Blog Archives

DIY mod podge

9/25/2021

Looking for a super simple way to get a background that pops?!
Napkins & tissue paper are super affordable and come in a large variety of beautiful designs. I love using them as a background for my designs.
However you need to get them securely on your back ground so you can apply your stencil on top.

This may be a surprise but I do not like Mod Podge... I mean it has it's uses ... but you can DIY it for more bang for your buck!
I learned this years ago from a show called Art Attack (yeah I'm that old) and it has been the one of the best tips I have ever learned!

DIY Mod Podge
Equal parts white glue and water
Mix together.

Yep that easy!

Now use your Mod Podge or your DIY version to attach you napkin/tissue paper to your background.
For napkins, peel off the extra ply layers so you are left with just the top designed piece.
Brush your glue on to fully cover the background surface- in our case it's an artist canvas.
Gently lay your napkin/tissue on the glue. Carefully remove the wrinkles. I like to start from the edge & then lift and set it down carefully. You will perfect your own technique as you play a little.
Brush a second coat of your glue over the napkin before your first layer dries. Do not over work this you will rip a hole.

Let it dry

Set your stencil on top and continue on as usual. Boom a WOW project!

Easy Loopy Bow

9/9/2021

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Easy Bow for embellishing your project!

Mention needing to make a bow and most will have a look of fear!
I used to dread needing a beautiful bow for my project because well...
I didn't have the technique to do it!
Until I found how to make this easy loopy bow!

Let's create a beautiful and easy bow!

Supplies
Wired ribbon one or two patterns
Zip Tie
Greenery (optional)
Hot Glue

Start by deciding if you want a 3 or 4 loop bow.
Your bow will be half the size we cut so think about how big of loops (per side) you desire.
For our project we will make a 4 loop bow with 4 inch loops.
Cut (4) pieces 16 inches long. Fold each one in half and glue into a big loop
Press down.
Cut (1) piece 16 inches long and dove tail the ends. This is the tail of your bow.
To easily dove tail your ribbon ends fold the ribbon in half and cut from the edge toward the fold on angle.
Cut (1) piece 4 inches long (This will cover your zip tie & the be center of our bow). Glue in a loop.

Layer your loops on top of the tail piece. If you are creating a 4 loop bow stack the loops 2 and 2. If creating a 3 loop bow stack 2 on the bottom and place the third in the middle of both loops.

Gently pinch the center together.
Thread the small loop onto your zip tie, then wrap the zip tie around the pinch you created. Gently tighten-- Do Not fully tighten yet.
Add in any greenery you desire.
Tighten the zip tie & cut the excess off.

Fluff & Poof your loops to your hearts desire. Step back and admire your bow!