8 DIY Ideas for Back-to-School, Baby Rooms and Fashion

Today I'm sharing 8 new craft ideas for back-to-school, DIY fashion and ideas for using Fabric Mod Podge in a baby nursery.

1. Constellation Organizers via Mark Montano
2. Funny Face Book Markers via Dollar Store Crafts
3. Lettering Tutorials via Crafty Chica
4. Faux Enamel Bracelet via Margot Potter
5. Pearl Sunglasses via Trinkets in Bloom
6. Faux Quilted Pillow via Cathie and Steve for Mod Podge
7. Wall Monogram via Cathie and Steve for Mod Podge
8. Fabric Covered Nesting Boxes via Cathie and Steve for Mod Podge

xoxo Cathie

6 Summer DIY Crafts: beach glass bowls, boho jewelry and metal stamping

6 Summer DIY Crafts: beach glass bowls, boho jewelry and metal stamping

I am gaga for our roundup projects this week! Have a peek at the links below for all the scoop!

1. Mermaid Cuff Bracelets via Mark Montano

2. Beach Glass Bowl via Debbie Design Diary

3. Owl Necklace from our new Jewelry Line (Jewel Pop Shop)

4. Stackable Bracelets via Mark Montano

5. Hardware Store Pendants via Dollar Store Crafts

6. Metal Stamped Cuff Bracelets via Margot Potter

DIY Summer Fashion and Home Decor Round Up

This week's round up has some DIY fashions that would be perfect for the 4th of July.  I just love the tie-dye skirt that Cathy from Trinkets in Bloom made.  Mark has made a stunning dress that would perfect for party or fancy date night..... not that this new mama remembers what date night is.  soon soon.  Dollar Store Crafts has some cute potted designs.... I think these would be great hostess gifts.  All the links are below!

1. Rose and Turquoise Necklace with Mod Podge Podgeables


2. Tie-dye Skirt by Trinkets in Bloom

3. Burlap and Fabric Flower Purse with Mod Podge

4. Party Dress by Mark Montano

5. Ribbon and Rhinestone Bracelets by Trinkets in Bloom

6. Decoden and Collage Clay Cell Phone Case

7. Potted Gifts by Dollar Store Crafts

8. Antiqued Trunk by Mark Montano

9. New to the etsy shop.... Alterable Metal Frames by Prima:

6 DIY Ideas for Summer Fashion, Outdoor Decorating and Beach Crafts

Summer is here in Los Angeles even though I am not sure the actual "summer date" has arrived it sure feels like summer.  The weather has been amazing and Little Miss S is enjoying her outdoor time! This week I have a round-up of some DIY ideas that are perfect for summer. xoxo

1. Dollar Store Outdoor Chandelier via Dollar Store Crafts
2. Vintage Door Garden Shelf via Mark Montano
3. Tie Dye Rainbow Shorts via Crafty Chica
4. Summer Dress via Trinkets in Bloom
5. Mason Jar Makeover with Mod Melts via Cathie and Steve for Plaid
6. Dollar Store Bubble Makeover via Cathie and Steve for Plaid

Crafty Summer School is now in Session with 9 DIY Ideas.

Today I am sharing 9 DIY ideas that are perfect for summer fun!  

1. First up is a really cool paint technique by Debi Beard.  

2. We are loving the foamcore lamp from Dollar Store Crafts.  

3. Crafty Chica shows you how to make a la Rosa pillow.  

4. Trinkets in Bloom is working with Paracord to make a really cool belt.  

5. Steve and I have a new video were we are making a Mod Melt statement necklace 

with our new gem mold.

6. Mark Montano made an adorable chandlier.

7. Mod Melts get turned into fun accessories via Alanna George.

8. Margot Potter is stamping a really fun bangle bracelet set!

Enjoy!

xo

Cathie

Dollar Frame Makeover with Mod Melt Crowns

Oh La La ~ We love making over dollar frames! Over the years we have painted them, Mod Podged them and even thumb-tacked them.  Now we are Mod Melting them with gold crowns and rhinestones.

