Old Tray Makeover - For A Friend.

I had this old Coca-Cola tray that I had bought years ago at a yard sale. I never use it. It has sat on a shelf since the day I bought it, why I even got it is beyond me. It was beaten up and scratched and not worth anything so I decided instead of throwing it out, I`ll redo it!

So, I was going to do it for me all cute and nice and then I thought... where will I put it.. Back on the shelf? Probably! I literally have NO where to put it what so ever. But I still didn't want to throw it out.

So I thought about it for a little bit and thought of a friend of mine right away! He could use a tray. lol. So I went to work! I knew what he would use it for, so I got creative. I "borrowed" a magazine (hehe borrowed as in took it... without him knowing) and starting going through it totally demolishing his mag. Cutting out words to decoupage to the tray. After cutting out what I thought was enough words and phrases I got out the paint.

I sanded the tray lightly making it as smooth as I could. Ready for the paint. At first I thought blue is nice. So I painted the whole inside of the tray blue.

The bottom of the tray was soooo horrible and rusty that it definitely needed a dark colour, so I chose Black

Once that was done and dry I decided I really didn't like that the tray was all blue inside. Even though most of it was getting covered up, I just didn't like it. So I taped around the edges and gave the bottom a couple coats of white!

I took off the tape once it was dry and out game the Mod Podge. I grabbed the magazine clippings that I cut out and placed them on the tray making sure they would all fit alright. After I was satisfied I mixed the Mod Podge with a little bit of water and was ready to go. One by one I glued the back of the clipping and glued it to the tray. After they were all glued down I went over the whole tray with a thin layer of Mod Podge and let it dry. Once dry I painted a thin layer of glaze over the whole tray (top and bottom). Let it dry. I don't know if I'm going to do multiple coats and sand it yet... will figure that out tomorrow after I let it sit abit.

I hope this doesn't offend anyone, and if it does I am sorry, I really had no intention to. Like I said, this is NOT FOR ME. It is for a friend, who is legally allowed to smoke for medicinal purposes only. I thought he could put all his "stuff" on it.

xOx

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Decorative Magnets - Dimensional Magic

Had to make a batch of magnets for this weekend. I usually do a bunch at a time, there are so many different cool magnet DIY's that we have done in the past, we could probably open a little shop, lol. This time, I thought I'd do some using Mod Podge Dimensional Magic, which is a liquid that adds dimension to your objects! You can get it at any craft store or Walmart. I personally love it. Use it to complete jewellery, magnets and picture frames... and that is just to name a few! As you all know... Mod Podge Rocks! :)

Anyways,  there really isn't much to these little guys at all. I gathered a bunch of beer caps and magnets and headed to my desk. If you want to get really fancy, you can paint the beer caps (I don`t, they pretty much get covered by the magnet anyway). I grabbed some decorative paper. Actually, the marbleized paper that I made the other day to be exact (click here for DIY tutorial) and started tracing the outline of the beer cap for the insides.

Once you have as many as you need, cut them out. They will be a little bigger than the cap and you will need to trim them to size. Once they fit, place them inside the cap.

While I was placing the paper in the caps, I had a brain wave. Decided I was going to grab a few little trinkets from my craft collection and put them in the caps... see how they turned out! I only wanted to make a couple of these, just in case they didn`t work. So I grabbed a butterfly and a rose and dropped them in the caps!

Now we are ready for some Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. Do not shake it, shaking it will cause bubbles. Apply a layer covering your objects and paper and allow them to sit. The bottle says it will dry in 3 hours... depending how thick you place it! LOL. I usually leave mine overnight.

They are going to look creamy like the picture above, don`t be alarmed, it will dry clear! Once they are dry, they look like a sheer raised glass! Time to stick some magnets on them! If you don`t want to glue them on, the magnets will usually magnetize themselves to the cap anyways. But I like to hot glue mine down. They are for keeps! Love my magnets!!!

Soo, my camera doesn`t do them any justice.. I think my next investment should be a GOOD camera!!

xOx

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Metallic Table - DIY!!

I'm sure by now you have all seen metallic rusted tables and accessories out in the stores lately. And I think they are HOT HOT HOT!! But they are also pretty pricy! The metallic paint still tends to look like it has been painted on doesn't always look the best. Well, try this technique from vintage revivals to get the look... without going to buy the metallic paint...

