Edited: As some have missed the notation at the bottom of the post, I want to point out that at no time in this post am I stating that this alternative is equivalent to Mod Podge. Mod Podge is a great product and I highly recommend it; however, this is an excellent alternative option for craft projects. If you are working on a project that you hope to maintain over a long period of time or one that requires special care, you should absolutely be using proper archival resources. To avoid confusion for future readers, I’ve also swapped out ‘Mod Podge’ in some places in exchange for ‘Deco Podge Adhesive’ to avoid confusion with the actual product name. Thanks!
There probably isn’t a crafter/DIY’er alive that doesn’t use the famous Mod Podge for one thing or another. It ranks right up there with scissors, tape, nails, and the almighty hammer.
You also know how expensive it is. The 16 oz jar tends to run anywhere from $8-$10. Granted it lasts a while, but I can’t bring myself to spend $10 for the high end magic glue, especially when I only use it for inexpensive craft projects.
So I made my own knockoff for $2. You could probably make it even cheaper if you stock up on the essential ingredient during back to school sales.
Here’s what you need…
Basics:
- White School Glue (I used the 4 oz size)
- Jar or other container (heck, you can use that pasta sauce/salsa jar you just emptied for free)
If you want to get fancy:
- Spray Paint
- Colored/Scrapbooking Paper
- Glue
I don’t think I need to share with you again my hatred of brass and all things ‘gold’. So it should come as no surprise that I ORB’d that lid faster than it takes you to say “Let’s get our groove ORB on!”
So much better already.
Next up, pour the glue into the jar.
Get every last bit of it in there.
Now fill the empty glue container with water and pour that in the jar with the glue. This will make 8 oz of adhesive.
Make sure you choose a jar that will fit the glue and water. To be honest, I lucked out that it fit so perfectly.
Now get your groove on and Shake, Shake, Shake.
You’re DONE!
You can stop now and celebrate your crafty genius…OR…
Get fancy and create a fun label. I used a piece of leftover scrapbooking paper and cut out the size of a small circle.
Then I cut another little oval piece for the label.
I used Aleene’s Tacky Glue to adhere the paper to the jar.
Ta Da!
Project Cost Breakdown:
White School Glue 4 oz.(Michael’s) = $2
Jar (already owned) = $0
Spray Paint/Paper/Tacky Glue (already owned) = $0
Total Project Cost: $2
*This recipe is my homemade knock off version which is an excellent resource for crafters. However, for projects requiring archival preservation and sealant, be sure to properly research the best adhesive for your project as this may not be the best choice.
SHOWING THE LOVE!!
Linking to: Polly Want A Crafter, Keeping It Simple, Craft-O-Maniac, The Girl Creative, Making the World Cuter, The Crafty Nest, Savvy Southern Style, Today’s Creative Blog, Ginger Snap Crafts, Blue Cricket Design, We are THAT Family, Very Merry Vintage Style, Beyond The Picket Fence, Remodelaholic, Addicted 2 Decorating, The Shabby Nest, Dear Creatives, Funky Junk Interiors, The Artsy Girl Connection
Thanks so much for this! I’ve been too cheap to buy Mod Podge as well. This will be very handy and it’s thrifty too. I also hate anything brass/gold, lol!!!
Love this!! I would love for you to link this up at the Do Something Crafty link party: http://vanessascraftynest.blogspot.com/search/label/Do%20Something%20Crafty%20Friday
Of Course! I’m always thrilled to find out about new link ups.
Wow, can’t wait to try this, thank you for sharing!
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Great! Thanks for sharing!
Love this idea. I can’t wait to try it. Thanks!
OMG! I wish I had seen this before I JUST bought a bottle, lol. Definitely going to give this a try. Thanks for sharing!
Stop by and visit us @ http://everything-underthemoon.blogspot.com
Brilliant! I am so glad I saw this diy! My readers would love it too! If you like drop by and link up to my FF link party @ http://www.dearcreatives.com/
I found you via A2D link party! Have a nice weekend!
I linked up. Love your site, thanks for letting me know!
Thank you for sharing this, if you are doing a lot of projects and need lots of modge then it could be very costly…. love the savings.
