Tuesday 4 April 2017

The Big Book of Mod Podge, by PLAID Enterprises. Review.


The Big Book of Mod Podge

Decoupage made easy

PLAID Enterprises

Lark 2015

Paperback £16.99 UK/$22.95 USA/$25.95 CAN

ISBN 978-1-4547-0869-8



Star rating: ****


Découpage is enjoying a well-deserved moment – not that it ever went away, because it is an umbrella craft. The craft of découpage was revolutionized with the invention of Mod Podge – a glue/finish that eliminates the necessity for the application of numerous coats of varnish. If you are a crafter, you have probably come across Mod Podge – I am a big fan of Paper Mod Podge. Yes, Paper Mod Podge. And that is exactly the point of this book. Since its invention in the swinging 60s, by Jan Wetstone, an antiques dealer from Atlanta, Georgia, the Mod Podge line of products has undergone mind-boggling expansion. There’s a Mod Podge formula for exactly the craft purpose you require and/or look you wish to achieve: matte, gloss, satin, pearl, sparkle finishes. Mod Podge for fabric, paper, dishwasher safe. And many more product permutations. This book is the ultimate guide to all things Mod Podge, providing the lowdown on product suitablility and use.


The handiest part of the book is the upfront section, which describes the range of available Mod Podge products and how to use them. Prepping surfaces, application technique – it is all here. Following the basic how-tos are more than 90 projects from creative contributors. I have to admit, not all of the projects are to my personal taste, but they do open up a load of new possibilities regarding Mod Podge use. (The photo-transfer idea is very cool.) The instructions are clear, generously accompanied by how-to photos. There’s a lovely big pic for each project.


This book could be indispensable, say, if you you are planning to pimp some IKEA furniture. For instance, the Trompe L’Oeil Desk by Design Samaritan (Paul Bowman) is big fun. (Notebook and pencil, plus vintage telephone are among the objects realistically placed on the worktop.


So, although this book is promoting particular products, they are products most crafters will want to use, and the know-how this title imparts is good to know indeed. Yes, it’s a glue, it’s a finish – it is Mod Podge and we love it.
Note: I was given a review copy of this title.

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