my style: sparkle mod podge

I just have to start by saying what hundreds of other artists are saying out there - "mod podge rocks." Seriously. There is even an entire blog devoted to mod podge called just that - MOD PODGE ROCKS. It is filled with ideas for crafters of all levels using mod podge as a medium. I know that here in Florida it gets a bad name because of the humidity - but trying it on a different base may be all it takes to change your mind.

I admit - I have struggled with using it on chipboard and paper at times - but the more I work with it, the better I get a feel for it. I am really in love with it lately and have learned that I can use it on anything. Like this beautiful art journal I created for a friends birthday.

I created the base out of canvas. In the process I began painting on the canvas. I really liked the way it was looking, but it was lacking something. It needed a pop of something, that in this case, color wasn't giving me. I decided to try smearing on a coat of SPARKLE MOD PODGE. The recipient of this gift likes bling and so I knew she would love the glittery look. You could use matte or gloss finish as well.

When I was creating the cover of this journal I did all of my painting and stitching first, then I added a single coat of SPARKLE MOD PODGE over the top of all the exposed canvas areas, covering the paint and stitching alike.

I love the feel of this journal now. And it is not sticky. NOT. ONE. BIT. -and I love the pliable stability it gave to the canvas. The added sparkle gave it a pretty zing too! So - if you haven't played around with mod podge lately, I would give it another go. The perk for me? The price tag!

I created this project on my own and the makers of MOD PODGE, PLAID CRAFTS are not paying me to advertise their product. I just love it, so I thought I would give them a shout out!

{a birthday surprise}

Just when I resign myself to the fact that the days of {birthday woo-hoos!} are a thing of the past, my sweet daughter's surprise me with a very special gift. ...

... there is no end to the nice things that these three {young ladies} have done for me as of late. They have stepped in and taken over the most undesirable chores. They have goofed and joked and hooted until I have no choice but to hoot along. They have gone out of their individual ways to make me {smile} lately and I love them even more deeply for this. ...  

... for a long time now I have wanted this  - {see below}          

... a {kindle fire}. I am doing a major happy dance over here! 

I {LOVE LOVE LOVE}  to read and my {sweet girls} know it.

I decided to make a pretty case for it.

... you know I {LOVE WHITE} and {VINTAGE} anything,

so I dug around my studio and found some fabric

that was perfect for the job.Quilted. Antique white. Perfect.

... I ruffled four layers of antique gold tulle,scrunched silky floral trim, looped vintage pink seam binding, and vintage eyelet ribbon for a tie closure ...

 Super easy...super pretty...and a wonderful birthday surprise!

Super Sweet Cupcake Tags

 I know I am totally hooked on all the vintage books and papers I have been collecting lately, so here is another sweet way to use the papers. Using a chalkboard style cupcake tag, I cut pendants from a vintage children's book. Layering them with pop up dots really added to the overall dimensional effect of the banner. A touch of pink sheer ribbon for a tie and some vintage string for the banner, stamped goodness in white ink and these adorable tags were born. Enjoy!