Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Homemade Mod Podge

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A few months ago I found a recipe for Homemade Mod Podge and wanted to know if it was worth the mess to make it. YES it is, with no mess! A pint size jar cost me $2 to make while at stores a size like this is around $8. It was even worth putting a label on it. Heres how I did it.


Put a strip of masking/packing tape directly on your jar so that you can take it off later easier.


Stick the sticker label on the tape.


Tape over the label so that it will be semi-waterproof.


Mod Podge in a Pint Jar (matte)

Fill jar half way up with white glue (like Elmers)
Then fill jar up with water.
Shake Well.

This is a 50-50 mixture glue/water.

It will have a Matte finish.
If you would like a Glossy finish, add 1 TBS of clear varnish.
Shake it!

If you have tried it with the varnish, we would love to hear how it went.  Did you use an oil based varnish or a water based?  And what one worked better?  Since this is a water based solution, I'm thinking that a water based varnish will work better.  We are always open to new ideas!

See it for yourself how it works.

Disclaimer:  If you are wanting to do a long term or permanent project, the original Mod Podge may work better since they do  add additional ingredients that make the finish last longer.  The glue solution may yellow over time.  This is just a substitution, not a replacement.

99 comments:

Diane said...

Great idea! Thanks!

Megan @ The Crafty Conundrum said...

Awesome!! I am so excited to try this... does that mean I need to use up my jar by making all kinds of crafty projects?! haha.

rebekahdawn said...

I've been thinking about making this as well.
Have you tried it? Does it seal as well as mod podge?

chris said...

I love that you made a label for it! It's great to find cheaper ways to make life pretty. Thanks for sharing.

Beth @ Frugal but Fabulous said...

I cannot wait to try this...you could make it even cheaper if you stock up at back to school sales! Does it work just the same?

Jill said...

So white glue and water mixed together make the amazing modge podge? This I have to try!! Thanks for sharing this!

Thanks for linking to the Creating Success Worldwide blog hop!! Hope you'll come back again next week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

Tammy said...

Thanks for Sharing! Cool!

CREATIVE MIND said...

Oh really?? well Mod Podge (elmers too)is not available here in Pakistan so i will try this if it will work the best!
thanks for sharing this!

Nikki@EverythingUndertheMoon said...

Nice!! Super smart moneysaver!! It'd be great if you linked this up this week at Bedazzle Me Monday. I think my readers would love this recipe! http://everything-underthemoon.blogspot.com/2011/10/bedazzle-me-monday-4.html

Jenny @ Simcoe Street said...

Great tip!

Fifi said...

Awesome, thank you for sharing!!



new follower!

Shiloh said...

Awesome! I haven't tried ModPodge yet, but I"m thinking about it. Maybe I'll start in straight with my own.:)

Betsy @ Romance on a Dime said...

Nice! Very easy - thanks for sharing!

Ann @ makethebestofthings said...

I already use Elmer's to make crackle paint and now your recipe will be added to my list of things I must try. Clever.

Rachel said...

Thanks for sharing. I'll definitely try it when I run out.
Rachel
adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com

Sally said...

Thanks for sharing this with us. And cute jar!!!

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

Love it! I go through this stuff like mad so any money I can save is worth it!

Mary-Sweetwater Style said...

I am pinning this....and will make some soon...great post thanks!

Bama Girl said...

Thank you sooo much! I thought it was mostly glue.

Ginger Zuck said...

WOW, who knew?

Carrie said...

Seriously?!!? This mix actually works like mod podge? I am so trying this!

Audrey said...

Thank you for sharing this wonderful tip.
Really like your cute label. New follower. Audrey

Trish @MomOnTimeout said...

This is such a great idea! I've never tried using mod podge and this is an inexpensive way to give it a go. I'd love for you to share this with my readers at my link party- http://www.momontimeout.com/2011/10/taking-timeout-thursday-link-party-no-1.html

Terri @ A Creative Princess said...

Do you realize how much money I'm going to save not having to always buy Mod Podge?! Thank you so much for sharing!!

