I like to think of myself as a creative person. But when it comes to crafts, I’m in trouble.
This whole “crafting craze” that has apparently struck every girl on the planet seems to have missed me. However, I am determined to overcome this fate.
This basic craft is really easy – even for those like me who think crafting is scarier than Sloss Furnace around Halloween. It’s perfect for a gift or a unique decoration.
Here’s what you’ll need:
• Scrapbook paper
• 6- by 6-inch tile (You can get this at Lowe’s for under a dollar.)
• 4- by 4-inch picture (Printed on regular printer paper; Instagram pictures work well)
• Mod Podge
• Foam brush
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Cute embellishment (optional)
• Hot glue gun
1. Measure and cut out a 5- by 5-inch square from the scrapbook paper.
2. Spread Mod Podge on the back of the scrapbook paper. Make sure you get the edges (warning: this craft has the potential to get slightly messy).
3. Gently center the scrapbook paper on the tile. Press down. There will be a few bubbles but they’ll smooth out throughout the process. Let dry for about 10 minutes.
4. Cover the entire tile with a layer of Mod Podge. Be sure to do all your strokes in one direction.
5. Let this dry. Mod Podge takes about 30 minutes to dry completely (limited to no tackiness). However, if you’re in a time crunch, I’ve found that drying it with a blow dryer on a cold setting will cut your dry time nearly in half.
6. After this initial layer is dry, begin spreading Mod Podge on the back of the picture (the same way you did the scrapbook paper). Center the picture on top of the scrapbook paper. Let dry for about 10 minutes.
TIP: for both the scrapbook paper and the picture it can help with drying and getting rid of bubbles to put a heavy book on top.
7. Cover the entire tile with a layer of Mod Podge (again). Let this dry. You can use the same blow dryer technique.
8. Repeat. I’m serious.
9. Once your final layer is dry (it’s important that it is completely dry!), it’s time to embellish. This is optional; I think it looks great either way. I got these canvas flowers from Hobby Lobby. Just smear some hot glue on the back and stick it right on.
10. You’re done. Display or give away!
By Abby Colella
Photographs taken by Eleanor Stenner