Can you guess what you use? Well I'm sure by now you have all guessed Mod Podge, steel paint (see pic below).. and Tin Foil to complete this look! If you have some glaze in a black tint, grab it too, although I think this can be done without it.

So grab your old night stand or table, tinfoil, Modpodge and some popsicle sticks or thick card of some sort to guide the tinfoil down and we are ready to do this!

Lightly wrinkle a piece of tin foil (as big as piece as you feel comfortable working with) then apply a coat of Mod Podge to your table and put the shiny side of the foil down where the Mod Podge is. Smooth it down carefully so it doesn't rip, we all know how easy it is to rip tinfoil. Smooth it down with a popcicle stick or a card and then apply a coat of Mod Podge on top of the foil. Make sure the ends of the foil are all flat. Repeat until your table is covered! You will most likely end up layering the tinfoil, but it kind of completes the look and if you really want you can continue layering it with sealant and sanding to get the exact look that you want. You can also apply another layer of Mod Podge after you are complete to make sure it really has some coating on it!

Get out your Steel Paint (see picture below) Paint it on and rub it off really quickly, working in small sections. You will see the piece changing colour!

I don`t have black glaze, so I`m hoping I can skip this step and save money (will let you know, you too if you try this)... but if need be, use a Glaze in tinted black, like Ralph Lauren`s Faux Glaze in Black Silk. Put it on and rub it off.  Just like the steel paint. Let dry!!


Ta Da complete!!! I love love love this. Like I said before. I think I`m going to do our night tables like this when I re-do our bedroom.... unless I think of something else by then... hehehe


xOx

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Decoupage ... The Lamp Shade Redo

I've started changing the colour scheme in the living room a little bit... I tend to get sick of colours quite easily actually. So instead of going drastic and doing all the walls, I do the little things.. like mirrors and lamps or picture frames.

Change the season, why not change the colour? I on the other hand, have a little bit of a problem with changing things to my favorite colour... The boyfriend... HATES all my bright cheerful colours, like orange and yellow! He says NO WAY!! Gurr on him, one day, I think I will just do it anyway... but not now! lol

What better way to redo a lamp than to throw some decorative paper on it and decoupage away! and I love my Mod Podge, so out it came. I have loads and loads of decorative scrapbook paper, so went through it and grabbed a few sheets for the shade!

You don't need much for decoupage! Once you have all your main supplies you will be good to go for awhile. 

What you'll need:
Lamp Shade
Paint
Decorative Paper
Mod Podge or Glue
Sealant
Sponge/Paint Brush - Or your hands, whichever you prefer
Sandpaper - If you are doing multiple coats of sealant

Thought it needed a little colour, so painted the top and bottom to match the mirror I just painted. So I taped up the top and bottom with masking tape and grabbed my purple (the colour of choice) and my sponge and went to work! If you are painting the shade with a lighter colour of paint, you might have to do a couple coats to get the right colour, the fabric tends to really soak up the paint!

Once it dries (which really doesn't take all that long with acrylics) I peeled off the tape and it was ready for the paper! Oh the fun part! I love getting my hands dirty!! lol

I took my paper and cut them into smaller strips so it would wrap around the shade just right. I also find it easier to work with smaller sections when I'm dealing with Mod Podge or glue.

I mixed my Mod Podge with a little bit of water to make it more creamy and so it will go a lot further and I put it in a container or a plate so it's easier to mix and get at with the sponge. Glue the back of the paper and stick it in place on the shade. Starting at the top, smooth the paper down making sure its stuck and there are no bubbles. Smooth a thin layer of Mod Podge on top of the paper.

Note: If working with glue, and not Mod Podge, I find it better to wait until the end to apply the top layer, grab your decoupage sealant and apply.

Repeat the above steps until the lamp shade is complete.

Let dry. I like to let mine sit ALL day or over night, making sure it's nice and dry. Depending on the look, you might want to continue applying layers of sealant. Remember, every few layers of sealant, perform a light sand (400).

Throw it on a lamp and it's ready to go!  Mine's not completely done as I still have to sand it... but that will be today! It really does amaze me just how much changing a few things in the home can really have such a positive affect on a person! I love keeping busy and I love looking around thinking... yup, I did that... Now what can I get up too. lol... What have you redone lately??

xOx

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3 Simple Wall Art Ideas

I know we all have looked at a wall a time or two and said... what the h*** can I do with you... Or your looking at your wall now saying ... this really has to go.