Clydia said...

I've wondered about this too! Thanks for letting us all know it really works! I'm gonna save a ton o cash! :) I'd love you to share this at my link party that is going on...

http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/2011/10/features-2nd-motivational-monday-link.html

Hope to see you there!
Clydia {Threemangoseeds.blogspot.com}

catnap said...

I have been waiting for this day to come. THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOO MUCH! you are the BEST!

Nicole@Thrifty Decorating said...

I'm going to feature this next Thursday....thanks for linking! :)

Anonymous said...

what size glue bottle did you use?

Melanie @ bear rabbit bear said...

I've seen this on Pinterest but not tried it yet. Looks like yours was a success. Thanks for linking to Things I've Done Thursday.

Melanie
bearrabbitbear.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Help out a non-craft person - what is Modge Pudge? Visiting from LivingLifeIntentionally Linky Party.

Danielle said...

Shut the front door! I am so doing this now. I love how much cheaper it is. Thanks for linking up and sharing;)

MissMOE said...

That's it?! That's what I've been paying big bucks for all these years? Well now that I know the truth--I'll be sure to remedy it! Thanks for sharing.

Lauren said...

It's seriously that easy? Wow! What a scheme Mod Podge is! On that note, does it come out glossy or matte? Thanks!

Carla said...

I've heard adding sealer to the mix can change it to satin or glossy, have you tried it?

redfly said...

Are you serious? Is that all that is in Modge Podge? Definitely going to try this. Thanks!

I decided to become a follower to keep up on your other great ideas.

If you get a chance sometime you'll have to check out my blog. http://redflycreations.blogspot.com

Melissa

Cathy @My 1929 Charmer said...

Wow, I can't believe it's so simple to make, and so inexpensive. Why have I been paying so much for Mod Podge. I think everyone needs to know about this. If you would, please post this at Sunday's Best Linky party open on Sunday at 2:00 am. Thanks, hope you share!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the recipe and for posting this! :)

Rachel said...

I didn't realize that there are only to ingredients in mod podge! Thanks for the tip! I'm your newest follower from Think Pink Sunday.

Rachel@ absolutlylovingmylife.blogspot.com

Lindsay said...

That is so awesome! I need to buy some mod podge, but maybe I will just make some! I am so glad you shared the 'how-to'. Thanks for linking up @ Show & Share!

GarnetMermaid said...

Great $ saver! Thanks for sharing. What size bottles of glue did you use?

Dina said...

Hello! New follower! Found you on COM!

Who would have knows that a $6 bottle of modgepodge was so simple and so cheap to make!! TY!

Dina from thesenotions.blogspot.com

Nikki@EverythingUndertheMoon said...

I featured your Mod Podge recipe on Everything Under the Moon! Feel free to stop by and grab a feature button
http://everything-underthemoon.blogspot.com/2011/10/you-dazzled_23.html

Jill said...

Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit too!
Hope you have a great week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

Babblings and More said...

I have tried to reply to everyone, but some of you are No-reply. I just updated the post/recipe, so hopefully it is more clear. The recipe calls for 50% water/50% glue. This is a matte finish. If you want a gloss finish add 1 Tsp of clear varnish. It works great! Here is a post of what I Mod Podged... http://babblingsandmore.blogspot.com/2011/10/temple-picture-with-homemade-mod-podge.html
I hope this answered your questions. If not, let me know.

Amy said...

Really? You're kidding! That's all it is? Wow. I use Mod Podge for almost everything! Thanks for linking up to the Crafty, Scrappy, Happy party!

Kimmy said...

I too experimented with this recipe earlier this month:http://kimmydavis.blogspot.com/2011/10/this-past-weeks-crafts.html

I agree--it works! I prefer a slightly thicker adhesive, so I added an extra bottle of glue and about a third more water. It's so awesome!

Another benefit: my jar of M.P. had some thick lumps in it, and they ruined a project more than once. I haven't had that problem at all with this formula.

