Modge Podge World

[Nevermore]

I am a card carrying member now! Also bought a brayer. Whew! (And sneaked in a package of 200 Glue Dots.) So, besides knowing I shouldn't put the cards underneath a pile of magazines without putting them on layers of wax paper (don't ask me how I learned that already), can people please walk me through putting my rolo tradies (a la Pam Pie: I would probably have called 'em dexxies) onto rolodex cards using Modge Podge? Why wouldn't I use Glue Dots? And how do I put the Modge Podge on? Or should I use Glue Dots and then Modge Podge? And Alison, or Cathy Rose, good grief girlfriends, why on earth don't you move next door?

[happyrobyn]

Modge podge - never used the stuff. Almost bought it once. I know Christine knows what to do with it. Shoot Fiddlette a pm. I'm sure she can help you out Kim!

[Kazadoodle]

OMG - I used to love my brayer - now where did I put that thing?

[Nevermore]

Yeah, Kaza, I had a brayer when I did decoupage (about twenty years ago). Being a chuckoholic, could not find it anywhere. It was definitely the most expensive item on the list. I will have to use it for something (ironing?) to justify cost.

[akissling]

Kim,
I get out the old wax paper to do mine. Using a brush (the spongy kind is great but you can use a real one too), I just cover to rolo (the store bought one) with MP (that I have poured into a small bowl), then adhere the artwork extrodinaire to the store bought one using the handy, dandy brayer. I don't think it really matters which rolo you put the MP on. You just have to roll it carefully at first because the paper can slide. The brayer is my favorite "real" tool. Then I get two more sheets of wax paper, put said works of art on top of a sheet, cover it with another and place it under MANY heavy books to flatten. I usually leave them for about a week to make sure they are good and flat.

[photojenic]

I have Modge Podge, but it doesn't like me. :(

Instead, I have been using gel medium which is normally used with acrylic paints. I found out about it while looking through my collage books by Claudine Hellmuth. She likes it because she says it's more archival than epoxy-glues since it doesn't crack, cloud, change colors and stays flexible.

I have the regular weight in matte, which is good for all kind of paper crafts. You can get a heavier weight which is supposed to be good for assembling and gluing small objects. I used my 40% off coupons at Michaels/JoAnne's because it's kinda expensive.

I just brush on a thin coat, apply the paper and smooth. After it dries, sometimes I brush on a thin coat to seal the paper. HTH!

[Nevermore]

Thanks Alison and Photogenic. I will note the gel medium and check it out. Later today, I hope to do my first card. I am pretty excited but I won't inundate the forum with my normal exclamation marks and other childish exhibitions of joy, glee and general happiness.

[akissling]

Hmm. I have never thought about using the fgel medium for these. I will have to try it. I have it from a photo tile coaster project from several years ago (failed of course)! I like the idea of the final coat on the top! Thanks Photojenic!

[webchyck]

I'm not decoupaging mine. Just used roller tape (Scotch brand) to adhere to the card...but this is a fun idea!

[akissling]

I think that my brain is so trained to do them like ATCs that I just did the same "technique" for the Rolodex. Weird! I have only done one so far (I should really do a batch at a time and make it worth the effort but I don'!). Maybe next weekend!

[SteinwaysMom]

Thanks Alison and Photogenic. I will note the gel medium and check it out. Later today, I hope to do my first card. I am pretty excited but I won't inundate the forum with my normal exclamation marks and other childish exhibitions of joy, glee and general happiness.

Hey Kim, I would be afraid the card would warp and curl if you used Modge podge - maybe a non-wet medium or maybe that adhesive spray would be better.

I've heard about this Xyron thingie dingie that people swear by too. It's a geek adhesive tool.

But it's really cute you're getting into it. My jar of modge podge is probably over 5 years old!

[kygirl]

I'm a big fan of spray adhesive. The only problem is that it's very expensive -- $8-$12 a can. But for big sticky jobs, you can't beat it. If you haven't worked with it before, I suggest working outside over an old cardboard box. The adhesive tends to get on everything, and the box works to contain the spray.

[akissling]

I have done the MP and as long as you use wax paper and some heavy books it is fine. I promise...I have made one!!!!!
The spray adhesive is also very tempting. I used to use it in my college days. Forgot all about it until Donna mentioned it!
At least there are MANY options!!!!

[kygirl]

I've taken advantage of this rainy day to work on my Rolodex file, and after a little experimenting, I've found that a regular old 33 cent glue stick works just fine for this project. The trick (which I picked up in a Donna Downey workshop) is to apply body heat and pressure to the glued item. She actually had a whole class of us sitting on the newly-decorated covers of our journals. With the Rolodex, turning the card over and pressing firmly with your palms provides enough heat to make the glue stick.
I've finished up the Calling Cards and am ready to do the Neck of the Woods cards. I'll try to post a pix when I'm finished.

[SteinwaysMom]

I've taken advantage of this rainy day to work on my Rolodex file, and after a little experimenting, I've found that a regular old 33 cent glue stick works just fine for this project. The trick (which I picked up in a Donna Downey workshop) is to apply body heat and pressure to the glued item. She actually had a whole class of us sitting on the newly-decorated covers of our journals. With the Rolodex, turning the card over and pressing firmly with your palms provides enough heat to make the glue stick.
I've finished up the Calling Cards and am ready to do the Neck of the Woods cards. I'll try to post a pix when I'm finished.

I forgot about glue sticks. Maybe Max can sit on the cards:rolleyes:

[Pixeldigger]

I bought a zyron thingy, but the paper won't retract. They said they would send me another one, but that was weeks ago. Lucky they aren't tooo expensive!