There are lots of simple Wall Art ideas out there... maybe you will see something you like... and then think oh yah I like that... and I can do this to it... and that to it... I know a lot of my ideas happen in my sleep, I keep a diary beside my bed and wake up, smoke, and write down my ideas... call me crazy, but it works! I always tend to semi-remember what I meant! lol

To view above image, layered frames DIY tutorial, click here.

Like this Mod Podge'd Tissue Paper to a Canvas! (Shown below) Great and simple idea!
And you can purchase most of the supplies at the Dollar Stores.. even the canvas..

Leave your canvas white or paint it the colour of your choice. If painted, let dry. Cut out the tissue paper in the pattern, shapes or design you want and layer the back of them with Mod Podge. Stick them to the canvas. You can choose to Mod Podge over them or leave them as is. Just make sure it's completely covered on the back. Smooth out the bubbles and wrinkles and you are done!! Some might even choose to leave the wrinkles there... it kind of gives it attitude and makes it your own!

The Family Handprints! - Super Cute - Nuff Said!

Whether it's all the kids hand prints or the whole families this would look great in your family room!! Or anywhere for that matter! Layer everyone's hand in paint and press down on the paper you decide to use as your background. Simple and beautiful!!

Bubble Art - Soooo Cool!!!! Love this! (#1)

All of these are pretty cool pieces of wall art. I've done the paint chip art before... but the bubble art really really caught my eye! Definitely going to be giving this a whirl... sooner than later!

Here's what you'll need:
Bubbles
Water-soluble ink in various colours
Watercolour paper (Can use normal to thick paper if you like)
Frame

Here's what you'll do:
Mix inks and bubbles together in a 1-to-1 ratio (mixing each colour separately). Lay paper flat on drop sheet, cardboard or newspaper and start blowing bubbles of various colours onto the paper. Once you have your desired look allow to dry thoroughly. Once dry, hang in a frame to dry!

I love love love this look!! Can't wait to get home today and try it out! I hope you do toooo!

xOx

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Decoupage - Lazy Susan Redo

I was bored this afternoon and needed something to do. I was looking around the kitchen thinking... what next.. what can I get up too? I didn't want to start anything too big, considering I have my tv stand to do tomorrow. So I decided to decoupage the lazy susan. If you have never decoupaged anything before, starting with something small is a good idea!

Click here to view a decoupage tutorial

Here's what you need:
Lazy Susan
Decorative Paper, tissue paper, gift wrap
Scissors or Craft knife
Sponge Brush
Decoupage glue (I used Mod Podge, of course, lol)
Sealant/Varnish (Depending on the look you want)

Here's what you do:
Once you know what you are going to decorate your lazy susan (or whatever you are doing) with, cut your pieces if need be, and then place them on your lazy susan, making sure they will fit, but don't glue them down yet! Keeping in mind, you are going to want to make sure there is enough paper to cover the sides of the lazy susan, folding the paper down over the edges. 

Once you know the placement of your cut out pieces, take a picture if you need help remembering. Make sure your lazy susan is clean and dry and you are ready to go!

Take your sponge and glue create a thing layer of paste on your object where the cut out is going to go. Place the cut out on the glue, smoothing it out. Wipe on another layer of glue on top of the cut out, making sure the whole piece is covered and the edges are stuck down. Smooth out the piece to get rid of any bubbles. You are going to want to start in the middle and smooth it out working your way out towards the edges. You can use your sponge, a roller, or your finger to smooth.

I had poured the glue on a plate so it was easier to get at and I glued, applied the paper then glued. I didn't care so much for smoothing out the bubbles as much as I normally would since it's usually covered with stuff anyway!

Complete the same steps until your lazy susan is covered.  You are going to have extra paper hanging over the sides, we are going to trim it with a craft knife or your scissors, leaving about 2" of overlap. Cut slits about every inch or so in the overlap to the edge of the lazy susan. This is going to make it easy to paste the edges down.

If you have a paint brush handy, grab it for this next part or you can use your fingers. Coat the little flaps of paper and the lazy susan where the flap is going to get glued down with enough glue that the flaps will stick. Fold the flaps of paper down over the edge and stick. Apply a thin layer of glue on top.  Continue these steps until all of the flaps are glued down. Rub out any bubbles or edges as best as you can before leaving to dry. I'd leave it for at least 24 hours.

You can leave it like this if you used a two in one glue that acts as a sealant as well or you can continue to add layers of sealant! I really wish that one piece of paper would have fit on this so it would look a little better, but like I said, it's usually covered!

