Hobbies: Mod Podge Crafts

[ysabetwordsmith]

Folks have mentioned an interest in questions and conversations that make them think. So I've decided to offer more of those. This batch features hobbies.

Mod Podge crafts are basically collage type crafts, what used to be called shellac crafts or decoupage crafts. They're based on a liquid that has adhesive and preservative qualities. There are other products in this category, but I've found Mod Podge to be higher quality than others I've tried, and it's quite versatile. If you have another favorite, that's fine. This is among the cheapest hobbies because all you need is sealant and colorful paper scraps.

On Dreamwidth, see journalsandplanners or crafty for inspiration.


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Comments

[siberian_skys]

I love Mod Lodge. I'm not great at it, but it's fun. I once accidentally made a TARDIS engine room from calendar pages and a glass yogurt jar. I've never managed to mmake anything as cooler again. I have no idea why my craft projects are always an accident expect maybe my hook rug kits.

Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> I love Mod Lodge. I'm not great at it, but it's fun.<<

For most crafts, fun the main goal.

>> I once accidentally made a TARDIS engine room from calendar pages and a glass yogurt jar. I've never managed to mmake anything as cooler again.<<

Awesome.

>> I have no idea why my craft projects are always an accident expect maybe my hook rug kits.<<

Sometimes it's about dexterity, other times practice and skill. Quality of supplies can play a role in some crafts.

Re: Thoughts

[siberian_skys]

I think in my case it's both lack of skill and my lack of coordination. I'm a klutz.

Re: Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

In that case, I suggest crafts that are forgiving.

* Bigger pieces are easier to handle than smaller pieces. Mod Podge will let you work with regular paper, not just tissue, and there is a "fabric" version too.

* Choose crafts where you can easily fix mistakes. Some Mod Podge projects you can move things around if you goof. Others, not so much.

* Consider aesthetics such as wabi-sabi or shabby-chic where things aren't supposed to look perfect. A distressed pumpkin craft is a lot easier to make than a stamped card where a couple millimeters can look obviously wrong.

* Choose supplies that are easy to use. Compare the insane difficulty of applying gold leaf with using gilded paper, brads, or a gold pen. I have a clear glitter pen for adding highlights to scrapbook pages. I'd never want to try putting glitter on glue, or even using glitter-glue. But the pen is awesome.

* Skill of course comes from practice, and finding good educational materials or a helpful teacher. Just do the thing, you'll get better.

* Dexterity issues can sometimes be helped with tools. Tweezers, clamps, weights, magnifiers, etc. can all help. I have a centering ruler that is super useful for aligning elements when papercrafting. If you like Mod Podge, that's one to consider.