Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Mod Podge Magic!

Hi Everyone, hope you have had a great week!
If you visit me on a regular basis, you know that I am in love with addicted to Mod Podge!
It is a rare day that I am not creating something or another with it!  Well, it seems that I am the last to find out about things sometimes (do you ever feel that way, too?), and just recently discovered the Mod Podge image transfer technique!  I imagine that many of you have already tried this technique, no?  Well, I wish that I could remember just where I first saw this, so I could give credit where credit is due!  At any rate, I'll show you my finished product, then let you see what it looked like "before"!
 Ok, I promise that I'll take step by step photos the next time I attempt this process, and I'll try to write a tutorial!  But for now, I will tell you that all you need to do is print your image in reverse (or "mirror image"), brush an even layer of Mod Podge on the front of the paper, and apply to your item face down (so it is no longer in reverse), and press out any air bubbles.
 Let it dry thoroughly, then dampen the paper, and using your fingers, gently rub off all of the paper.  Voila!  Like magic, your image is now transferred to whatever your heart desires!  I found this gorgeous Paris street address over at the Graphics Fairy Love!
 Oh, I should back up a bit, I got so excited explaining the Mod Podge image transfer thingy to you that I got a bit carried away!  (see, I told you I was an addict, haha!).  When I first found this box, it  had been hand painted with a Scandinavian design.  Well, while I thought it was pretty, it was not the look I was going for!  I felt a bit guilty while I was covering up all of that hand painting, as it was obvious that someone had taken alot of time and care to paint it!
 It took alot of sanding, and alot of primer and paint to cover up the old design!!
A generous dose of distressing, and oooh, la, la!  I am taking this box to my booth at the Retreat Vintage Market next week!
Ok, here is what she used to look like!  Pretty, but I love her so much more now!

I think shes got great curves, and I will miss her if she goes home with someone else!
Gotta run, I've got more painting and Mod Podging to do!
Have a great weekend!
I am linking this post to the following great parties:
Funky Junk Interiors SNS
Boogieboard Cottage Masterpiece Monday
Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday 
The Graphics Fairy Brag Monday
Faded Charm White Wednesday

31 comments:

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

great transformation!!

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh Donna, this is perfection!!! I LOVE it!!! It is totally dreamy--and someone will grab it up right away!
XO
Cindy

CoopDeVilla said...

Donna, I have a jar of mod-podge that stares at me everytime I open up my linen closet... I absolutely love your frechy box. Thank you for the idea and "how to's."

Suzanne@Meridian Road said...

I didn't know you could do this with mod podge! How cool! I love how your box turned out.

Leo said...

It came out great. Your so talented. Are you going to put it up for sale in your shop or for the upcoming show? Have a great weekend!!

NanaDiana said...

Well, you are NOT the last person to find this out...I didn't know it either. What a great idea! And, I think the little box looks MUCHO better painted white! xo Diana

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Beautiful, Donna! I've never tried this technique...I'm looking forward to the tutorial!

Unknown said...

So, so pretty!!!! I love your creations, Donna!
xo
lynn

LuLu Kellogg said...

Donna...I didn't know you could do that with Mod Podge! Thanks so much for the tip!

Your box looks so beautiful!

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Donna!
I love this! Count me in on those in the dark, because I had no idea you could do this with modgepodge.

Okay, now we need the tutorial.

hugs
Sissie

Musings from Kim K. said...

Brilliant work...once again! Thanks for the tips. I had no idea. Good luck getting ready for the show. You will do fabulous!!

Kathy said...

wow, when I got to the BEFORE, I think I might have gasped...lol! That is a lot of primer and paint, but your AFTER is amazing. I am right with you on the transfer thing, never have tried on...but I will...because this is so fabulous, and this transfer process sounds do-able...for me...lol. Job, VERY well done.

Tete said...

Love the after better! And I didn't know about doing this either and am eager to try it. I'm out of ink and probably won't get any for awhile.
But I will do it as soon as I do!
Have a great weekend and keep making things pretty!
Hugs- Tete

Eileen said...

what a great post. I never knew you could do trasfers with modpodge. I love it. Your box came out gorgeous!

Debbie said...

Oh my gosh Donna! this is THE coolest thing EVER!!! I absolutely love the way you re-did the box!!!!!
I went back to see your creations for the show, and I think you've done a wonderful job of putting things together. It all looks so pretty and French.
The tent looks kind of nice in the living room.....
The reflection off that mirror is AWESOME!
Looks like you are having fun out there.
Smooches.
Debbie

Tania said...

I love this idea, I am going to give this one a try. Your project looks great.

Unknown said...

love love love the transformation of this box, just fabulous!

Melissa

Kim @ Too Much Time said...

Whoa! What a change! It was fun before, but this is very sweet and just lovely! I have tried this mod podge tranfer and not had tons of luck. My paper always seem to pull off too much of the image. I think I need to keep playing!

Kim
www.kim-toomuchtimeonmyhands.blogspot.com

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

I'll have to try that technique. I love how the box turned out. Sooooo much better than the before. Great job!

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

So French Chic - I love it Donna. The Mod Podge technique is a beauty.
Thanks for popping by the Shabby Art Boutique.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Okio B Designs said...

Another beauty, Donna! Does the mod podge technique work with laser or ink jet printers? I think it makes a difference. Either way, I'm totally going to give this a go!

Jeanine

Robin's Nesting Place said...

Very pretty! I have an oak country bench that I have been wanting to paint white. It has to wait in line for other projects though. I'll have to keep your in mind when I get around to it!

artful cottage said...

Hi Donna...I love what you've done with this piece!
Wonderful transformation.

Also, thank you for stopping by and leaving such a kind comment! :)

Heaven's Walk said...

Oh my goodness, Donna! THAT is beautiful!!! You are so talented, young lady - I'm in awe! The tip on a new way to use MP is amazing! I had noooo idea! Did you just print it on regular computer paper?? And when it gets wet it just rolls away??? Yup.....Help! I need your tutorial! Please!!!! :)

Your tent looks really cool in your living room, too! lol!

xoxo laurie

Jill Marcott-McCall ~Feathers & Flight~ said...

Hello Donna!
This is Just Lovely! I think I have said to you before but I Think you have such a Wonderful Eye for the Bones of a Reclaimed Piece and the Vision to Turn it into something truly Beautiful!
The Sunsets in your Home on the Sound are Stunning!
Have a Wonderful Evening!
Hugs
Jill

Blooming Rose Musings said...

I had no idea about this technique.
The box looks fabulous. I am so excited about your show. I can't wait to hear all about it and see some photos. You certainly have created beautiful things for the show and I know you are going to have lots of fun and it will be very successful.

Anonymous said...

Ohhh Donna, you are such a talented soul. I love these your french piece is so chic .... beautiful !! BELLE !!
hugs June xxxx

Anonymous said...

Ohhh Donna, you are such a talented soul. I love these your french piece is so chic .... beautiful !! BELLE !!
hugs June xxxx

Sherry@Back2Vintage said...

Back in college art class, we did something similar to this but we used gel medium. I did't know that Mod Podge would work, too. Thanks for the info! The box looks so much better now!!!

Fishtail Cottage said...

Donna, what a fabulous project! Turned out so perfect! xoxo tracie

Sandi said...

I have never tried this ...didn't even know about it so you must do a step by step tutorial soon! If anyone can mess it up it would be me! HA!
Blessings~