Take your Lazy Susan and apply a thin coat of sealant. Allow to dry completely and give it another coat.
Repeat steps until you get the desired look you want!

After 3 or 4 coats, give it a light sand with sandpaper (400). You can leave it like this or you can continue coating with sealant! Some artists coat their objects up to 40 times!!! Can you imagine! But oh the look!!

I chose to give it a few layers of sealant and I'm doing my first sand as we speak... or as I type.

There! Done! Sanded... almost to perfection! The more I would have sanded it, the more it would have looked all as one piece and sooo smooth! I gave it one more coat of sealant to finish it off, letting it dry and it will be back on the table tomorrow!!!

Yup, back on the table... pretty much covered! lol
xOx

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Decoupage - The How To

If you are new to decoupage and want to learn how to do it.. you came to the right place. Here is a detail step by step on the how to.

Once you have your object you want to decorate, which can be pretty much ANYTHING!!!!!!  figure out what materials you are going to use to decorate it with! You can use just about anything for decoupage; including cards, napkins, tissue paper, gift wrap, newspaper, magazines, thin fabric pieces, scrapbooking or Decoupage paper. Keep in mind that, the softer and more flexible the material, the easier it will be to work with, especially if you are working with an object with a curved surface.

Once you have your materials, figure out if you need them cut. You can use whole pieces of paper or you can cut them to make them fit or make them into different patterns or designs. Use your scissors or a craft knife to cut out the pieces that you need.

Place the cut out pieces on your project where you want them to be, don't glue them down yet, take a picture or sketch out the layout so you remember where the pieces are to go for when you are ready to glue!

Make sure your object is clean and dry. If there are imperfections and bumps and you prefer to sand it or paint it before you decoupage, do so beforehand. Make sure the paint is dry before placing the materials on. For some materials, such as wood and metal, you may need to prime the surface with a coat of paint or primer to help the cut outs stick on your object better.

Use a sponge or a paint brush to brush a thin layer of glue onto your surface (if you are finding it hard to stick, you can put glue on the back of the cut outs as well; putting glue over the edges too). Work with smaller sections as the glue tends to dry rather quickly. 

Place your first piece of cut paper onto the area to which you applied the glue. Apply the paper carefully to avoid ripping it and smooth it out with the sponge, a small roller or with your finger, rubbing outward from the center. This will reduce bumps! Repeat with each piece. Applying glue, the cut out, and then some more glue. You can overlap your other cut outs or leave open spaces, it's up to you.

If you are applying several layers, make sure each layer is completely dry before starting the next layer.

After your object is completely dry you are going to seal the decoupage with a couple coats of sealant, such as decoupage finish, varnish, or lacquer remembering to let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next.

When the sealant is dry, sand it with sandpaper to get rid of the imperfections and bumps if any. Remove any dust from sanding with a damp cloth. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH COATS OF SEALANT covering the surface before sanding. You do not want to sand off your cut outs.

Apply as many coats of sealant as you like to get the finish that you are aiming for! Some decoupage artists use as many as 30 or 40 coats. I wouldn't do that many, unless it was something immaculate, LOL. But usually 4 or 5 coats is plenty. Remember to sand every couple coats of sealant and let it dry between each coat!

And ta da! You have just learned the fine art of decoupage!

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Pretty Painted Flower Pots For Summer

With Summer comes flowers and you always need something cute and pretty to put them in. For those of us not lucky enough to have a backyard for a garden or anywhere for a hanging basket.. the only thing we can really use is pots or baskets!! Instead of having plain boring pots everywhere, a little bit of paint can really make them look hot!! Heck, you can even get really creating and Mod Podge them after you've painted!!



If your pots aren't new, wipe them down, make sure they are dirt free as much as can be before you start to paint them! Pick out your colours and think of what you are going to do!

I know I know, so many colours and designs to choose from!! That's why I always get a few pots at a time, I can make a few different ones at once!

Once you know what you are going to do, get at it!! If you are doing stripes or straight lines, get out your painters tape and start taping or paint and then tape!

Or paint and then stencil! Or dot! Or freehand! You get the drift! Just giver!! Add your own personal touch!

I definitely really like the idea of painting the pot and then Mod Podging on some decals or patterns! I find napkins have great designs and pictures for Mod Podging items! Or take decorative scrapbook paper sheets and mix match them like the picture shown below!! Makes for great decor in or out of the home!

