13 Mod Podge Crafts You’ll Love to Try

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Mod Podge is one of the most versatile supplies for beginner-friendly decoupage and mixed-media crafts¹. It works as a glue, sealer and finish, which makes it useful for a wide range of simple projects that can still look polished and intentional.

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!

If you’re looking for budget-friendly DIY projects that can still look polished, these 13 Mod Podge crafts are a practical place to start. The ideas are beginner-friendly, satisfying to make, and many of them work beautifully as handmade gifts.

Start Here: Which Mod Podge Do You Need?

You do not need every formula to start. Choose the one that matches the surface and finish you want, then add a simple foam brush. These are the formulas most relevant to the projects below.

One extra supply that makes these projects easier: a pack of foam craft brushes for spreading thin, even coats.

Mod Podge Mason Jar Lanterns

Mason jar lanterns are an easy way to turn basic glass jars into soft decorative lighting. Brush Mod Podge onto a clean jar, add tissue paper or pressed flowers, let it dry fully, then use a battery-powered tea light or LED candle inside.

DIY Photo Coasters with Mod Podge

For personalized photo coasters, print photos to fit ceramic tiles and decoupage them onto the surface. Finish with several thin protective coats and allow the project to cure fully before use.

Photo coasters also work well as personalized gifts when they are sealed carefully and allowed to cure fully.

Mod Podge Fabric-Covered Notebooks

Fabric-covered notebooks are a simple beginner project. Brush Mod Podge onto the notebook cover, smooth a fabric scrap over the surface, then trim the edges neatly. Lace, ribbon, or buttons can add extra detail.

Decoupage Flower Pots

Plain terra-cotta pots can be transformed with floral napkins or botanical paper. For projects intended for sheltered outdoor use, choose a formula designed for outdoor crafts and follow its curing instructions.

For this project, I use Outdoor Mod Podge rather than the regular indoor formula.

Mod Podge Photo Transfer to Wood

Photo transfer medium can move a printed image onto a wooden plaque or tray, creating a rustic, vintage-style finish that works well for personalized gifts.

If you want to try the same technique, this is the Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium I mean here—not regular Mod Podge.

DIY Decorative Plates

Decorative glass plates can be made by decoupaging patterned paper or napkins onto the underside of clear plates. Keep decorative materials away from food-contact surfaces and follow the product directions for sealing and curing.

Mod Podge Puzzle Piece Art

Puzzle pieces can be painted, arranged on canvas, and sealed with Mod Podge to create simple personalized wall art. Add a short quote or name if you want the piece to feel more personal.

Mod Podge Shell Jewelry Dish

Large seashells can be turned into trinket dishes by lining the inside with gold foil or decorative tissue paper and sealing the surface with Mod Podge.

DIY Mod Podge Bookmarks

Bookmarks are an easy way to use leftover scrapbook paper. Cut the paper into strips, layer it over cardstock, seal with Mod Podge, and add a tassel if you want an extra decorative detail.

Personalized Canvas Wall Art

For custom wall decor, attach a printed quote or graphic to canvas with Mod Podge, then blend or paint the edges for a more finished look.

Mod Podge on Shoes

Fabric-covered sneakers are a more advanced Mod Podge project. Small fabric pieces can be applied to clean shoes with a fabric-appropriate formula; follow the product directions carefully because flexibility and wear make footwear more demanding than flat craft surfaces.

Upcycled Tin Cans

Clean tin cans can become useful desk organizers when wrapped in patterned paper and sealed with Mod Podge. Use them for pens, brushes, or small craft supplies.

Mod Podge Clipboard Makeover

A plain office clipboard can be customized with decorative paper and Mod Podge. Add a name or label with letter stickers for a simple personalized organizer.

What You’ll Need to Start

• Mod Podge — Gloss or Matte
• Foam craft 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, use a formula intended for that project and follow the product directions carefully.

For projects where that formula is appropriate, you can find Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe here.

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?

For more craft inspiration, see Easy Painted Mug Ideas to Try This Weekend and Colorful Ceramic Vases to Brighten Any Room.