So get out the seed catalogues and be inspired. When you’re done ordering your seeds, save those catalogues for some of the Spring “new decoupage” ideas we’ve put up on TheArtfulCrafter.com this month.

Happy Spring; Happy Easter; Happy Spring Break!

Eileen

Travel Document Pouch Pattern
If you have travel plans for Spring break, there is still time to make one of my Travel Document Pouches. See photos here and order the e-pattern today.

They also make great unisex gifts and are good sellers if you craft for profit. I sell them for $12 each.

In today’s more security conscious world, people welcome products that allow them to protect themselves and increase their personal sense of security. When they travel by air, they want their travel documents and airline tickets handy but safe. They know they’ll be asked to present papers at more and more checkpoints before boarding their flight.

That’s why I designed a travel document security pouch that is worn around the neck and can be covered by a shirt or jacket but still easily accessed.

It has several compartments sized to hold the different documents, as well as a zippered pouch to keep tip money handy and an open pouch on the back to hold eyeglasses and a pen.

”New Decoupage”
I just finished reading Durwin Rice’s beautiful book, New Decoupage, and was inspired to think creatively about decoupage media and techniques.

I experimented using Mod Podge as a fabric stiffener and sealer and am quite pleased with my floral fabric candleholders and napkin rings. To see the results, click here.

I also played a little with the idea of using wax as a decoupage medium with pretty floral paper napkins for the decoupage images. Click here to learn more.

In the flyleaf, Mr. Rice is described as “America’s foremost practitioner of decoupage”.

When you see the gorgeous photos of his work, you will know why. He shares the benefit of his years of experience and is also quite an entertaining writer. This book is everything you ever wanted to know about decoupage, but didn’t know who to ask! Click here to order.

Decoupage Plant Markers
Here’s a quick and easy Spring decoupage project for yourself or friends who garden.

Materials:
Plant images and names cut from your seed catalogues or magazines
Cardboard or balsa wood rectangles to fit your images
Wooden tongue depressors, popsicle sticks or stainless steel skewers as stakes to mount your plant tags and poke them into the ground
Elmer’s Glue-All or Mod Podge
Scissors
Small bowl of water
Acrylic paint (optional)

Prep surface:
If you are using balsa wood, you may need to sand off any rough edges. Do so gently to avoid splintering the wood. Then wipe away any dust with a damp sponge.

Decide if you want a colored background. The balsa wood showing through is a nice look by itself – kind of like old-fashioned orange crates. If you want color, apply two coats of acrylic paint, allowing two hours drying time for each coat. If there are any rough spots, sand again; and wipe away any dust as before.

Decoupage:
This is a great tip from Durwin Rice. If you are using images with color on both sides (like from a catalogue or magazine), soak each image in a small bowl of water until it stops curling and floats freely without wrinkles. This relaxes the paper fibers making it much easier to position the image cleanly on the decoupage glue/sealer. Images will slide easily into place and not be “grabbed” by the glue.

Liberally apply glue/sealer to the area for each image and slide the image into place. Gently smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles with your fingertips.

Using a damp sponge, wipe over the image and around the edges to remove any stray glue.

Repeat until all your images and plant names are in place.

Let dry thoroughly.

Check for bubbles while they dry. If some develop, smooth gently. If they are already set, pierce with a pin or craft knife, then smooth. It won’t even show when your piece is done.

Back (Optional):
Paint the back of each tag with two coats of acrylic paint.

Embellish (Optional):
Use a wide nib pen to draw outlines, background patterns or border trims on the front. Run the pen around the edge to give a nice finished look.

Seal:
Using a sponge brush, apply at least two coats of acrylic-based polyurethane. Since the markers will be exposed to the elements, three or four would be better. You’ll also see how additional coats add a special depth. Your markers will look as if you hand painted them!

Mount:
Using appropriate glue or fasteners, attach each plant label tag to a stake.