Mark Montano
After earning his MFA at the Fashion Institute of Technology, MARK MONTANO started his career in New York City as a fashion designer and was the youngest member to be inducted into the CFDA, Council of Fashion Designers of America. He eventually moved to television to become part of the design team for TLC’s While You Were Out and the host of TLC’s 10 Years Younger, as well as co-host of the Style Network’s My Celebrity Home, We TV’s She’s Moving In, and FOX’s My Home 2.0. He was a contributing editor to CosmoGIRL! magazine at Heart Publications for ten years—during which his Cool Room column became a reader favorite—and has also dished out décor advice as a contributing editor for The New York Post and to 70 newspapers through his syndicated column with Knight Ridder. Mark is the author of The Big-A#s Book of Crafts which was the number 1 selling craft book in the US for 3 years. The Big A#s Book of Crafts Volume 2 launched in October 2011. His other books include The Big A#s Book of Home Décor, Super Suite: The Ultimate Bedroom Makeover Guide for Girls, Dollar Store Décor, Pulp Fiction: Perfect Paper Projects, and coauthor of Window Treatments & Slipcovers for Dummies.
More information about Mark, his books, and his blog can be found at http://www.markmontano.com.
NEW RELEASE! - Over 150 projects with stuff you can find almost anywhere!
Children's Book Silhouettes
By Mark Montano
My BFF Shaye just had a beautiful baby girl named Georgia June. Often I think newborns are a little funny looking, but I have to say, GJ was STUNNING from day one. I mean, this little girl made the Gerber baby look like a toad. I wanted to make little GJ something special, meaningful and from my heart, and this is what I created. This “Jack Be Nimble” silhouette is one of my favorite projects in my book.
Embellished Magazine Jewel Box
By Mark Montano
I swear I want to cover everything in macaroni! I still have that 3rd grade love of watching a cigar box transform into an almost Rococo treasure box. My poor mom had a serious collection of these. Well, as an adult I still get to cover boxes in things and these magazine jewels are the perfect adult version. Well, at least I think so. I’ll see you at recess, OK!
License Plate Bling
By Mark Montano
I have always wanted a personalized license plate but I’m just too lazy to figure out how to get one. So, when I bought my new car, I decided to craft myself a license plate frame to beat all. I now have several of these, and they all say different things, like, “GET OFF OF YOUR PHONE!” or “STOP TEXTING AND WATCH THE ROAD YOU FOOL!” You could put anything on them. Just have fun and get nutty.
Saintly Suitcase
By Mark Montano
Why risk it? I say travel with a saint! I grew up with images of the Virgin Mary all over my house and I felt this was the perfect way to honor that part of my upbringing. My grandmother is either going to slap me silly for making this or she is going to insist I send it to her immediately, but one way or another I know she’s going to have something to say about it. (By the way, she won’t even utter the name of my book. That woman is bound for sainthood, I’m sure of it!)
Shoe String Shoe
By Mark Montano
I know it’s hard to believe, but with just a pair of shoes, some spray paint and some string, these super cool pumps can be yours. Try this technique to add more life to a beat-up pair of heels or create a fun pair of shoes that can spice up any all-black ensemble.
Striped PVC Pipe Vase
By Mark Montano
PVC pipe is super cool, easy to cut, cheap, and comes in all different sizes. It’s also good for whacking your assistant when they give you flack. I’m just sayin.’ Anyway, I was totally inspired by this project and decided to paint it instead of just leaving it plain white. You could leave yours plain or use a rainbow of colors. Just have fun with it-you really can’t go wrong with this cheap and cheerful project.
Featured Projects
Mom's Garden Planter
Left over wood, paint, and your basic tool knowledge transform a pile of wood into a great present for Mom!
