Name Plaque Tutorial with Amy from Modge Podge Rocks!

Today is going to be fun!  I have a guest with a project that's totally new to The Southern Institute... Amy from Modge Podge Rocks.  I met Amy last summer at Dana's workshop at Whipstitch in Atlanta.  I'm telling you, that was a blogger meet-up that I'm glad I was a part of.  What amazing and talented women I met!  Amy struck me with her spunkiness and funky sense of style.  I had no idea what Modge Podge was when I met her.  I had never heard of it before!  Now I know some of the wonders of this versatile stuff.  Amy has a great little project for us today.  I hope you enjoy it!

Hi there!  It's Amy from Mod Podge Rocks.  If you don't know me, I blog about everything you can do with a glue and sealer called Mod Podge.  Even I am surprised by all the Mod Podge love in the blogosphere - I've been doing this for three years and there has never been a Podge project shortage.  More about me?  I drink coffee on a daily basis (double tall, non-fat), I love cold weather and I am forever trying to find the cold side of my pillow.  And, as you will see, I love to craft.

I recently made this plaque while playing around one day, and I think it's a really cute gift idea.  It would work not only as a wall plaque, but as a magnet for a fridge or to label children's storage.  The plaque only cost $1, and if you have supplies on hand you can easily work several of these up inexpensively.  I know Jenny does a lot of sewing on this site - these work well as ornaments if you add fabric.  There's no end to the possibilities of plaque decoration.  Here's how I made mine.


Gather These Supplies


Wood Plaque - got mine for $1 from Michaels
FolkArt Acrylic Paint - Buttercream, Sky Blue
Mod Podge Gloss
Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
Scrapbook paper and embellishments - I used the Fine and Dandy Collection from My Mind's Eye
Buttons
Ribbon scrap
Scrap tissue paper
Pencil
Paintbrush
Tape
Scissors
Craft glue
FolkArt Extreme Glitter - Hologram (optional)
Brayer (optional)

I like to make patterns for cutting paper to fit my projects.  An easy way to do it is to place a thin sheet of paper or tissue paper over the top and do a rubbing with a pencil.  It doesn't have to be neat - you just need the shape.

Use a piece of tape to secure your tracing to the back of your scrapbook paper.  Cut out the circle and set aside.

Paint your plaque.  I used Buttercream on the top . . . .

and Sky Blue on the bottom.  Give a few coats and let dry.  You are probably looking at my brushes and wondering if there is rhyme or reason to the size I choose.  Um . . . no.  I grab what's available.

Time to add the paper.  Place a medium layer of Mod Podge on the plaque top (coat the whole thing).

Smooth out.  I use this fancy tool made o' plastic known as a brayer.  It's great for really getting the bubbles out of Mod Podge and the paper.  But you can also use your fingers.  Let dry for 15 - 20 minutes.  THEN you can give the entire piece a coat of Mod Podge.  Waiting before putting a top coat on is key.

I love Extreme Glitter, especially the Hologram.  It adds shiny to everything.  It's really optional and you can't see it in the finished photo, but it always adds a fun layer of discovery for me.  You should try it!

Add the stickers to the top of the plaque and give another coat of Mod Podge (just to the top).

Glue some ribbon and buttons down for an accent.

This is another optional step, but you really need to do this part.  Add Mod Podge Dimensional Magic to the letter stickers.  If you haven't used this product, it's awesome.  DM makes things look like they have resin on top.  It's such a great accent.  Add the DM and let it dry (not under a fan).  Now it's up to you what to add to the back.  You can add a hook, magnets or double-stick tape.  Or all three!


I know I've showed you a lot today, but I get really excited so you'll have to forgive me.  I love Mod Podging - I hope you will try it and love it too.  There's so much more that you can do with it, and I feature so many great people - so come pay me a visit at Mod Podge Rocks.  Thanks to Jenny and all of you for having me.  Happy summer and hope to see you soon!


Thank you so much, Amy!  I would never know how to do create something like this without a tutorial! 
Amy has a new blogging endeavor coming up that I know you won't want to miss, so make sure to visit her blog and follow along so you don't miss out on the excitement!