I'm using an old Smuckers jelly jar for my concoction, and I kept the small bottles of white glue and filled one up again, since I usually craft all over the house, and the glue bottles are so much lighter.

I did not know about the varnish/gloss finish trick, but I have been considering adding high-quality glitter to a small bottle to see how well that works. Glitter and Christmas go hand-in-hand, right?

Erin {Lavender and Lemon Drops} said...

Great idea! I knew mod podge wasn't worth the eight bucks from the store ;)

Katie said...

great job making your own Mod Podge! Bookmarking this.

Natasha said...

thanks for this, it's just what i needed!!!

Natasha xx

Trish @MomOnTimeout said...

Congratulations - you're being featured at Mom On Timeout! You can grab a button here: http://www.momontimeout.com/p/buttons.html

Thanks for sharing at Taking A Timeout Thursday!

Kim @ Cheap Chic Home said...

Dear Mod Podge: I want a refund for the money I spent! Fabulous, thanks so much for letting us in on the secret.

Ginger said...

Love this! :) You were one of the top 5 viewed links at my {wow me} wednesday party last week. Thank YOU so much for sharing! Featuring YOU tonight over on my blog. Feel free to grab a featured button if you'd like. :)

Ginger @ gingersnapcrafts.com

http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2011/10/wow-me-wednesday-22.html

Jaime Lyn at Crafty Scrappy Happy said...

Oh my goodness thank you SO much for sharing this over at crafty scrappy happy! I am in love with the idea of making my own mod podge----I use A TON of it!!! :o) Thank you for the idea! i am a new follower and friend! Hope to see you back at the party again! :o)
Jaime from crafty scrappy happy

Decorating with Cents said...

I've heard of mod podge but never got to use it (I'm not sure if they sell it where I live) I always have glue....so I'm going for it. I'm your new follower. http://decoratingwcents.blogspot.com/2011

Jenfier Harrod said...

Love this!

www.feedingnineonadime.blogspot.com

Tasha said...

Oh my I am making some of this tonight!! Love working with Mod Podge! My blog posts on Monday and Tuesday with both projects using Mod Podge. And now I am just about out! Thanks for sharing!!!!!
I am now following.

Blessings from Cindy said...

Thanks so much for the recipe for Mod Podge! I like using it, but it is too expensive in my opinion. I will try this!
Blessings,
Cindy

Melanie said...

I can't wait to try this! I use Mod Podge EVERY DAY! Thanks for linking up! I'm featuring this on the blog tomorrow!


Smiles,
Melanie

Reasons To Skip The Housework {The Blog}
Tinker B Boutique {The Shop}

{skipthehousework@hotmail.com}

somedaycrafts said...

Awesome! I'm always looking for ways to cut the crafting money. This will help. I am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com. Grab my "featured" button.

Rebecca said...

I can't believe I've paid so much for glue and water.

Coley said...

Wow, this is awesome! I love Mod Podge but it can get pricey when you use it a lot!! TYFS!

Rhissanna said...

Wow! Thank you for this. For Brits, Elmer's White Glue is PVA. generic will do. I assumed Mod Podge was thicker white glue. I hadn't thought of diluting the glue. New follower.

Heather said...

Oh wow this will be such a money saver! Love the jar. I featured this at So Very Creative, love for you to check it out and grab a button if you would like.
http://soverycreative.blogspot.com/2011/10/homemade-mod-podge.html

Rach H @ FamilyEverAfter said...

I know this has been featured everywhere already! Add one more feature to the pile tonight! Thanks for linking at Once UPon a Weekend!

Crystal said...

This is great! Can't wait to make it! Thanks so much for sharing! Just wanted to let you know I am featuring this this weekend! Feel free to grab a featured button! :)

Sarah said...

Awesome! Thanks for sharing how you did this!

Laura at Ms. Smartie Pants said...

I do this all the time, so much cheaper!

Katy said...

How cool is this!!

Unique said...

wow I'm so amassed I cant believe its that easy, and its so expensive in the store. THANKS FOR THE TIP I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND ME SHARING THIS :)

Jami said...