To get the shabby look ~ paint the frame with White craft paint.  Dry-brush paint the frame with a Robin's Egg Blue paint.  Using a loose bristle coarse paintbrush, paint a few highlighted spots with gold craft paint.

Make a handful of Mod Melt crowns.  Paint the crowns with Gold craft paint.  (We like FolkArt paint).  If needed seal the Mod Melt with a coat of Mod Podge Gloss, Matte or Sparkle depending on the look you like.

Glue the Mod Melt crowns and rhinestones to the frame.  Glue a funky trim around the outer edge of the frame.

VIDEO: Learn About Mod Melts

VIDEO: Learn About Mod Melts

DIY: How to cover a photo mat with fabric and Mod Podge.

Covering a photo mat with fabric and Mod Podge is easy and a great way to make a customized photo mat in under 1 hour.  This fabric was from Jo-Ann fabrics and it is designed by Waverly.  This was designed for Plaid...check out all our Plaid Projects here.

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DIY Zipper Flower Bouquet for Spring

Zipper flowers are so quick and easy to whip up and they made a sweet bouquet.  These flowers were made with Mod Podge, Large Podgeable Shapes, Zippers and Wood Dowels. 

This was designed for Plaid using our Products for Mod Podge.

View the complete instructions here!

I have tons of different Zippers at the supply shop......Visit the Cathie Filian Shop Here.

My project for Better Homes and Gardens: Easy Appliqued Dish Towels!

Project Instructions are Here>> Monogram Applique Dish Towels

One of my favorite things to do with fabric scraps is applique and dish towels are the perfect size for altering.  When appliqueing, I like to use a little fusible webbing for attaching first.  For this towel, I also used scrap fabric to add a border to the towel. Sew easy and they make great gifts!!

See more of my projects for Better Homes and Gardens here.

Join our facebook page here.

Thanks for stopping by!

xo

Cathie

Thrift Store Makeover = Modern Faux Stained Glass

Traditionally Poppy Vase

Using Gallery Glass is such a quick and easy way to revamp a vase.  For this technique I used the Redi-Lead strips to create the look of stained glass.

Materials:
Sided glass vase
Craft knife
Gallery Glass ® Redi-Lead Strips - Regular
Gallery Glass ® Window Color - Turquoise


Steps:
1. Wash and dry the glass vase.

2. Following the upper and lower edge of the base, adhere a strip of instant lead lines to the vase. Trim the ends with the knife.

3. Create a channel for the gallery glass by adding two instant lead lines down the center of each side of the vase.

4. Working in the channel created in step three, apply the gallery glass to the vase. Begin by applying the paint directly from the bottle, follow around the lead lines. Use the tip of the bottle to drag the paint back and forth filling in the channel. Allow to dry. You might need to paint in sections, allowing them to dry prior to painting the next channel.

I love Ruffles! DIY tutorial on a ruffle and corduroy pillow.... SEW easy!

Ruffles are all the rage - soft and sweet with tons of texture.  I designed this project after I fell in love with the grey baby whale corduroy {from Jo-Ann fabrics}.  I paired it with the vibrant yellow linen.  I whipped it up fast and even if you a beginner stitcher - I know you will have success with this pillow.

Make This: Modern Pebble Art with Mod Podge

 Modern Art with Mod Podge

Create a modern master piece with Mod Podge and aquarium pebbles.  To make the perfect circles....use embroidery hoops! so quick and easy.

This technique would be awesome for a table top too!

DIY: Thrift Shop Frame Makeovers

  My new favorite FolkArt paint color!  New Leaf Green

Please visit our project page at Plaid for all the instructions!

{{Paper in the frame is Amy Butler}}

SAVE 30% on FolkArt Paints!

Visit the Plaid Shop today and use the coupon code above!

DIY: Chalkboard Paint Key Hook

I now have no excuses for forgetting! I am constantly dashing out the door and forgetting something behind so I wanted to make a little chalkboard / key hook that I could hang in my office.

