Red Heads Craft More Fun: modge podge

My mom and Aunt had the idea to make decorated dress forms. When they asked me if I would like to join in, even though I had no idea what to use it for, I agreed. (Hello!- -addicted to crafting much?) After we finished (it took two days), I absolutely loved mine!

This is a LONG tutorial, full of pictures. If you want to see the end product, or if you hate the suspense, scroll down!

We started with table-top dress forms from Hobby Lobby. I have seen them at Michael's and JoAnn's too. We used gesso to create a nice, even base color.

We then used some strips of watercolor paper that my Grandma had previously painted on and we tore them down the middle. We did this because we wanted them thinner- you could have whatever size you want. I didn't cut them because I like the ripped look.

Some of these strips of paper we thought would look cool if we embossed them with our CuttleBug machine. Here is a picture of cute Grandma learning what the CuttleBug does.

After that, our gesso was dry, so we painted our dress forms. I chose the color pink just for the fun of it. You could use any color. I also wanted a metallic look so the craft paint I used was a pink metallic.

I also added some other colors lightly here and there.

From there I ripped some images (found online) of old tape measures to match the already ripped water color paper. You can use real ones if you have them! This step is optional.

After the paint dried, I ripped tissue paper and modge podged it to the dress form in various places.

Then, to add more decoration, I glued little diamond shapes in various places on the dress form.

I also glued little heart-shaped sequins into the middle of my diamonds.

Using iron-on transfer paper that we printed from the computer, I chose words, names, dates, and addresses that are special to me and printed them in a pretty font. Then I ironed them onto a scrap of fabric.

Rip or cut the fabric into strips (just like earlier with the watercolor paper and the measuring tape images).

Now you are finally ready to start gluing on your dress form's skirt!

And keep gluing and building layer after layer of watercolor paper, fabric, measuring tape, lace, ribbon, anything!

Eventually, it will end up the way you want it. Code for: put as much as you like on/in her skirt. I think at this point I looked over at my Aunt and caught her talking to her dress form telling her how lovely she is.

Here are the three "ladies" well on their way to bea-u-ti-ous!! (Not to mention that messy table!)

Then start to embellish her skirt. Use buttons, paper cut-outs (hearts, diamonds), tags, anything! We cut out some tags from an old poetry book using our Cricut. Here is a close up of my embellishments, sorry about the shadow of my head.

We attached and glued the tags to the waist with pretty fibers.

I also used the same fiber to wrap a "scarf" around her neck.

I wrapped the same fiber (along with others) around her waist. I finished it off with an antique broach.

Here they are all completed!

I think I am going to either put mine in my bedroom to hang jewelry on, or put her in my craft room. I can't decide!

The DIY Show Off Project Parade

Metamorphosis Monday

Made It Monday at the Persimmon Perch
Make Your Monday at Twice Remembered
It's So Very Cheri
Making the World Cuter Mondays at Making the World Cuter
Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Just Something I Whipped Up Monday at The Girl Creative

Motivate me Monday at Keeping it Simple

Made By You Mondays at Skip to my Lou

Room a Month at The Shades of Pink

DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land
Toot Your Horn Tuesday at The Silly Little Sparrow
Get Your Craft On with Today's Creative Blog
Talented Tuesday at My Frugal Family
Trash to Treasure Tuesday at Reinvented

Tip Me Tuesday at Tip Junkie

Sharing Ideas Wednesday at The Trendy Treehouse

Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts

Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design

Penny Pinching Party at The Thrifty Home

Make it Yours at My Backyard Eden

It's So Very Thrifty at It's So Very Cheri

100 Ideas Under $100 at Beyond the Picket Fence

Strut Your Stuff at Somewhat Simple

Thrifty Thursday at Bloggeritaville

Get Your Craft On Thursday at Life as Lori

Strut your Stuff at Fireflies and Jelly Beans

Transformation Thursday at the Shabby Chic Cottage

Remodelaholics Anonymous at Remodelaholic

Creative Cats at Poppies at Play
Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

The Shabby Nest: Frugal Friday

Friday Fun Finds at KoJo Designs

Super Crafty Sunday at One Crafty Mommy

Here is a quick and simple thing that you can do to turn so-so candles into WOW candles. First, you need some candles and some Epsom salt. Don't forget the Modge Podge either!

Pour the Epsom salt into a tray.

Paint the Modge Podge onto the candle. Paint it all over except the top.

Then roll your candle in the Magnesium Sulfate (Fancy words for Epsom salt!). If you need to, reapply more Modge Podge and re-roll in the salt to cover completely.