Using Mod Podge and used wrapping paper.
I've used an old cassette carrying case for years as extra storage, but I thought I'd do a simple craft project with just Mod Podge and used gift-wrapping paper.
Supplies and Stuff
Alright, I lied. I used more than just the 2 items for this craft project. Below are all the items I used:
Carrying case. I've used an old cassette carrying case for years as extra storage. The guts were ripped out long ago since I don't own any cassette tapes. There were patches of peelable primer from a previous craft project gone wrong.
Gift-wrapping paper. The paper I chose for this project was wrapped around a birthday gift I received last month.
Scissors. I used scissors to cut the paper down to a size slightly larger than the part of the case I wanted to decorate.
Craft knife. The craft knife allowed for precision cuts along the edges of the case (but I highly recommend using sharper blades than I did).
Scraping tool. I used the scraping tool to gently smooth the paper onto the case.
Mod Podge. Mod Podge is a decoupage glue that I happened to have and use often. I used it to adhere the underside of the paper onto the case and protect the outer layer of the paper.
Foam brush. I used a foam brush to apply Mod Podge under and over the paper.
Used food container with lid (optional). I used a small used food container for storing excess Mod Podge. I also do this when I take small craft projects on a road trip.
Metallic marker. Learn from my mistake and don't use this. It didn't make it look any better. Yet if you're replicating my steps for some odd reason, I used a Spectrum Noir Metallic Marker.
Prep
I wanted to decorate an old cassette tape carrying case I've used as extra storage for some of my art supplies. Recently, I've used it to store my paint markers. I can see myself using it as a travel case for future road trips or visits to my Mom's house.
Last month, I attempted to decorate the case with peelable primer, but that craft project didn't work out well. I peeled most of the primer, but decided to see what happened if I left the rest on the case since it'll be covered with the gift-wrapping paper anyway.
Using a pair of scissors, I cut the paper down to a size just slightly larger than the part of the case I wanted to decorate. I knew I wanted to cover the top and back of the case. Cutting it made it easier to manage when it came time for the application part of this project. I knew I'd cut any excess paper with a craft knife later.
I didn't want the Mod Podge in the original container to dry up while I was actively using the glue, and I honestly don't know if it would, so I poured the 16 fl oz container into a smaller food container. I also didn't want to dip my foam brush into the narrow opening, since most of the Mod Podge container was empty anyway.
I then cleaned the case before beginning with the application. My personal go-to is using an antibacterial wipe to clean the surface, and then a paper towel to dry the surface.
Application
Using the foam brush, I applied a generous amount of Mod Podge over a third of the top of the case. I placed the gift-wrapping paper over the case, making sure there was enough to cover the back when I got around to it later.
I used my fingers to press the paper over the case, pushing any excess glue towards the edges I could cleanup later. I then used the scraping tool to further smooth the paper onto the case.
In the past, I only used my fingers to smooth paper onto a surface. However, the paper warped, crinkled, or bubbled while drying. I could never get a smooth surface. This was my first time using the scraping tool, and I'm glad I did. I went over the paper often to smooth it onto the case. In the end, the surface remained smooth.
I repeated the process until the top and back of the case were covered with the gift wrapping paper. After I completed the process, I went over the paper with the scraping tool periodically over a half hour to make sure the surface remained smooth.
Craft Knife Struggles
I thought waiting an hour after I completed the initial application was long enough to let the Mod Podge dry. I took a craft knife to the edge of the case only to have the paper tear. Unfortunately, I didn't wait long enough for the Mod Podge to dry.
I waited a few hours for the Mod Podge to dry and tried using my craft knife again. The paper tore as it did earlier, but this time the Mod Podge was dried. It turned out the blade was dull. I attempted to use another craft (which I decorated with paper and Mod Podge years ago). Fortunately, it was sharper than the first craft knife, but not sharp enough. It still tore the paper around the edges of the case.
Poor Attempts to Make it Look Better
While I waited for the Mod Podge to dry, and after I tore the paper around the edges of the case, I decided to add travel/postcard-themed stickers to mask fold marks from when the paper once wrapped a gift box.
I also placed the stickers along parts of the edges where the paper tore. I think it was an OK novice attempt, assuming my craft knife was sharp enough to cut the stickers neatly.
I really wanted to mask the rugged edges from my dull craft blades. I thought a ribbon would be perfect, except I didn't think the few ribbons I own matched the paper or case. I also thought about using colored cardstock. I wish I tried the cardstock (and probably will another day).
Instead, I opted to mask the edges with a marker. I used a Spectrum Noir Metallic Marker because of its shine and drew a line along the edges. I didn't use a ruler, causing the lines to look thin in some areas and thick in other.
Protecting the Decor
Once I finally quit trying to make it look better, I applied a thick coat of Mod Podge to protect the case. This time I learned from my previous mistake and let it sit for about 24 hours before handling.
My Thoughts
Overall, this was an easy craft project. Except I made a few mistakes along the way.
After the initial application of the paper onto the case, I should've left it alone for a few hours before attempting to cut off the excess with a craft knife. I believe I would've had a cleaner, sharper cut if I waited for the Mod Podge to dry completely.
Sharpening the craft blade, or replacing it with a new blade, would've been ideal for making a cleaner, sharper cut along the edges of the case. If I used a sharper craft knife, I think I wouldn't have added the stickers or used the marker.
However, I'm glad I added the stickers. It gave me something other than the paper's design to look at. Although I wouldn't be staring at the case much anyway. Nevertheless, I liked the addition of the stickers.
I wish I didn't use the marker. My shaky hands and semi-rushed behavior kept me from drawing straight, even lines. I'm not sure it would've looked any better if I used a ruler. Instead, I may cut thin strips of colored cardstock and glue it along the edges. If that doesn't look better, then I may try to find a thin ribbon to line the edges of the case.
What's Next?
I'm thinking of doing something to the inside of the case, but I'm not sure if that's worth the time and effort if I fill it with art supplies.
Should I decorate the inside of the case? Login and Sign up to share your thoughts on how you'd decorate the inside, or if you'd simply leave it as is.
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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