Back-To-School: Mod Podge Pencil Makeover {DIY}

The other day I received a lovely package from a talented friend, Amanda, who runs the cute online boutique Bub & Nonnie. She was cleaning out her stash of fabric scraps and lovelies...and I had to get my hands on some! Alas, I held in my hand an envelope oozing with fun fabrics and not a project in mind. Until I began to think about back-to-school, which led to pencils, which some how led to Mod Podge...I wish I can explain how my mind works but I really can't.

You may have remembered my first ever Mod Podge project last year, when I gave some grimy shoes a plaid makeover. This post became so popular and prompted me to think of other awesome projects with Mod Podge. Ah but they had to take a back seat as the new project of mommyhood was priority. Now that my baby is a toddler {I don't even want to talk about it} my mind is exploring DIY project ideas again. You have been warned.

What you'll need:
Pencils
Scissors
Fabric scraps
Sandpaper {optional}
Mod Podge
Pencil sharpener

I had a package of cheap dollar store pencils that I thought could use a little back-to-school makeover. First, lay out your fabric alongside a pencil to measure the length. I wanted the fabric to touch right up to the gold eraser band {is that what it's called? Sounds good to me.}

Measure about an inch for the width and cut out the fabric strip. An inch should be plenty to wrap around the pencil lengthwise one time, with a little overlap.

Next, spread Mod Podge generously on all sides of the pencil. Use a brush to evenly distribute the Mod Podge from beginning to end. In simple terms: cover that outdated yellow!

Slowly roll the pencil, pressing on the fabric so that it adheres to the pencil surface. Continue adding light coats of Mod Podge to secure the fabric. Trim any frayed edges and threads. Smooth out the fabric bubbles if there are any.

Cover the entire fabric pencil with a thick, even layer of Mod Podge. Make sure to concentrate on the beginning of the pencil, using your thumbnail to sharpen the edges. Allow 6-8 hours to fully dry before use. Sharpen the pencil with a sharpener. You can use sandpaper to smooth out any frayed edges, but it isn't necessary.

When you sharpen the pencil, you will also shave little strips of fabric so keep that in mind. Small price to pay for such a pretty writing tool, am I right? This would be a great project for both girls and boys. Can you picture a Buzz Lightyear inspired Mod Podge pencil? I would totally use that!

What are your kiddos favorite school supplies?

Are you ready for the madness of a new school year?

Mod Podge Shoe Makeover {Tutorial}

I have to admit. I sometimes have a hard time prioritizing my projects because as soon as I see something stinkin' cool, I want  to try it like NOW! Do you know what I mean?

Thus the case with this tutorial from Make It and Love It that I stumbled across through the website Pinterest (where else, right?)

Ohhh I was so super excited to try it! I've heard about Mod Podge but hadn't used it...yet. So I picked some up at Michael's.**Note: There is Fabric Mod Podge & Outdoor Mod Podge that may work better for this project but you have to order them online, I believe. I'm just too cheap and impatient so I just got the reg Matte kind :)

My thoughts were consumed with making over old shoes and all the fun fabrics I could use! Ah!

So I started here...

- a pair of old shoes

- fabric (I used hubby's old shirt because I've always wanted plaid flats!)

- scissors / Exacto knife

- small brush or sponge

- Mod Podge

First, I made sure the fabric was ironed and clean. Lots of people forget the ironing part but it's super important. The less wrinkles, the better it'll look in the end (and easier to work with.)

Of course mine had stripes, so I made sure they were straight before cutting.
Cut a big enough piece to fit around the shoe, trimming the edges.

Cut a slit from the back towards the front scoop of the shoe.

Apply plenty of Mod Podge to the top of the shoe and start stretching your fabric to the form of the shoe.

Make sure the fabric gets pulled nice and tight, and try to eliminate any wrinkles/folds/puckering.
**Helpful tip: For the rounded parts, cut small slits into the fabric to make it easier to fold over.
You don't need the edges perfect as we will clean that up later.

Continue applying Mod Podge down the sides of the shoe, pulling the fabric tight, and coating some Mod Podge on top. Make sure your fabric is long enough to cover the shoe edge.

When you get to the back heel, make a straight cut on one side of the fabric so that it lines with the middle of the heel, apply Mod Podge. Then take the other end of the fabric, fold over so the raw edge is tucked under, and pull it to create a nice sealed look. Cover with Mod Podge.

Then trim the fabric on the inside of the shoe but leave about a 1/2 inch of fabric or so.

Make slits in the fabric and apply some Mod Podge on the inside of the shoe, and tuck the fabric underneath. (These slits help with the beginning step with the shoe curves.)

With a sharp razor or Exacto knife, trim the extra fabric along the bottom of the shoe, right at the edge of the sole.

Then apply a very thick coat or two of Mod Podge over the entire shoe.
Let it dry completely, about 24 hours.

Ta-da!! Now you have some stylish shoes with fabric you love!
Check it:

*Note: The style of the shoe makes a huge difference. These shoes were originally uncomfortable and so with the Mod Podge, I can hardly wear them ha! Perhaps with a better made shoe and some fabric/outdoor Mod Podge, these would be more comfortable to wear. Try it with a pair of heels too! (oh goodness...another project for me to do...)

ENJOY!! ;)

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