Mod Podge Rocks book review

 I was lucky enough to get a copy of Mod Podge Rocks by Amy Anderson (blogger at Mod Podge Rocks) to  get to share with all of you. Ready? Let's take a peek inside...

 Look at all those projects! You get full color illustrated step-by-step instructions for each project. In addition, there is a gallery at the back of the book with more Mod Podge projects created by other bloggers. Sco-ore!

 I love this book page pumpkin project. If you aren't into book page crafts, think of the infinite possibilities for pumpkins using Mod Podge.  What a great alternative or addition to regular carved pumpkins.

 This lamp project is darling. (Ha, I picked a book page and a bird craft to share with you. That is SO me!) What I love about the book is that there is a wide variety of projects using Mod Podge on so many different surfaces. Even if you don't like the style of the lamp, you can still follow the instruction to use Mod Podge on a lamp shade or similar surface.

My favorite part of the book is the section at the beginning that explains in great detail the different types of Mod Podge, their uses, and a general how-to guide before you dive into the projects. I found this especially helpful because I recently received a giant box of Mod Podge products (some are brand new!) with which I will be creating a tutorial to share with you later this month.

Whether you have used Mod Podge for years and years, or are a beginning crafter, you can find something useful in this book. And isn't it great to see a fellow blogger have such success? Support Amy and show her some love by picking up your own copy!

Yes I was provided this book to review, but all opinions are my own.

Anchors Away Freezer Print Tee

Hi friends! It's been awhile but I am back to show you my latest DIY project. I tried freezer paper stenciling... and it lived up to all the hype. Fun and easy... if you follow the directions (see below). This is actually my second freezer paper project, but I have had to keep the first one a secret...for now :)

What is freezer paper stenciling, you say? You use freezer paper to make a stencil and paint it on fabric. I painted the gold anchor on the Old Navy orange striped t-shirt. I used this tutorial to cut the stencil with my Silhouette Cameo machine, this tutorial for the whole process, and some of these tips too.

PLEASE MAKE SURE that you put some paper or something in between the layers of your shirt. The first time I made this anchor shirt I forgot that step and made a huge mess. I had to go back to Old Navy and luckily they had one last shirt in my size.

ALSO, I would recommend 100% cotton. I used 100% cotton on my first secretive project and it worked like a dream. This shirt was a cotton-polly blend and didn't work as well. The shirt was too strechy and didn't stay put under the stencil.

Old Navy jacket and sandals, Aeropostale pants

What I Wore... and some changes

Forever 21 shirt, skirt made by me, belt traded with Paige from Pink Lemonade, Old Navy shoes, Forever 21 bangle, Chevron bangle made by me (tutorial here)

WHEN: Thursday, May 17

WHERE: Work and errands

GETTING CREATIVE: I made another skirt!!! Remember the first one? I used the same tutorial. I saw this fabric at Walmart and just had to have it. I love the nautical feel of this outfit. Recently, Kendi at Kendi Everyday said she was wearing an outfit that didn't make sense outside of the blogging world. I think this outfit of mine may fall under the same category. Does it make sense to anyone else in the world? The cashiers at both Hobby Lobby and Old Navy both complimented me on my outfit and I have no proof that they are bloggers so I am going to say yes.

I need haircut! Only 4 days until my appointment!

So... on a different note.... I have tried blogging a little bit on a schedule and it really isn't working for me. I have missed Favorite Pin Friday 2 weeks in a row now and seem to blog out of obligation rather than enjoyment (which is especially funny since I currently have no sponsors). From this point on I am only going to blog when I feel like I have something good to share. Only like 15 people ever looked at the Pinterest feature and virtually no one ever commented on it. I guess it wasn't that exciting of a post, especially if you already follow me on Pinterest.

As for What I Wore on Saturday... I think that won't necessarily be a regular feature anymore. I still want to blog some of my outfit photos, but since I am taking less photos now anyway, I will just show you when (I think) I have a good one. This will also allow me to do more writing, should I choose to. I am pretty darn sure most of you are here for the tutorials and craft projects anyway and since I only have 4 1/2 days of school left I should be able to get the projects I have been working on posted.

Hooray!

Linking up with Pleated Poppy and Momma Go Round.

DIY Shoe Makeover Round Up

I spent some time over the weekend looking up ideas for ways to bring new life to shoes. I think it sounds like a fun summer project and a good way to use what I've got and not spend money on new shoes. Here are some of my favorite ideas. Click through to go through Pinterest to the tutorial.

Source: honestlywtf.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Source: scraphacker.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Source: cupcakesandcottons.blogspot.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Source: thediaryofdaveswife.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Source: sayyestohoboken.com via Aubree on Pinterest

I just wonder how long these embellishments last. Is the glitter going to flake off? The spray paint? Will the fabric fall off? Anyone have any experience with anything like this?

