Tuesday, October 6, 2009

6 years already?

I cannot believe my husband and I just celebrated our 6 yr. wedding anniversary...time really does fly when you are having fun!


I met my husband at a time in my life when I really was not looking for a serious relationship, but after our second date I knew he was the one I would marry . There was something definitely different about him, he was so kind, sincere, and honest. Above all, the one thing that really got me, was the way he treated me and especially my daughter. When I met Valmar I had a 4 year old daughter and he embraced the situation without hesitation. It takes a lot of maturity for a 26 year old, single man to commit himself to not only a woman, but a woman with a child...it really says a lot about who he is. To think that we started this journey 7 years ago and to look where we are now makes me so proud of what we have accomplished together in such a short time. It definitely has not been an easy road, marriage takes a lot of work and dedication, but so does anything in life worth having.


7 years and 3 kids later you are still my hero. I love you forever and always.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

All This In One Bottle??



If you have never worked with Mod Podge before, you are in for a treat!


I love this stuff for so many reasons. It's cheap, easy to work with, and you can create the most amazing "masterpieces" with it.

You can find Mod Podge at Walmart and your local craft store.

I wanted to share with you some of the things I have used Mod Podge to create in hopes of inspiring you to get creative with it!





Have empty paint cans at home? Try covering them with scrapbook paper or fabric!



First remove the handle from the paint can using pliers, then lay your paper pattern side down on a smooth surface. Roll the can along the paper while you trace the width and length needed. Cut your paper to size. Don't forget you need to make holes where your handle will fit back in. A whole punch is great for this, but if you do not have one just cut with scissors. Once you have your paper cut to size cover a section of the can with the Mod Podge using a sponge brush. Lay the paper on the section you have covered (making sure that your holes match up with the handle) and smooth down with your hands. Repeat these steps until the can is completely covered. Be sure to smooth out any bubbles. Once the can is covered apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the outside of the can with your sponge brush, let it dry. Then apply a second layer. Two coats should be good, but you may add more if desired. Tye ribbon around the handle and there you have it!
What a great little container for matchbox cars, Barbie clothes, hair accessories, etc. They make awesome gifts and I have even used them to give gifts in...so much cuter than wrapping paper or gift bags.
It may seem a little overwhelming, but I promise they are so easy to make.Please let me know if you have any questions, I'll be glad to help.



I made these frames using scrapbook paper and Mod Podge. The wood cut-outs are from the craft store, you can buy these already painted.








You can buy the unfinshed frames at your local craft store for a very low price.



Before you get started paint your frame with an acrylic paint, using a coordinating color from your paper. Once the paint is dry, as with the paint cans, lay your paper pattern side down and trace the frame. Once traced, cut out your cover. Using your sponge brush, lighty coat the front of your frame. Lay your cover on top, be sure to smooth out any bubbles. Apply two coats of Mod Podge make sure each coat is dry before starting another. After all coats are COMPLETELY DRY, sand edges with sanding strips or sand block.
Once you have sanded the edges you can can glue on your wood cut-out..you can use any wood glue, but I use Gorilla Glue just to make sure that suckers not going anywhere :)







Other things I have made using scrapbook paper and Mod Podge.

All of the following materials were bought at my local craft store.

"Naked" letters were purchased then covered with paper using the same techniques as above projects.

Blocks for baby! This project was easy and fun. How cute for a baby shower gift!?

A stool I decoupaged for my daughter.


Clipboard frames!


All of these projects are easy and most impotantly they are INEXPENSIVE. They would all make great gifts, especially for someone on a budget.



In my earlier post I was telling you how to make inexpensive wall art. Here are more examples of that using scrapbook paper and Mod Podge.


Cover the back of each scrapbook piece with Mod Podge and lay on a canvas. Once all pieces are laid coat entire canvas with Mod Podge. Two coats should work and you have a beautiful piece of art work!


Remember the owl picture I made from pieces of scrapbook paper? This is another version of the same technique...I thought this was awesome.




This woman searched for art work for her daughter's nursey, but everything was too expensive. She made a replica of a piece of art she had fallen in love with , but could not afford. She used several pieces of canvas , painted them with acrylic paint then added leaves that she had cut from scrapbook paper. She applied the leaves using Mod Podge.
I LOVE THIS!



There really is no limit to what you can create with Mod Podge.



HAVE FUN!!