Happy Fall
Hugs,
Ellen
Woo hoo! Awesome oppossum!!!
*hugs*Deb
Well aren’t you smart. Is that all Mod Podge is. That is a wow.
This is sooo good to know…Mod podge is the best and is sooo expensive, I won’t be buying it anymore…I’ll make my own!
Thanks for sharing!!
-Adriane@ fruitfulhomejournal.blogspot.com
Really…. so simple and saves so much $. Thanks for linking to Share the Love Wednesday!
Mary
are you kidding me ??? That is what it is white glue Geeeeez Thanks !
Stopping back to tell you this post is featured on Share the Love Wednesday this week. Thanks so much for linking up!
Mary
Thank you so much, Mary! I feel honored to be featured!
Genius!!! Thanks so much for this. Don’t like paying the high price for Mod Podge – now I don’t have to.
I was checking out the Mod Podge just a few days ago, and couldn’t believe how $$ it was…it couldn’t be that special. I thought to myself – In college (10 years ago – eek), I would use white glue and water when I’d make all those fantastic crafts for my sorority sisters- and it seemed to work pretty well. — but it couldn’t really be that easy, could it? And looky here…it IS that easy!! You’ve made my day – not since 1st grade has white glue made my day. thanks so much for the tip…I’m going to go decoupage something now! Thanks!
genious
love it I just bought a new bottle of Modpodge@ Michaels
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I am currently out of work and looking for a way to make some crafts to put in a store to sell. Out of work means no funds to buy supplies. But I do have some glue, a jar, and water!! So you opened a door for me! Thank you!
You are very welcome! Good luck with the store, would love to hear how it goes.
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Thanks for the tip, I found a large bottle of Mod Podge at a yard sale and when that runs out I will definitely be making my own. I love the jar, so much prettier than the Mod Podge bottle.
Can tacky glue can be used instead of elmers since its safe for pictures?
Hi Amanda, Yes I have used tacky glue before and it works too. I usually have to add a little more water since the tacky glue is a bit thicker, but feel free to play around with the ratio of water to glue to make it work best for you. 🙂
Addison
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Some people do seem to say the modge podge is not simply thinned white glue. You can thin white glue and it will work much the same, but it won’t age the same. The white glue will yellow and peel much more than the modge podge. The product apparently is not just overpriced thinned white glue.
Now, I don’t yet have much experience with modge podge or using white glue as a substitute, but found your site when using some modge podge for the first time and asking myself (and google) “Is this stuff just white glue?”. I think the time and effort of most projects are worth enough that I think I’ll use the actual Modge Podge product rather than risk having a project age poorly.
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
I never stated that Mod Podge is overpriced White Glue, nor would I. Mod Podge is a great product. However, this is an excellent (and inexpensive) alternative for craft projects, especially for those that either can’t afford or don’t have access to Mod Podge. If you are working on a project that you hope to maintain over a long period of time, you should absolutely be using proper archival resources.
Thanks!
Addison
Hey I think your blog is pretty nice. I found it on Yahoo
Thanks
OMG I’m making bottle cap necklaces and stuff. Had no mod podge but know I do. Thanks!!
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Just wondering if it can be used outdoors?
I would make sure you apply some sort of sealer if it will be outside.
This is NOT! MOD PODGE! it’s ust watered down glue! this won’t last and everything will peel off and turn yellow eventually!
Hi April!
No arguments here, it’s in no way official Mod Podge. It’s an inexpensive knockoff that is a great alternative adhesive for craft projects as I state in the post. If you are working on a project that you hope to maintain over a long period of time, you should absolutely be using proper archival resources.
Thanks!
I’m excited I found this recipe, I made it yesterday and my question is, is it supposed to be runny? Can it be used to adhere glitter to crafts? Thanks
You can adjust the water if it’s too runny for your project. Yes, it works great for adhering glitter to crafts. I used it to make a glitter skull last year. https://changingmydestiny.wordpress.com/2011/10/06/diy-glitter-skull/
I didn’t know about this until I was in college! wow! My professor had us do something like 3 parts glue and 1 part water. We used it on a {tacky} plastic lawn flamingo so I’m pretty sure it can hold up outdoors–at least until you’re ready to change your lawn decoration.
