Ode to Mod Podge

So, just in case you were thinking all I do is sit around eating bon bons and watching HGTV I thought I would post a little project the girls and I did this morning.  I'd like to call it my "Ode to Mod Podge"  Love me some Mod Podge.  I think its in a category right up there with Duct Tape! I love the pretty personalized canvases you see at craft fairs and have a friend who does AMAZING paint work on canvas, but I am not a painter.  (You're awesome Val! and btw if you are reading this I need to order a Hog canvas for Caleb's BD, keep forgetting to message you!) Sorry, back to what I was saying.  I am not a good painter at all!!! But I can cut and glue, so this little project is perfect for me and its like spending a little time in kindergarten all over again only no one is eating the glue at my house :) We did this project at our Ladies Night at church last month and it was a big hit.  Hope you enjoy it too- sooooo here we go.

Supplies:

• Mod Podge_ I like the glossy kind but they also have matte finish
• Plastic cup or plate to pour mod podge into (I actually didn't use mine just dipped out of the container- put the cup to good use holding my Dr. Pepper!)
• little foam brushes (1 inch works good)
• scrapbook paper in the colors you want to use
• scissors
• One-two canvases any size painted the color you want back ground to be, this one is is 7"x14" and came in a two pack from w-mart for $6, you can wait for Hobby Lobby sale or use your coupon and get them in any size you want very inexpensively, I used a can of paint that's been sitting in my garage for a year, but the little Apple Barrel bottles of craft paint from w-mart work perfect too. I suggest you do get 2 the first time just in case you mess one up :) I'm an optimist can't you tell.

Now that you have made a trip to your favorite craft store or to your personal stash, pick a name, theme, picture, or whatever you want to put on your canvas and get started cutting it our of your scrapbook paper.  If you are lucky enough to have a cricut sitting around now is the time to dust it off and use it.  Personally, I have one that I don't use.  I just cut my letters and shapes by hand.  If that stresses you out and makes you want to add something else to your cup besides Dr. Pepper. here are some suggestions.

• google online coloring pages and print off to use as a template- butterflies, turtles, owls, etc.. print off a black and white copy to trace and cut on your scrapbook paper
• print letters off your word processor to use as a stencil
• dollar store coloring books- great source for simple pics to trace
• check out www.planetapplique.com for some good shape ideas, keep in mind you may need to do some layering to get the look you want

Once you have your canvas painted and dry and your basic name/design cut out let the gluing begin! Work with one piece of paper at at time.  Put down a thin coat of the mod podge with your foam brush, position shape on the tacky area and then paint over it with more mod podge.  You have a very small window of opportunity to reposition (like 10 seconds) so be sure you are putting it where you want it! The thinner papers do have a tendency to wrinkle up.  You can gently peel it up (within that 10 seconds) and use your brush like a squeegee to lay it down flat, working from bottom to top.  This step really isn't that complicated it just takes practice and a little bit of patience. Believe me I don't have much patience either!!

Continue adding to your design one layer at a time.  I added the wheels to the engine next since this area still had wet modge podge, before moving on to the train cars.  Only add a thin layer where you need it when you need it so your canvas doesn't get too goopy.  Goopy- very technical term :) Its also helpful if you have little helpers. Okay not really helpful but way more fun!

Finish adding on your pieces using thin layers of mod podge.
When you have everything on go over the entire canvas with a thin layer just to make sure it is all glossy.

Here's our finished piece.  We decided it needed a little something more so we added in puffs of smoke and the buttons later.  The buttons are just held on with a little mod podge also.  I've never had a problem with buttons falling off this way, but I don't recommend playing football with your finished canvas!

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The options are endless.  This a favorite that I did for one of the girls. The buttons are vintage from my great grandmother's button jar! Happy Mod Podging.  Let me know if you need any help. I'd be happy to answer your questions with my massive stores of wisdom :)

Time to get back to my bon bons and I think its almost time for "Dear Genivieve" . Ha I wish- really its time to make lunch, do a load of laundry, get the girls down for a nap, finish a diaper bag, get ready for Awanas, the list goes on! Somewhere in there I'm going to make another one of these for my little friend Josh. :)