You really can't go wrong.. even if you just paint it one solid colour and put your name on it!! Or not!! At least it's getting rid of that ugly orange pot you got!!

xOx

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Newspaper Clutch Purse! .. Goes with Everything!!

I love it, I absolutely LOVE it. And I love the things you can do with Mod Podge. It really is a girls dream! LOL.. who woulda thought!

This newspaper clutch purse goes with basically anything, I mean, it almost just looks like you are carrying a newspaper, WRONG! It's my purse!

Here's what you will need:
Clutch Purse (flat ones work best)
Newspaper
Mod Podge & Brush
Scissors

PS. I got my clutch from the Dollarama in the makeup aisle!



And here's what you do:
Measure each side of your purse and then cut the newspaper out in pieces that match your clutch purse. (as shown below) Or you can cut pieces out different sizes to cover each surface of the clutch.

Once all of your newspaper pieces are cut, you are going to start to place them on your purse piece by piece.

Starting on one side paint the Mod Podge on the surface of your clutch where the first piece of newspaper is going to go (I showed this with the second piece, but you get the point).

Work in small sections so the glue doesn't dry (it dries fairly quick... oh and don't worry it dries clear). Place your first piece of newspaper down where the glue is and Mod Podge over it completely, making sure the edges are stuck down.

Repeat the process until the entire one side is complete, making sure to paint underneath and on top of the newspaper pieces.

Once the one side is done, lay it down to dry for a couple hours. Once dry, flip over and cover the opposite side.  Leave to dry for another few hours and ta da! You got yourself a new clutch. Shown in the top picture in the post!! Now.. I don't know if this is an everyday thing or anything, but definitely a sometime thing!!

xOx


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Cupboard Cabinet Tray!

Getting rid of that old cabinet or cupboard? I would think twice about that after you see this great idea! Perfect for summer BBQ's entertaining guests by the pool or on the deck or even just for decor!

If you do happen to have a cabinet cupboard around to use you are half way there! You don't need much to make this chic tray! Grab some paint and a couple drawer handles. Fill in any holes in the cupboard with wood filler from a hardware store. Make sure you let it dry for a couple hours at least. Sand the surface smoothly to your liking and paint it the colour of your choice! Drill holes where the handles are going (2 to 4 inches, whichever you prefer) and secure them in.

If you want to get real fancy you can paint designs or different colours or do the edges in a different colour! Or if you like Mod Podge as much as I do...

Voila! Your serving tray is made and you are ready to serve those guests of yours!

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Decorated "Stuff" Box

This was just a quick little project that I did this morning. I keep all my Birthday Cards from over the years... (I guess I'm sentimental) and I keep them in boxes. I have them all kept in my spare room and one by one i have decorated them all differently.

I got these boxes at the Dollarama for $1.25 (can't go wrong with that).

I sanded the box so that it was nice and smooth and painted it a solid orange. Once it was dry I sponged on a little bit of yellow to give it a rustic kind of look. I cut out napkins and peeled all the layers off except the top layer with the actual picture design on it.

I placed the cut outs where I wanted them and glazed over them, gluing them down with Mod Podge. You can mod podge whatever you like. It acts as a glue and it clears dry! It is amazing stuff as you will see in future posts. I LOVE my Mod Podge!

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Comic Cuff Bracelets!

I LOVE Mod Podge and the amazing things it can do! I still remember the first time my mom gave me a bottle and said you are gonna love this stuff... I didn't think I'd like it as much as she said, but it comes in handy for SO many of my projects. I haven't done this one yet because I don't have an old cuff bracelet, but I'm going to swing by the Dollarama later to see if they have any in stock. If they don't, I know you can get them at Ardene's or Claire's!

Here's what you will need...
Mod Podge Comic (preferably one of your favs)
Paintbrush
Plastic cuff bracelet

Here's what you will do...
Cut out strips of your comic book so you have them ready. Brush some Mod Podge onto your cuff (small sections at a time) and place the strips where the glue is. If there are spots where the comic strip didn't wrap around, use scrap pieces to fill them in! Continue gluing your strips around the cuff bracelet until it's complete! Brush a layer of Mod Podge on the cuff to seal the comic (don't worry, the glue dries clear). Let it dry for an hour or so and voila! Ready to wear!

 I think this is super cute for kids... actually I think it's super cute for anyone! Once I do mine, I will update you all with pics!!!

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