Mod Podge and Cavallini Paper
I love Cavallini gift paper almost as much as I love Mod Podge! I made this TV tray and two lamps from the pet themed Cavallini Papers (I usually order it from The Paper Company) – they run about $5.00/sheet. Here is the link to The Paper Source: http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/cavallini/gift-wrap/default/p3.html. I have also found the papers on Amazon. Cavallini paper is quite thick so it takes a bit more time and patience to Mod Podge. I use both the Mod Podge roller and wedge to keep the bubbles out and get a good stick. I always work with Matte Mod Podge for household projects. I cut the Cavallini paper up into its separate images (takes some time) and placed one small piece at a time on the lamp shade. (I also mixed in some images from a few Golden Books as well). I Mod Podged slowly in layers. The first layer, when I attached the papers, was a mulit-sitting project. Each of these projects had three layers of Mod Podge, with a day in between to dry. When I do lamps with Mod Podge I paint the inside of the lampshade first with black craft paint. I do not like to see the edges of the papers showing through when the lamp is on. If you paint the inside you won’t see the edges. For the lamps I put a final coat of Mod Podge sealer (a very light coat) to finish it off. The edge of the lamp shades I spruced up with upholstery trim (I glued it on with Beacon’s 3 in 1). The table I wanted to be water proof. I have found the only way to really water proof a Mod Podge project (like a table or coasters) is boat sealer. I get it at Ace Hardware and apply several very light coats – it is important to let each coat dry for a day or you end up with a tacky project. The sealers should be sprayed outside. I did all of these projects with items I had around the house already that needed a makeover, the paper and glue was the only expense. Enjoy, I love these pieces in my house!