I have been obsessed with chalkboard paint since it became readily available. Chalkboard paint turns almost any surface into a chalkboard. It is very easy to use and is available in tons of different colors. I love the traditional black/slate color for this project.

I whipped it up in just a few hours (including dry time) and I got the seal of approval from my hubby – he promptly hung his motorcycle keys on the hook. I don’t think he saw the pink crackle finish.

Please enjoy this little tutorial and give it a whirl.

Make it: Modern Starburst Mirror

Mod Starburst Mirror
from Creative Juice - Star Bright Episode

Tools and Materials:
(1) 3/16" metal rod (36" long)
(2) 1/8" metal rods (36" long)
Yardstick
Permanent marker
Bolt cutters
Wax metallic finishes
Small circular mirrors: 1/2", 3/4" and 1" diameter
6" round mirror
E-6000 glue
Scrap felt or fabric
5" wooden disc
Paint brush
FolkArt black craft paint
Sawtooth picture hanger
Hammer

1. Use bolt cutters to cut the 3/16-inch rod into four pieces, each 9 inches long. Cut one of the 1/8-inch rods into seven 5-inch pieces, and the other into four 7-inch pieces. Apply a wax metallic finish to each of the cut rods; it may be necessary to apply two coats for a smooth finish. We used bronze for the large rods, gold for the medium rods and silver on the smallest rods.

2. Once the metallic finish is dry, glue a small, circular mirror at the end of each rod with E6000 glue. Match the size of the mirrors to the size of rods (largest with largest, for example). Let the glue dry for at least three hours.

3. While the glue dries, paint the 5-inch wooden disc black. Let the paint dry and attach a sawtooth picture hanger to one side of the disk.

4. Place the 6-inch mirror face down on a piece of felt or scrap fabric to prevent scratches. Cutout a circle of paper that is slightly smaller than your wood disk. Draw 16 even pie shapes. Center the paper circle on the mirror. Make a mark at the end of each line on the template; these are the guides for gluing the rods to the back of the mirror.

5. Once the glue is dry, make a mark on the back of each rod, 3/4 inch from the end opposite the mirror. Apply globs of glue over each of the marks on the back of the 6-inch mirror and glue the rods in place with the mirrors facing down. Each rod should be glued on a mark on the back of the mirror, with the marks on the rod at the edge of the mirror. Alternate rods around the mirror: If the mirror were a clock, we placed the longest rods at 12:00, 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00. The medium-size rods were centered between the large ones, and the smallest rods filled in the gaps.

6. Squeeze out more glue liberally over the center of all the rods. Place the wooden disc on top, centering it on the mirror and lining up the picture hanger with one of the large rods.

7. Let the glue dry for 24 hours or more. Don't move the mirror until the glue has dried completely.

DIY: Desktop Candy Jar for The Manly Man (valentine craft)

Desktop Candy Jar for the Manly Man

I giggled so hard when I saw this mustache themed scrapbook paper at Michaels.  I really love "the rich uncle" design.  We designed this quick and easy craft for Plaid as a part of our Valentine's Gifts for Him series.  You can see all the designs here.  I know my dad would love this!  He always has a "stash" of Jelly Belly candy on his desk.

For the candy/peanut jar we first painted the jar with Folkart Enamles Glass paint and then we Mod Podged the paper to the outside of the jar.  To make the tattered painted edge we used painters tape torn in half.

Materials:

Rubbing alcohol
Glass canister
Painter's tape

Spouncer paintbrush

FolkArt ® Enamels™ - Berry Wine, 2 oz.

Moustache themed scrapbook paper

Scissors

Mod Podge ® Matte, 8 oz.

Foam paintbrush

Instructions

1. Wipe the canister with rubbing alcohol to clean it. Peel a strip of blue painters tape. Tear the tape in half lengthwise. Tape off the top layer of the canister with the torn edge facing down. This will create a tattered edge.

2. Dip the spouncer brush into the berry wine paint, tap off the excess and tap all over the canister. Allow to dry. Follow the instructions on the bottle for setting the paint.

