Do you know what today is? If your answer is, “NO, everyday in quarantine is a nothing day and who cares” then you’d be right, but ALSO, it’s National Mod Podge Day! We have had a blast celebrating this day with our friends at Plaid Crafts, the makers of Mod Podge, for the last couple of years and today is no different. Mod Podge is a staple in our craft rooms, and is an iconic craft tool that we cannot live without, and today we are sharing a new project made with Mod Podge to celebrate.
Since we are all in the middle of social distancing and are missing all of our people, we thought it would be fun to get the kiddos and make some rainbow wind chimes that are not only cute, but are a sweet social distancing gift idea. Simply make your chimes with the tutorial below and then mail or deliver them to the people you are missing the most. Then, they can hang them up and anytime they hear the sweet chime sound, they can remember how loved they are by you, even though we can’t be together! And, we are making it all happen by using Mod Podge Outdoor to make them water resistant and perfect for hanging outside. Here’s how to make them:
Supplies needed to make your own Rainbow Wind Chimes
Unfinished Wooden Rainbows
Patterned Cardstock
Mod Podge Outdoor
Mod Podge Brushes or paint brush
FolkArt Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint
Wind Chimes
Paint Brushes
Baker’s Twine
Scissors
How to make your own Rainbow Wind Chimes
See how to make this project on our FB Live video or follow the steps below.
Step 1. Cut paper rainbows using scissors, beginning with one about a half-inch smaller in diameter than your wooden rainbow, and continue cutting them, making each layer of the rainbow smaller than the one before.
Step 2. Glue your paper rainbows to the wooden rainbows. To do this, begin with your largest paper rainbow and paint a layer of Mod Podge Outdoor on the back. Place the paper rainbow Mod Podge-side down on the wooden rainbow and use your fingers or a brayer to press and smooth it onto the wood.
Step 3. Repeat step 2 and use the Mod Podge Outdoor to glue all of the paper rainbow pieces on top of each other until they have all been attached. Let dry completely, 30-45 minutes.
Step 4. Once the paper has dried, it’s time to seal your rainbows using Mod Podge Outdoor. To do this, coat your brush with Mod Podge Outdoor and spread it all of over the top of the wooden rainbow and papers in an even layer to seal and protect them while they are outside. Let dry completely.
Note: Mod Podge Outdoor is a little thicker than typical Mod Podge and brush strokes will be visible so be sure to spread your brush in the direction you would like to see the subtle strokes when it is dry.
Step 5. While your sealant is drying, it’s time to paint “dip” your chimes. Using a paint brush, paint the tops of the chimes and let dry, then apply a second coat. Once the paint has dried, apply a layer of Mod Podge Outdoor over the paint to seal and protect it. Let dry completely.
Step 6. Once your rainbow is completely dry, use a drill to make a hole at the top of your rainbow for hanging and as many holes as desired for hanging chimes (we did 4 on each side of the rainbow).
Tip: Drill your holes into the rainbow with the paper side up. If you drill from the back the bit can push through and make your papers lift.
Step 7. Once your chimes are completely dry, attach them to the holes at the bottom of your rainbow using baker’s twine. Use scissors to remove excess string. Attach a string to the top to hang as well.
Aren’t they the cutest? If you have little ones, feel free to make your rainbows more abstract and easy to assemble. You could rip up tissue paper or cardstock in different colors and let them attach them wherever they please. No matter how you make them, they are sure to make someone’s day!
Happy National Mod Podge Day!
ox. Liz
