For years I’ve heard crafters refer to the wonder substance that is mod podge but I never really got what it was other than some sort of amazing substance that sounded expensive and way about my crafting ability.
But then a couple of months ago as the leaves were turning from green to beautiful reds and oranges I googled ‘how to stick a leaf to a glass jar’ with the vague idea of turning a jam jar into a pretty candle holder decorated with the leaves we’d collected.
Mod podge was the solution apparently but I really didn’t want to buy something that would only be used once if I could help it. So I googled a little bit more and found that all mod podge was in reality was just PVA glue and water mixed together. To be fair, I’m sure there’s more to it than that but for what I wanted then the homemade version would be more than adequate!
As it happened, my operation date was brought forward slightly so I never got around to making the leaf jars but we have had a play with some cute Christmas napkins and some small glass jars I have….
How to make homemade mod podge
3 parts PVA glue
2 parts water
1 container with a lid
- I only needed a small amount so I went with 3 tablespoons of PVA glue and 2 parts water.
- Pour them both into a container and give them a good mix.
- That’s it! You’re ready to take your crafting to the next level. 😉
What to do with your homemade mod podge
The first thing I did was make some cute little glasses for Christmas Day using some mini mason jar type glasses that we had in and a cute paper napkin.
To do that I just chose a small area on the napkin and cut round it – it doesn’t have to be perfect. Then I coated the area on the glass where my design was going to go with mod podge before placing the napkin onto the glass. I then brushed over the napkin with more of my homemade mod podge until it was all coated, paying special attention to the edges.
I left them to dry for an hour and gave them a second coat before leaving them overnight to dry.
I’m not sure they would withstand being washed but you can see the effect on them. I’m going to get some pretty flowery napkins and make a couple of vintage style candle holders to go in the living room now I know it works. And the glasses will be perfect for our Christmas Day table – if they wash and last longer than that then that will be a bonus!
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