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!

when your heart swells to bursting

Today I woke with a happy heart. I am just home from a quaint art retreat with a small number of friends. I am a not a person that shares their feelings outloud easily, and while I am not entirely "there" yet on that front, I can tell you this - I left that retreat a better, stronger, happier woman than I arrived. The simple acts of kindness and friendship that presented themselves in those few days were so very important to me. I left knowing it is okay to want to slow down. It is okay to be disappointed. It is okay to dream big. It is okay to want and need help to succeed in those dreams. I embraced my disappointments, reveled in kindness and gathered my refreshed strength to come home and try again. No wonder I woke with a full heart. I am so appreciative of the friendships in my life. The ones that are both near and far. The ones that are both new and old. They make me a better, stronger, healthier person. Thank you, friends, for that.