My Salvaged Treasures: Mod Podge Mannequins

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Mod Podge Mannequins

I'm always looking for new ways to display my jewelry and accessories. I have two mannequins that I covered with vintage sewing patterns and another one that I covered with an old table runner. I don't have any before pictures because I made them long before I started blogging.

I found this Plain Jane styrofoam head at a garage sale for 50 cents, holes in her head and all. I thought she deserved a little makeover, so I got out my Mod Podge and vintage sewing patterns.

I used bits and pieces from both of these patterns to cover her face.

I started by filling the holes in her head with spackling paste and then sanded 'er down. The Mod Podge (matte finish) was a little too thick for the tissue, so I mixed it with a little water. I started with the larger pieces first and then filled in with smaller pieces. I used a small foam brush to apply the Mod Podge to the tissue pieces and then carefully laid each piece down being careful not to pull or push too hard. Most of you have probably worked with Mod Podge before, so you know how sticky it can get. I think it's so much easier to smooth out the wrinkles if you keep your fingers wet. Also, try not to touch any wet areas because your sticky fingers will pull the paper up. When she was completely covered with tissue, I applied a coat of Mod Podge. After that dried, I finished up with a final coat.

Right now she looks like she was just released from the emergency room.

I had to do a lot of cutting and folding in the neck area, but she still ended up with lots of wrinkles. I guess that's something we'll all have to face sooner or later.

Here's the quartet all ready to go. I think I'll use the new head for displaying

hats instead of jewelry. It's hard to see in the picture, but the front pattern piece says "front facing."

I used the thicker sewing pattern directions instead of the tissue for the larger plastic shell mannequin in back. The other two are paper mache. The one on the right was covered with an embossed linen table runner. I can display more ornate pieces of jewelry on her because of her neutral background.

I'm linking up with these fabulous parties:

12 comments:

Mod Podge AmySeptember 16, 2010 at 5:42 PM

Cute! Those are a great display!
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Glenda/MidSouthSeptember 16, 2010 at 6:38 PM

What a great idea! I have a wicker mannequin that I have to drape a scarf over to hang necklaces on and keep thinking I want to try to cover it in fabric. So far, all I do is stare at it asking myself - Can I do that!! :)
Have a great weekend.
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Lucy - By the HillSeptember 16, 2010 at 7:50 PM

Great idea! I just about threw out the "hole-y" styro head I have and now I'm glad I didn't! Thanks! Love the job you did on all of them.
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Irma@CosasBellasSeptember 16, 2010 at 9:19 PM

Luv the idea Betsy, they look great!
Going to keep my eyes open for those vintage sewing patterns.

What shows do you have coming up, any down this way?

Talk to you soon!
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The Answer Is ChocolateSeptember 17, 2010 at 10:52 AM

What an awesome idea! Thanks so much for linking up at my Open House!
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TheCraftInMeSeptember 17, 2010 at 11:05 AM

These really look awesome, what a great idea!
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DoneneSeptember 17, 2010 at 12:14 PM

What a creative way to use your old patterns! I am a follower!Can you help me out? I am in a contest because of a recent post that I did on my weight loss. There is a contest on Face Book and I need you to vote! I am so close and I don't want the other guy to win! Just click on the link below and like that page (up at the top) then in the left hand column find my picture( I’m the one in the black bathing suit) under photo's 4 of 14 click(SEE All) and leave a comment under my picture! Thanks!!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lehi-UT/Kristi-Approved/391083710513
You might have to copy and paste it into your browser.
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judiSeptember 17, 2010 at 9:49 PM

great idea! i seem to think that we use to have one of those mannequin heads back home...hmmm wonder if its still lurking in some closet. love the use of pattern pieces, especially the 'front facing'...cracked me up.

judi
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BoomSeptember 19, 2010 at 4:15 PM

Hello....I am visiting on the Open house tour. I love to repurpose clothing....actually anything when the idea comes to me. I like the mannequins covered with pattern pieces.
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moSeptember 20, 2010 at 6:09 AM

Love the mannequins! What a fabulous idea. They look great! *hugs*
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Coco loves vintageSeptember 26, 2010 at 10:41 PM

That is a fantastic idea to use old sewing patterns!!! I have several mannequins that I wanted to cover, but wasn't sure what to use, now I know :) & & have lots of vintage patterns I can use to :)
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Brambleberry CottageJune 16, 2011 at 11:53 AM

Love, love, love 'em! Mannequins and dress forms are impossible to find around here - at a decent price, anyway! Great cover up idea with the pattern pieces.

Blessings,
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
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