believe how easy this to make, and it just takes a few minutes.

To make it, gather these supplies:

Old gift/candy/other box

K&Company Paper Pad 12×12 Designer Lovely

K&Company Grand Adhesions Kazoo Animals & Words

EK Jolee’s 3D Stickers Bling Large Gems Red

Glue Dots Craft Clear 1/2″ 200 pc Box

Glitter silver foam letters

Scalloped Scissors

Pen or Pencil

Here’s the box before I started.  I was lucky that it was already red and cute.  If you aren’t as lucky, add some acrylic craft paint into the mix (FolkArt).  Paint your box before you move onto the next step.

Place the top of the box face down on the backside of the paper (select a piece that matches your box) and trace.  Set the box aside.

Cut inside the line with the scalloped scissors – make sure you have even edges, even if you have to trim a little extra off.

Use your Glue Dots to line the backside of the paper.  I probably used about 10 – 15 Glue Dots and got around the edges.  I didn’t put one on every scallop, just about every inch.  I also put a few in the middle.  Place the paper down on the top of the box in the center, and make sure to press down well.

This is the most fun part!  Stick down the embellishments, including the letters and the red gems.  Pick whatever you like and looks good!

I can’t wait to give this to my mom – she’s going to love it.  The best part?  When she’s done with the box, she can redecorate it and give it again.  I love recycled crafts!  Happy Valentine’s Day!

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

I’ve been obsessed with buttons since I was little.  I’m also obsessed with shopping bags, and so I decided to bring the two loves together in this button coat rack.  Are you one of those people that has a healthy bag collection?  Me too – and there’s nowhere for the bags to go except jammed into the bottom of my closet.  I decided to remedy that situation by organizing my bags on a coat rack distressed and accented with buttons.  Here’s how I did it.

Wood coat rack

FolkArt Acrylic Paint

Assorted Buttons

Craft Glue

Flat Paint Brush

Stencil Décor Stencil Tape

Candle or piece of wax

Sandpaper – medium grit, one piece

Basecoat the rack with a color – I used a shade of pink.  This color is only going to show through the overcoat slightly, so don’t worry about doing a bang-up job.  I just painted two coats and I did NOT paint the hangers.  Allow to dry.

Your next step is to rub the candle or piece of wax in certain areas on the rack that you would like distressed.  I just picked random patches on the front of the rack and edges.  Rub a little wax here and here.

Now that your coat rack has been waxed like a pair of skis, paint over it with another paint color.  I chose a shade of white and so had to paint about three coats to fully cover the pink.  This time I painted the hangers.  Once you are satisfied with the coverage, allow to dry.

Take your rack outside and begin sanding with your paper.  Check out the picture – do you see the pink starting to show through?  Those are the areas I waxed!  The paint just sands right off.  Don’t sand too hard or you will sand down to the wood.  Sand very lightly for less distressing and a little more for a more distressed look.  Stop when you are happy with the effect.  Wipe the sanding dust off of your rack.

I love stripes – did I mention that?  I decided while doing this project that stripes would be a nice backdrop for my buttons.  I used stencil tape to make stripes going in different directions.  The thickness of the stencil tape doesn’t matter, you just need to space the pieces so that you have the thickness of stripes that you want.  I wanted mine to be relatively thin, as you can see.  Paint the stripes (I did three coats with a blue) and then remove the tape immediately.  Allow to dry.

To jazz my rack up even further, I used more stencil tape and a lighter blue to make stripes going in other directions.  Same applies as before – paint about three coats, and then remove the tape immediately.  Allow to dry.

Finally, I added the buttons with craft glue.  Before I glued anything down, I laid all of the buttons out to make sure that I was happy with the way they looked and the colors.  I highly recommend ALWAYS doing this before you glue anything down.

Now my bags have a place to go and I have a crazy button rack like I’ve always wanted.  The world is good.

By General Crafts Contributor Amy, from the Blog “Mod Podge Rocks!”

I really love writing thank you cards, and after the holidays I have several to write.  In the age of computers, handcrafting a thank you card seems like a lost art – I encourage you to bring it back by making your own!   

Paper Accents Card & Envelopes 4″ x 4″ White 5 pc

Assorted buttons

Assorted paper flowers

Beacon craft glue

Offray floral ribbon (or ribbon of your choice) – 4 inches

Colored Marker 

Start with your white card and envelope – begin choosing buttons of different shapes and sizes that “tickle your fancy.”  I decided florals are nice for thank yous, so I chose buttons to go with that theme. 

Here you see me organizing my buttons – it took me about five minutes to get the look I wanted, once I had chosen the colors I liked! 

Glue all of the buttons down with craft glue.  Just slide the other buttons to the side a little.  Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours before sending.  If you want to, write “Thank You” on the front with a marker like I did. 

For the ribbon card, trim the ribbon to fit across the front of the card.  Glue down and allow to dry for a few minutes. 

Glue some paper flowers down, and then some buttons into the middle.  Again, allow to dry for 24 hours before sending.  On this card I’m going to leave the front blank but write a sweet message inside. 

These only took me a few minutes, and I actually ended up using my entire pack of cards – I had five thank you cards in less than an hour.  Easy, fun and inexpensive.