What I Wore

                   Old blazer, JCP skirt, Express shirt, Payless shoes and bracelets, Kohl's watch

WHEN: Wednesday, May 9

WHERE: Work

GETTING CREATIVE: I have had this polka dot blazer for years and years, but hadn't worn it since I turned all my hangers backwards in January.  I tried on a polka dot blazer on a shopping trip last weekend and was reminded that I already have one (although they did look entirely different). I love black and white and yellow so thought the blazer would be perfect with this skirt.

It's kind of ironic, but the more confident I become in my outfits and style, the less I feel the need to take photos. You would think that I would want to take more pictures to show off better clothes, but I just don't feel the need.

PLUS I realize that repeat outfits are okay and it's easier just to look through the blog archives and find the old photo instead of taking a new one:

These Are a Few of My Favorite Pins

Better late than never, right? This is usually a Friday feature and I am sorry I missed you yesterday.

Source: blog.hwtm.com via Aubree on Pinterest

I love vintage/retro everything! This "Precious Cargo" baby shower is amazing!

Source: richandheathersmith.com via Aubree on Pinterest

I can always use new inspiration to wear my red jeans. I feel like I have run out of ideas.

Source: imtopsyturvy.com via Aubree on Pinterest

This week in my crocheting class we learned how to read a pattern. This doesn't look too terribly hard, although I haven't tried it yet.

Source: pinchingyourpennies.com via Aubree on Pinterest

I love this. I love the use of church sayings. Something like this could help me update the feel of my home. I have been feeling old fashioned lately.

Source: apronstringsblog.com via Aubree on Pinterest

This looks great! Next time we get bell peppers from our Bountiful Basket (food co-op) or when they are in the garden I am trying this.

As always, I hope you have a creative weekend! My plans for Saturday include finishing the mother's day stuff, working on my many belt orders, and hopefully making a skirt. I found the cutest fabric (navy with large white polka dots) for pretty cheap at Walmart so I am going to make another elastic skirt. 

A Spring Baby Shower

Last week my sister-in-law was in town, on sort of a last minute trip. She is expecting her first baby and is far away from family. I threw her an impromptu baby shower and put it together in just four days. I recycled the decorations from my mom's birthday party and reused them in a little bit different way for this shower.

Not too bad for four days of work. A HUGE thank you to everyone that helped- Mom, Aunt Lisa, Sarah, and Carlie. I think it was a success!

Tulips

A few weeks ago I went with a friend to take some photos of the tulips. A few of them turned out. I need some more practice. That is going to be a part of my summer bucket list.

What I Wore

                                  Shade shirt, Forever 21 sweater, New York & Co pants, Target sandals and belt

WHEN: Thursday, May 3

WHERE: Work and a little GNO at my neighbors house.

GETTING CREATIVE: Color blocking, colored pants, stripes... I felt almost too trendy. Not to mention that every time I wear red and blue at least 2 jr high students (and sometimes your twenty-something brother) have to make comments about the 4th of July. Red and blue are NOT just for patriotism, and besides, I can show my patriotism any day of the year I want, right? But seriously, do you think this is too much color? I have edited the photo a little bit so the colors are a bit more saturated than they are IRL.

 Gap shirt, Bags that Fit vest, Forever 21 pants, JCP belt (came with a skirt), Steve Madden via Ross shoes, Kohls necklace and watch

WHEN: Wednesday, May 2

WHERE: Work and a retirement party

GETTING CREATIVE: I bought this vest with the hope that it would help me look more put together in the summer when it's too hot to wear a lot of layers. So far I haven't found many ways to wear it (this was only the 2nd time I think). It looks okay here... I think either the belt or the necklace needed to go. Or better yet a smaller necklace.

 Forever 21 dress, Old Navy trench, Bags that Fit necklace, Target sandals (same as first outfit above), shirt Bella Bird (Walmart)

WHEN: Monday, April 30

WHERE: Work

GETTING CREATIVE: Look at Spencer and his sun flare skills. :)  I really don't have a lot to say about this outfit. I wish the vest was a little smaller, but I think it looks okay.

Bags that Fit dress, Old Navy blazer, Steve Madden via Ross shoes, Payless bracelets, Disneyland necklace

WHEN: Sunday, April 29

WHERE: Church

GETTING CREATIVE: This is an ever so slight variation of my #1 favorite outfits from 2011. If you really love wearing something, why not wear it multiple times? I bought this blazer years ago and didn't really start wearing it a lot until the last year or so. However, I think it's time for it to retire. It's really dirty, and I don't know if it will wash out. I will have to start looking for a new one.

Thanks for stopping by! I'll be linking up with Momma Go Round and the Pleated Poppy.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Pins

Source: 1bellehistoire.canalblog.com via Aubree on Pinterest

I love this. I want to make some for my craft room.

Source: attic24.typepad.com via Aubree on Pinterest

I have been looking at a lot of crochet flower patterns because that is what we are learning in my crochet class next week.

Source: projectwedding.com via Aubree on Pinterest

I love this neon polka dot gift wrapping. It's so on trend.

Source: fashionrolla.com via Aubree on Pinterest

We could all use another idea on how to fasten a belt, right?

Have a great weekend!