[Tools] Mod Podge Mod Melts and Molds

I am a fan of Plaid Crafts, particularly their Mod Podge line of products, decoupage art and all.  They have another product line called Mod Melts and Mod Molds that have been around for a couple of years but for some reason, I only took notice a couple of months ago.

I bought a bag of Mod Melts in milk glass white and the Ornamental mold from my craft buddy, Michaels.  The sticks resemble that of a glue gun stick but it is thinner and uses a hi-temp glue gun. If you're familiar to using a glue gun, it's basically the same so be careful not to burn yourself and keep your working area clean and free of dust and lint.

There are Youtube videos by Cathy and Steve demostrating how easy it is to use.  Yes, it looks nice but it takes practice to squeeze the right amount of glue in the mold and making sure that there are no air pockets.  The piece cools pretty quick and it pops out quite easily.  Then you can add color or paint and incorporate them in your projects.

I tried to use a cameo mold and compared using the Mod Melts vs using Premo Sculpey Accent Pearl Polymer Clay.  I wanted to compare the details and ease of use of the different mediums.

The photo on the left was done using Mod Melts in milk glass white and the cameo on the right was with Premo Sculpey Accent pearl polymer clay that was baked according to manufacturers specifications.  Which one do you like?

I had difficulty in squeezing the mod melt into the mold vs the polymer clay where I conditioned and rolled a ball of clay.  I also noticed that the details using the mod melt are not as distinct as when I used polymer clay.  Perhaps I used a "difficult" and too detailed mold for my mini experiment but I wanted to push its limit.  The mod melts harden faster and is ready in no time whereas polymer clay has to bake for about 20 mins.  The Mod Molds are very nice and detailed as well.  The quality is excellent!

Have you ever used Mod Melts or Mod Molds before?  How did it go?   Please share your experiences with me.

See  you soon!

♥ michelle

[Sewing] I'm Sew Addicted!

Hello August, you surprised me!  I wasn't quite ready to leave July behind and now, it's just 4 days til we hit the 15th.  Geeeeez.  Welcome back, friends!  Thank you for taking time to come back and hang around with me.  Let me tell you what's keeping me busy these days.

See this?  Oh yes, I got me Singer sewing machine a month ago and I'm sew addicted to sewing! Really.  When I was young-er, my Mom and my Aunt taught me how to sew using a needle and a thread to mend hems, buttons and what not.  Then they taught me how to use our manual Singer sewing machine.  We made dresses for my Barbie dolls, skirts, pillowcases and comforters.  When I was in high school, our teacher asked us to make a smocked sundress which was quite challenging at that time.  

Since I came to the States, I discovered that my dear mother-in-law also had a Singer sewing machine. I tried to fix and use it but I think that it has to be brought to the sewing clinic for a more thorough examination.  Two months ago, the thought of buying one haunted me.  No kidding.  

Enter Google... 

Just like any buyer these days, I did my internet research which turned out to be overwhelming.  There were different brands to choose from but I chose to get a Singer since its the brand that I trust and for sentimental reasons.  Upon checking their site, I discovered that there were so many machines to choose from:  basic, very basic, electronic and embroidery.  Whew!  So, I wrote down the features that I wanted:  durability, good motor, price, enough stitches, and 1-step buttonhole among others.  In the end, I bought the Singer Heavy Duty 4432.  You may have your brand or machine preference but so far, this works well for me.

[via]

The first project that I did was a throw pillow cover.  This 1 yard yellow and blue outdoor fabric was enough to make a couple.  I measured our throw pillows and cut  a 1-inch seam allowance all around. To avoid fraying, I added a narrow zigzag stitch on all the edges.  Stitch the wrong side of the three (3) corners, leaving one side open.  Insert the pillow and close the opening using whatever you have available.  I used small button fasteners.  You stitch a ribbon on both sides, add a button and buttonhole, etc.  Get creative.

Blue Floral and Yellow Pillowcase

 Here it is.  Not bad at all.  I was able to make three covers.

Blue Floral and Yellow Pillowcase

There will be a new feature in the blog starting today.  You guessed it right!  We will be adding topics on  SEWING!  Wooohooo!  We will talk about tools, patterns, projects, bags and everything about sewing.  Stay tuned for that.

Sew you soon!
♥ michelle

[Baking] The Pampered Chef Valtrompia Bread Tube

Do you go to garage sales?  We are having one at Church this weekend to raise funds for a Mission trip.  I had fun arranging the clothes, household items, toys, shoes, bags and home decor.  Look what I found - The Pampered Chef Valtrompia Bread Tube Star and Flower.

The Pampered Chef Valtrompia Bread Tube Flower
The Pampered Chef Valtrompia Bread Tube Star

It was love at first sight... they're brand new, fresh from the box.  I don't know how to use it yet but I'm thinking of making something like a modified pound or chiffon cake.  Come and visit us soon to see our review.

Have a great weekend!

♥ michelle

[Tools] Oxo Good Grips V Blade Mandoline Slicer

It always amuses me when I watch a person demonstrating something in the mall or grocery store.  They make it look so easy!  I remember watching one lady do a demo about a slicer and from that moment on, I decided that I will buy one someday.  That someday is today - I bought an Oxo Good Grips V Blade Mandoline Slicer.  

There were a couple of expensive mandolines available but I couldn't imagine myself buying something worth $79 for slicing.  I love to bake and cook and it does speed up preparation time but for my purpose, I am ok with this one.

I think the designs of mandolines nowadays have changed.  They have more features like safety lock, compact design - no space wasted (love that!), adjustable thickness setting, etc.  Cool.

I haven't actually tried it yet - it's almost weekend and we don't have vegies left in our ref anymore. LOL.

Have you used one of this or do you own one?  

If so, do you like it?

♥  michelle  ♥

[Tool Thursday] Fiskars Compact Stamp Press

Hello friends!

I love to stamp and do handmade cards and one of the tools that I love to use is the 

Fiskars compact stamp press.

This tool makes it easy to to stamp clear and cling stamps because you can put several designs, ink and stamp all at one press!  I love that the grid helps in making sure that everything is straight or center.

The base is made of acrylic with four foam "foots" that press against the paper.

I have also used this tool in adding texture to my polymer clay artwork. Pretty cool!  Makes the work easier!

Come back next week for more Tool reviews.

See ya tomorrow!

♥  michelle  ♥

[Tools] Speedball Lino Cutter

Welcome back, friends!      

I have always been curious at what the Speedball lino cutter is and I finally own one!  Yay!  Another tool for my craft box.

When I was in grade school, our teacher made us carve a wooden block that we inked and stamped with.  I used basic carving tols that time and I still have them in Manila.  This Speedball is pretty nice and hi-tech for me. LOL.

Now the big question is:  "What should I do with it?"

...make my own stamps

...design my own texture sheets

...make my logo / label

...cut cut cut.  Nice!

Don't you love having new tools?

Have a wonderful day!

♥  michelle  ♥

Impress Art Letter Stamp Set Giveaway

I love buying new tools all the time but it's always a treat to get something for FREE!

PJ Tool's recently announced over 10 new letter stamp sets that come in these delicious and colorful cases.  It would be a great addition to you collection and would make your craft over the top!

Ms. Lori Anderson of Pretty Things Blog is very kind enough to giveaway this

Ballroom Boogie Impress Art Letter Set.



Ballroom Boogie Impress Art Letter Set



Come and join the fun!  The more the merrier.

Visit Lori's Blog for more details.

Goodluck to us all.

Happy crafting!

♥  Michelle  ♥