Hannah Johnson, iEG contributor
Nothing says summer like a little ‘D.I.Y.’.
With years of overnight camp under my belt (and even a two-year stint as an Arts and Crafts counselor), I consider myself very experienced in the Do-It-Yourself field. From tie-dye to underwater basket weaving, I have tried it all. But nothing captured my heart like the art of Mod Podge.
Mod Podge is an all-encompassing glue, sealer and finish perfect for any decoupage activity! This is the secret weapon to making any collaging project a masterpiece! You can decorate your journals and add to your dorm room décor. (Like this Mod Podged map on a table top!) I turn to Mod Podge whenever I get the urge to craft!
Did I mention that Mod Podge is also vegan friendly? Not only is Mod Podge animal product-free, but the product’s manufacturer, Plaid, does not test on animals! Three cheers for animal-friendly crafting!
Check out Pinterest for a ton of fun Podge crafts. Using Mod Podge is super simple. You can use it on almost any surface, from wood to glass and even tin.
Let’s Get Podgin’
- First, you apply Mod Podge on the desired surface until it is completely covered and white. You can use a brayer or paintbrush, but I prefer to spread it with my own hands. Mod Podge has a similar consistency to glue, so it leaves a veil of residue on your hands, which is fun to peel off!
- Then, apply any paper or fabric decorations as you wish, sticking it to the Podge.
- Finish by putting on another layer of Mod Podge to seal everything on, and allow your project to dry for 24 hours.
Mod Podge is a perfect personal gift. I sent each of my best friends off to college with a decoupage letter of their name. My greatest Mod Podge creation was making a decoupage Minnesota out of wrapping paper and a cutting board. The opportunities are endless.
Mod Podge is available at any craft store such as Michaels, as well as Walmart and Target. There are also Mod Podge accessories such as brayers and foam brushes. Paper options are everywhere- from newspapers to photographs to wrapping paper. I personally like to use scrapbook paper, as it is very durable and comes in so many patterns!
With a bottle of Mod Podge and a little creativity, you are well on your way to the craftiest summer yet!
Hannah Johnson is a freshman at Northwestern University who would rather be eating mock meat and watching reality television.