✦ 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.
Tote Bag Makeover
A plain $25 Amazon tote bag becomes a hand-painted mixed media showpiece using tissue paper decoupage, acrylic color blending, gold leaf through a harlequin stencil, and decorative stamps. This full tutorial walks you through the 3-step prep process that prevents every purse fail, the "less is more" decoupage secret for zero wrinkles on ultra-thin paper, and the finger-tapping technique that makes everything look like it came with the bag.
The Complete Beginner's Guide to Bedazzling
Not all rhinestone tools are created equal — and some of them are a flat-out waste of money. This tutorial is the honest, no-fluff breakdown of what actually works for bedazzling shoes, purses, T-shirts, notebooks, and more. You'll learn which $3 tool outperforms the expensive ones, why GemTac beats the hotfix tool for most projects, and how to organize thousands of rhinestones without wanting to throw them across the room.
Bedazzling for Beginners
Bedazzling is back — and it's easier, more addictive, and more affordable than you think! Learn how to rhinestone notebooks, picture frames, bead pens, flip flops, mirrors, and even your credit card wand using just a picker pen, precision glue, and rhinestones from Amazon — all for under $100 to get fully set up.
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Got a plain or outdated purse sitting in your closet — or a thrift store find with good bones but zero personality?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 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!
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.