About a year ago I reviewed Outdoor Mod Podge and made a monogram door plaque for our back door. It was partially protected by an awning, but I was really skeptical that the plaque would be protected from the harsh Ohio winters.
So I am thrilled to give you the update that after a full year, the plaque is holding up great. There’s been no lifting of the paper, no fading of the paint, no wear or tear of any visible kind. Amazing, right?
So now I thought I’d give you the full low-down on how to make one of these for yourself or as a housewarming/anniversary/wedding gift. It’s pretty easy, especially if you have a Cricut to do the heavy lifting of making the cuts for you.
You’ll need:
- Sheet music with your favorite song, 2 copies
- Door Plaque
- Cardstock in black, ivory, and beige
- Acrylic paint in colors that match the recipient’s house
- Cricut die-cutting machine
- Elegant Cakes cartridge (Really. It’s awesome.)
- Mod Podge Outdoor
- Distress Stain in Tea
- Foam Brushes, old gift card
Start off by giving your plaque a nice paint job. I used a coppery color for the top and bottom, and lined the indented section in black. Let that dry well.
Now start decoupaging the middle section. I used 3 different Christmas carols that are special to my husband and myself. (After all, we started dating while we were professional carolers for a local theatre company. True story.) I ripped the copies of music up into small enough portions so that I could overlap them and obscure some of the music, but you can still catch glimpses of the lyrics. Completely over the center section and let it dry.
Using your Distress Stains, stamp pads, or some thinned burnt umber acrylic paint, go around the edges of the sheet music portion, aging it a bit and giving it some character. Again, let it dry.
Next, cut a nice damask image (or a laural wreath) to fit the center section of your plaque. Mine was about 8.5 inches. Use Mod Podge Outdoor to adhere it to the middle portion.
Now, I tried to use a brayer to smooth it down. DO NOT DO THIS. I gummed up the brayer something terrible and STILL haven’t gotten it clean. Instead, use the old gift card to smooth it down.
Next, cut the monogram and shadow. Decoupage them on top of the damask image. There are a LOT of layers here- and you may want to use text-weight paper instead of cardstock- but I didn’t mind having the dimension and I used that old gift card to smooth down the MPO and keep bubbles from forming.
Lastly, cut and add the “Welcome Home” or some such text. (Again, I found this in the Cakes cart and just loved it. But you could use “Est. XXXX” with the date, or whatever you like or is appropriate.)
Let it dry completely- at least 3 days- and then finish with a light coat of Krylon UV-resistant coating to take any stickiness away.
So there you have it- a fun and personalized gift for the holiday season, and with Mod Podge Outdoor you don’t have to worry about your art standing up to the test of time!
- Spooky Spider Halloween Bookmark Craft - October 24, 2018
- Review and Demo of LDRS Hybrid Ink Pads - October 15, 2018
- Review and Demo of Nuvo Hybrid Inks - October 1, 2018
- Craft Studio Tour and Organization Ideas - September 20, 2018
- Wax Paper Resist Background Technique - March 20, 2018
- Comparison of Liquid Watercolor Markers/Pens - March 16, 2018
- SAI Japanese Traditional Watercolor Brush Markers- Review & Demo - February 23, 2018
- Rinea Metallic Foil Paper & Ghost Ink Review - February 21, 2018
- Jane Davenport debuts at Creativation 2018 & Watercolor Card - February 13, 2018
- Creativation 2018: New Product Showcase - January 20, 2018
Angela M. says
Thanks for the follow-up on this project — always interesting to hear how things have held up!
Just curious… have you tried Outdoor Mod Podge (with or without the additional Krylon UV-resistant coating) on any polymer clay items? Or do you have other outdoor coatings you’d recommend for polymer clay? I’m wanting to put together some decorations for a flower garden & am wondering which product(s) would work best for outdoor protection.
Brandi says
love your design I have never mod podged before I might have to try it
Jenny says
Angela- I think the problem would be the viscosity of MPO- it’s really thick- like a paste- and I’m not sure that it would adhere well to polymerclay. I’m thinking it would peel off. What are your feelings about 2-part epoxy resins? A thin coat of those brushed over the top would be very durable and might hold up to the weather better. I think I feel a new craft-test coming on…. : ) -Jenny
Mod Podge Amy says
Mod Podge Outdoor is definitely not for beginners – I find it hard to work with myself, but then the finish works so well for the outdoors, so it’s worth it! It takes a lot of patience. Can’t wait to share this, cause that sign looks great!
Angela M. says
Good point about the thickness. I hate when things peel off polymer clay. I’ve liked 2-part resin well enough the couple of times I’ve tried it. But I’m pregnant at the moment & would be a little worried about the fumes. Maybe I just need to put that project off for a few months…
Thanks again for all the helpful reviews you do!
Liz D says
You could check out a product called Paverpol. Easy to work with & designed specifically for outdoor use. Awesome still.