13 Mod Podge Crafts You’ll Love to Try
I still remember the first time I picked up a bottle of Mod Podge1. I had no clue what I was doing, but I ended up with a cute decoupaged notebook that I still use today! Over the years, I’ve discovered so many Mod Podge crafts that are fun, easy, and surprisingly stylish.
Whether you’re a total beginner or someone who already has a craft bin full of napkins, fabric scraps, and wooden trays, this post will give you tons of ideas you’ll love trying out. Mod Podge is basically magic in a jar—it glues, seals, and finishes in one go. According to Plaid Crafts, it’s been around since 1967, and crafters still swear by it today!
So, if you’re looking for budget-friendly, DIY projects that actually turn out cute, let me show you 13 of my all-time favorite Mod Podge crafts. These ideas are beginner-friendly, super satisfying, and many of them make awesome handmade gifts too.
Mod Podge Mason Jar Lanterns
This one is always a hit when I need quick home decor. I brush Mod Podge onto a mason jar and stick on tissue paper or pressed flowers. Once dry, I pop in a tea light or LED candle and it glows beautifully.
DIY Photo Coasters with Mod Podge
For these, I print out my favorite photos and decoupage them onto ceramic tiles. It makes such a great personal gift! I always finish with several top coats of Mod Podge to make them water-resistant.
I gave a set to my mom last Christmas and she keeps them on the coffee table year-round.
Mod Podge Fabric-Covered Notebooks
This is one of the first crafts I ever tried. I use pretty fabric scraps, brush Mod Podge onto the notebook cover, then smooth the fabric over it. You can even add lace or buttons for extra charm.
Decoupage Flower Pots
If you have plain terra-cotta pots at home, you’re in for a treat. I love using floral napkins or botanical paper, then sealing with Outdoor Mod Podge to make them weather-resistant.
Mod Podge Photo Transfer to Wood
This one feels like magic. I use Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium to move printed images onto a wooden plaque or tray. It creates a rustic, vintage look that’s amazing for gifts.
DIY Decorative Plates
I once made these for a dinner party and everyone asked where I bought them. Just decoupage patterned paper or napkins onto the bottom of clear glass plates. Seal well and they look stunning!
Mod Podge Puzzle Piece Art
This is such a sweet idea for kids or couples. I painted some puzzle pieces, glued them to a canvas, and used Mod Podge to seal everything. Then I wrote a quote like “You complete me.”
Mod Podge Shell Jewelry Dish
If you’ve got large seashells from the beach, you can turn them into trinket dishes. I line the inside with gold foil or pretty tissue paper, then brush over with Mod Podge. It dries glossy and holds up well.
DIY Mod Podge Bookmarks
I made a batch of these using leftover scrapbook paper. Just cut into strips, layer on top of cardstock, and seal with Mod Podge. I added tassels to some of them, and they came out adorable!
Personalized Canvas Wall Art
This is great for custom wall decor. I printed out an inspirational quote, glued it onto canvas with Mod Podge, then added paint around the edges. It looks store-bought but totally homemade.
Mod Podge on Shoes
Yes, I mod podged a pair of sneakers once! I used floral fabric and Mod Podge Fabric formula. It held surprisingly well and gave my old shoes a fresh, artsy vibe.
Upcycled Tin Cans
Old cans become cute organizers! I clean them, wrap them in patterned paper, and seal with Mod Podge. These sit on my desk holding pens and brushes. Totally customizable.
Mod Podge Clipboard Makeover
I took a boring office clipboard and turned it into a chic organizer by adding paper and sealing with Mod Podge. Add your name with letter stickers, and you’ve got a pretty and personalized clipboard.
What You’ll Need to Start
- Mod Podge (I use Plaid’s versions here)
- Brushes or sponge applicators
- Scissors, printer, and basic supplies
- Surfaces like wood, glass, fabric, or ceramic
Pro tip: For glossy finishes, go with the gloss formula. For a soft look, try matte!
How to Seal and Care for Your Mod Podge Crafts
Let everything dry completely (overnight is best) and apply multiple thin coats of Mod Podge, letting each one dry before the next. If you want extra durability for mugs or plates, finish with a dishwasher-safe sealer.
Tip from Mod Podge Rocks blog: Always wait at least 28 days before putting dishwasher-safe crafts into use. That’s the full curing time.
Want More Crafty Ideas?
Check out my post on Easy Painted Mug Ideas to Try This Weekend. You might also enjoy Colorful Ceramic Vases to Brighten Any Room or browse through my Pinterest boards where I share even more DIY inspiration!
- Mod Podge is a water-based crafting product that works as glue, sealer, and finish in one. It’s used to stick things like paper or fabric to surfaces, then seal them with a smooth topcoat.
You apply it with a brush or sponge and let it dry clear.
It works on many surfaces: wood, glass, fabric, plastic, and metal.
Comes in different types like Matte (no shine), Gloss (shiny), Fabric (flexible), and Dishwasher-Safe.
It’s non-toxic and easy to clean with water before it dries. ↩︎
