Fun with Decoupage.

Recently I've been working with Modge Podge. I first learned about this sticky glue when I was home with the girls watching The Rosie O'Donnell Show wayyy back in the 90's. She was a crafting menace. Since I've been reviving furniture and finally making a business out of it, I decided to create a few pieces with decoupage. Modge Podge works on "most" paper (I say most because I used a transparent paper and it was a disaster) I use craft paper - it's cheap, usually a $1 or less, and there are tons of choices. You can get craft paper at any craft store, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JO ANN, etc.. It is also great on newspaper (that's another blog). When using Modge Podge be quick and patient. Put the glue on the portion of the piece your working with, as well as on the back of the paper. Gently put the glued paper on the project piece and press into place, push out any bubbles, and make sure you glue the seams. Its a lot like wallpaper. In this piece, a sofa table, I wanted to bring a sense of uniqueness to it. So at the advisement of my 16 year old, I used a a music sheet and decoupaged the drawer, after I had glazed the whole piece I also glazed the drawer, it toned down the whites so it could blend in with the whole piece. Viola! A new sofa table.

01 02 12

Creation Station

When we moved in two months ago today I was so excited to have a mud room. I was going to keep coats and shoes and books in a space outside the normal living space. However....I got the entertainment center (my first post), then the lamp, the mirror, AND then we decided to start REVIVED (our home furnishings venture) and my mud room became my studio. The previous owner is an art teacher and in the basement were several work stations. We had to move them to make J's room so i thought they will be perfect for my space. Eric got one for his workshop and I kept one for my studio, repurposing at its finest. How appripo since that's what we love doing.

So once he's done sanding, hammering, adjusting and sawing, it comes to my station for beautification. I have a collection of oops paint from Lowes (remember $5 a gallon. I look every time I go), spray paint, lots of brushes, chalkboard stuff, hammers, screwdrivers, a butter knife for flat head screws, fabric, and the list goes on. I also have inspiration surrounding me a painting from my grandfather, as well as paintings from my aunt. Who better to inspire me than those who have been inspired themselves. My space allows me to forget about the STUFF and "static" that I think and worry about.

I can say that between my husbands craftsmanship and my passion, our creations are full of love. Here's a pic of my space. To the left is a holding area of projects Im "thinking" on what to do with. It's definitely not organized, and its usually a "hot mess" most days, as you can see in the pics but its fun. In fact everyone needs a space just to be you.

01 02 12