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Mod Podge can be so expensive! This is a great (and cheap) way to create this super craft ingredient. Cant wait to craft with this! Pictures soon!
Thank you for your “recipe”. I most certainly wouldn’t expect a homemade glue to hold up for several years so i don’t understand why others are making a big deal out of it. It’s understood that commercial items ranging from macaroni and cheese to craft glue include preservatives to prolong shelf life and durability. This version of the craft glue is great for small projects while leaving the expensive stuff for special crafts that involve personal photos. Thank you for analternative 🙂
You just saved me so much money. You see, I live at least an hour away from the nearest craft store and I forgot to get some for a Christmas present I am making for a friend that I need by Wednesday. I haven’t the time or gas money to get back over there anytime soon. Thank you so much XD
I plan to create this recipe to decoupage some coasters. I’ll just be using some random paper onto some cheap 4×4 tiles. My first reaction was disappointment hearing that the glue may yellow and peel, however the instructions for my craft include sealing the final product with a clear acrylic sealer. Would it be safe to say that for my project the chances of it yellowing or peeling are slim to none simply because I will be sealing over the glue? I figure it will be fine, but this will be my first time attempting this craft. Please let me know your thoughts! Thanks, Kim
Sealing the project should help minimize discoloring. Some craft sealers contain UV protection which would help as well.
You can even make it cheaper than $2…..! ! ! I go to my local $$$ store where I can get TWO 4 oz. bottles in a package for $1…..! ! ! It’s just as good as good ole ELMERS….I’ve used it on many projects with awesome results…..! ! !
Thanks for taking the time to help me as a beginner with your useful tip. I would find it quite expensive to have Mod Podge delivered here to Spain. I priced it through Amazon and its an expensive item for practicing. I understand that i need to varnish anything after i have used this when it dries of course. Thanks again.
whats the finish with homemade mod podge? is it matte or glossy?
I find it to be a bit in between. Not glossy or matte really, it’s more of a satin finish.
I am wondering would this glue work well on glass? I am doing items on glass candle holders and vases. Just wondering if youhave any idea if it would work
Me too! I’m planning on making glass pendants and the smallest jar of mod podge I can get (I live in Australia) is $12.99! Thanks!
Hi! I’ve just been through the process and there are several websites cheaper than that. The cheapest for mod podge and postage was: http://www.stampinstuff.com.au/ but they’ve currently run out. I bought two normal mod podge for $6 each plus $7 postage. Just do a Google search. 🙂
Where did you get that adorable jar?
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You know, if it tends turn yellow with age it’s a good thing, thus giving your project an antique, aged, rustic appearance.
Such pessimistic attitudes ready to jump down your throat.. goodness people. Read the article. Anyway, great idea, about to make a wine rack decoupaged with old maps. .. and I have LOADS of tacky glue and shall use it ! Thanks!
Thank you for confirming my suspicions… Making now!
Am I right in thinking it’s just school glue and water to make mod podge but is it waterproof to make glitter glasses thanks
Thank God! Another soul who does NOT like brass/gold in very nearly every form. ~the only exception is my engagement/wedding rings~
Thanks for this great tip. But I had one question. Can you use clear elmers glue instead of white elmers glue
I have been to cheap to buy the real stuff, I tried this tonight and it work fantastically. Thanks,
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Add some oil, linseed may help for plasticity or some polymer plastcizer, some drops, could go a long way to improve you watered Elmer glue.
I have a question. I’m painting Christmas ornaments; yes, early start for my tree this holiday season and seasons to come. My granddaughters also made some this past Christmas with glitter. Can I seal these ornaments with this medium? If not, can you & will you please recommend what I should use? All help appreciated. Thanks!
How much water do I need to put in the jar with the glue?
Great recipe! I used glue from the DollarTree…2 4oz. bottles for a dollar…to make it great I had to mix both 4oz. bottles of glue to 1, 4oz.bottle of water, but it made 12oz. of Mod Podge that works perfect for one dollar…Thanks for the recipe…
Is this effective qhen doing the diy canvas project? Thank you so much for your response! 😊