What a simply wonderful idea! So happy to have you a part of the Tuesday To Do Party!
Smiles!
Jami
www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com

Sarah E. said...

That sounds super easy! And I'm sure it'll come in handy :)

Stopping in from Tues Talent Show

Emily @ RemarkableHome said...

Where do you get the varnish from? Is it a craft store thing? or a paint store thing? do you have a brand you like?

thank you!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful! Been using Mod Podge for 30 yrs! At least a couple tanker truck fulls by now LOL. Will be re-filling all my old bottles with this now. Just found you through Gluesticks and am now a follower. Great blog :)

Laura said...

Thanks so much! This will be SOO helpful for saving money on holiday crafts!

Natalia said...

Hi! I did know that glue and water was basically similar to Mod Podge, but I thought that MP had some extra properties, like say handles water and/or humidity better? I've never used it, but that's the impression I got from all my reading around. Glue would turn white if it got wet, and I've seen MP used for table tops, dresser tops, etc. Have you used this for anything like that? Or have any thoughts on this issue? Thanks!

Natalia said...

PS I tried to subscribe to comments in case of response but there isn't that option, so I'll keep checking!

Anonymous said...

Love it! But curious why you didn't Mod Podge the label on instead of using two layers of tape? ;)

niharika said...

thats a great tip!!thanx!!:):) we dont get modge podge here in india so i really miss out on some amazing m.p DIY's!but i would try with this!
www.shimmeringbeans.blogspot.com

Megan and Stephanie said...

Wow. That is all I can say.

Anonymous said...

How long will it last in the jar?

Heather said...

Seriously? That's it? Wow - thank you so much for saving me a ton of money! I've actually cut back on altering things to save my Mod Podge. I can't wait to mix up a batch of this and try it out!

jmrcmama said...

What?? REALLY!!?? I am totally going to the store and getting some glue my mod podge is about empty!! I saw this on pintrest, Thanks so much for the idea!!

Tanya said...

This is a great idea for crafting, but anything that would need to hold up long term this won't work for. Eventually the PVC glue (Elmer's) dries out and yellows, even with water to dilute it. There is a bit more to mod podge that just varnish and glue. If I'm doing little crafty projects, like tags cards, etc I just go for the diluted glue method. If I want to do furniture or canvases I go for mod podge.

Aimee from ItsOverflowing.com said...

Your recipe is AWESOME! I'm a modpodge QUEEN! I’m excited to blog with you in 2012!!! I’m hosting a party and would LOVE for you to link up!!! XO, Aimee

Overflowing with Creativity

folkhaven said...

I was just about to go out and buy mod podge today. I think I will try this instead. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

if you ever paper mached as a kid its the same thing, not rocket science.

CHARMAINE said...

What is the "Clear Varnish" you mix with it. Is this a water based varnish?

Ann @ Suburban Prairie Homemaker said...

This will be so helpful - thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Hi -I will try this- Can you tint it with paint so it will have a coloured opaque finish- I guess you could use oil based if you are using the varnish?

Anonymous said...

The size of the glue bottle doesn't matter. It is a 50/50 ratio. So in a pint size jar, that would be 1 cup glue, 1 cup water.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing this, just remember, water and oil don't mixc so if using the vanish use water based, can't wait to try this!

anita said...

mod podge is a sealer or glue. like if you want to glue a picture or print to something and then want to put a sealer on the top of it. the last time i bought a small bottle it was $9.00, so this is a real money saver.

Angie D. said...

Awesome! And sooo much cheaper than buying it at the store.

Laura said...

I am curious as to what font you have and where you got it.. It is adorable!

Tiff said...

I have the clear elmers glue. I wonder if it matters. I'll try it and let you know :)

Briana Richardson said...

Thanks! We would all love to hear how that works!

Anonymous said...

Did anyone try it out yet? Is it really working like MP?

Babblings and More said...

I can't remember where I got the font, but the name of the font is Cutie Pop. Hope that helps!

Loving Our Life said...

Why not Modge Podge the label on?:)

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