3. Trim the paper to fit the top of the canister and around the canister. Coat the back of the papers with Mod Podge, position onto the canister, smooth any air bubbles with your finger, wait 15 minutes and top coat with a layer of Mod Podge. Allow to Dry.

Thanks for stopping by! 

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XO Cathie

DIY: Fashion Collage with Mod Podge

Stretched canvas is perfect for collage!

Gather This:
8x10 canvas
FolkArt ® Metallics - Rose, 2 oz.
Wood Plaque
FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Peach Fuzz, 2 oz.
FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Belle Blush, 2 oz.
Scrapbook papers
Paper trims and quotes
Foam paintbrush
Mod Podge ® Gloss, 8 oz.
Hot glue
Plaid ® Hot Glue Gun Helpers
Ribbon for around canvas
Silk flowers and pearls

How To Make It:

1. Begin by painting the canvas with one coat of Metallic Rose paint. Allow to dry. Paint the plaque with a combination of Belle Blush and Peach Fuzz. Allow to dry.

2. Trim the scrapbook papers to fit the top of the plaque and the canvas. Coat the back and front of the papers with Mod Podge, position on the canvas and plaque, smooth any air bubbles with your fingers. Using the paintbrush, smooth your brush strokes. Repeat for Allow to dry. Continue adding paper trims and quotes using Mod Podge.

3. Hot glue the plaque to the canvas, add flowers and pearls near the plaque. Hot glue ribbon around the outer edge of the canvas.

Video: Mod Podge Frame with Zipper Flowers Made with Hot Glue

Have you seen those frames at the craft stores that are under $2 and sometimes only a buck!?! They are awesome for altering.  For this project we used tissue paper from a pattern and zippers to create this look.

Tutorial: Tie Dyed Pillowcases with Magic Stamp Foam Stamps

 Tie Dyed and Stamped Pillowcases

Add a little boho flair to pillowcases with fabric dye, paint and an impressionable foam stamp.  Just looking at them makes me feel like getting cozy with a cup of coco and a good movie.


Supplies:
Pillowcase
Rubber bands
Rit Fabric dye
Magic Stamp block
Embossing gun
Object to press into the stamp to make an impression, we used a disco ball
Folkart Acrylic paint
Folkart Textile medium
Foam paintbrush
Iron

Steps:
1. Pre-wash the pillowcase to remove any sizing.  Wet the pillowcase to ensure that the dye will distribute evenly.

2. Wrap the pillowcase with rubber bands. Bunching and gathering into a ball gives a mottled or marbled look. Gathering the pillowcase at the center, forming it into a cone and putting rubber bands at even intervals will give a bulls-eye shaped pattern. Pinching in the middle, twisting into a cinnamon bun shape and rubber banding will give a striped pattern.  Mix the dye according to the Rit package instructions in a basin or bucket designated for craft projects. Submerge in the dye bath for the amount of time recommended on the dye instructions.

3. Heat the foam stamp block with the embossing gun.

4. Press the stamp block onto an object to form an impression. We used a disco ball.

5. Mix the acrylic paint with the textile medium, using the ratio recommended on the textile medium bottle.  Use a foam brush to apply a thin layer of paint to the stamp block.  Press with light, even pressure onto the edge of the pillowcase. Allow to dry for 24 hours.   Iron the stamp to heat set it.

Make it: Chalkboard Globe

Make it: Chalkboard Globe

This project we designed for Plaid!

Materials:
FolkArt ® Chalkboard Paint - Slate Gray, 8 oz.
1 Globe
Foam Paintbrush
Damp Rag
Soft Chalk
Letter Stickers

Steps:
1. Clean the globe with a damp rag and allow to dry. Add 3 coats of chalkboard paint. Allow 2 hours in between coats for dry time.

2. After 24 hours, rub the entire chalkboard surface with a piece of chalk to season the surface. Now you are ready to write on your chalkboard globe. Add personalization to the base with letter stickers.