✦ STUDIO MDAZ BLOG ✦ Catch Debi's Latest Projects
Step-by-step tutorials, project reveals, painting techniques, and behind-the-scenes videos from Debi's studio.
How to Transform a Thrift Store Purse with Mixed Media
Got a plain or outdated purse sitting in your closet — or a thrift store find with good bones but zero personality? In this step-by-step tutorial, Debi walks you through a complete mixed media purse makeover using IOD transfers, decoupage, paint, stenciling, rhinestone bedazzling, and a high gloss sealer — all in under two hours. Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned crafter, you'll walk away knowing exactly how to turn any bag into a one-of-a-kind conversation piece.
How to Decoupage, Paint & Bedazzle a Decorative Tray
Learn every technique you need to transform any metal, wood, or plastic tray into a stunning decorative showpiece — including decoupage with art papers, color-matched paint blending, antiquing wax, rhinestone bedazzling, and UV resin finishing — all in one action-packed live tutorial filmed at a Florida beach house!
How to Paint & Decoupage a Straw Hat
Learn how to transform a plain straw hat into a stunning hand-painted, decoupaged statement piece using floral napkins, fabric medium, acrylic paint, and pearl trim — no art experience required and the whole project takes about an hour!
The Ultimate Crafting Supply List: Debi’s Top Resources
If there is one thing we know for sure at Studio MD AZ, it is that you don't need to spend a fortune to create high-end, boutique-quality decor! But to get that gorgeous, professional finish—and avoid a lot of crafting heartache—you absolutely need the right tools for the job.
How to Decorate a Clear Cosmetic Bag Set with Rose Transfers, Rhinestones & Stickles
Transform an inexpensive clear cosmetic bag set into a stunning, boutique-worthy accessory using IOD transfers, Liquitex varnish, Ranger Stickles, and rhinestone bling — no painting skills required and the whole set takes under an hour!
How to Make Designer-Inspired Wallets, Clutches & a Book Bag from Thrift Store Finds
Learn how to transform thrift store purses, wallets, and pouches into stunning designer-inspired pieces using patches, rhinestones, decoupage, leather paint, and mixed media techniques — all for under $20 per piece.
How to Decoupage a Bunny with Blue & White Toile Napkins
Learn how to transform a plain white resin bunny into a stunning blue and white toile statement piece using decoupage napkins, Mod Podge, and gold foil — no experience needed. Perfect for spring vignettes and Easter decorating!
How to Make a Stunning Fall Pumpkin Cone Topiary
We're creating a gorgeous fall centerpiece that looks amazing from every angle. The best part? We're learning together what works (and what doesn't work!) - plus I'm sharing my new secret weapon: heat-resistant gloves that literally saved me after my last ER visit. Watch the full tutorial below to see how this beautiful topiary comes together step-by-step!
Transform Your Pumpkins with Chrome Powder & Pro Painting Techniques
Think you need to be a trained artist to create gorgeous, dimensional fall décor? Think again! I'm breaking down my favorite chrome powder technique that's taking the crafting world by storm - and it's so forgiving, even imperfect base coats look amazing. Plus, I'm sharing the wet-on-wet painting method that creates those drool-worthy pumpkins in ONE coat (yes, really!).
Eyeglass Case Makeover: Turn the Ordinary into Art
You know how it goes—you toss your glasses into your bag, dig around five minutes later, and pray they haven’t been crushed under your keys and lip gloss. Most eyeglass cases are plain, boring, and honestly kind of sad. But what if that same little case could become a work of art? A gift-worthy treasure. A conversation starter.
The Halloween Bag Everyone Will Be Talking About!
Turn a simple plastic cauldron into the ultimate Halloween accessory! This DIY Cauldron Purse is bubbling over with sparkle, spooky charm, and plenty of personality — perfect for parties, trick-or-treating, or just showing off your crafty side.
From Thrift Store Find to Princess Piggy Bank
This DIY piggy bank makeover takes a plain thrift store find and turns it into a pink-check princess complete with tutu, crown, and rhinestones. Perfect handmade gift idea for kids, grandkids, or anyone who loves whimsical projects.
How Handmade Gifts Save Your Sanity and Your Budget
Save money and stress this holiday season with handmade gifts! Learn how we transformed a $2 notebook into a pop art journal using Mod Podge, glitter, and bling. Includes affiliate links to our favorite supplies.
Blue Toile Christmas Santa
Why settle for the same old red suit when you can give Santa a blue toile makeover? In this tutorial, we’ll take a simple Hobby Lobby Santa and transform him into an elegant, boutique-worthy holiday piece with decoupage, paint, sparkle, and a little feather-trim magic. Whether you’re a toile lover or just looking for fresh holiday inspiration, this project is fun, do-able, and guaranteed to turn heads on your mantel or holiday table.
Whimsical Lamp Makeover
Transform a plain lamp into a boutique-worthy, whimsical masterpiece! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a bold and playful decor piece using checks, stripes, gold cabochons, and a stunning embroidered lampshade.
Transform a Plain Box into a Stunning Faux Antique Book
Get ready for a gorgeous mixed media project that transforms an ordinary wooden box into an elegant faux vintage book that makes a stunning decorative piece for your home.
Beach Tote from Garden Flags
Turn ordinary garden flags into vibrant, eye-catching beach totes with this simple tutorial! This project requires minimal sewing skills (actually none - we're using glue!) and creates a personalized bag perfect for beach days, shopping trips, or as a thoughtful handmade gift.
Vintage Pinup Matchbox Tutorial
Transform ordinary matchboxes and Tic Tac containers into luxurious designer accessories with this easy step-by-step tutorial. Learn how to use decorative papers, rhinestone trim, and simple embellishments to create boutique-worthy gifts under $5. Perfect for Mother's Day, hostess gifts, or adding elegant touches to your home decor.
How to Turn Frog Figurines into Whimsical Decor