What is Mod Podge?

Today, I thought I’d answer some common questions about one of my favorite and most used craft supplies: Mod Podge. I’m also sharing a random craft project I made to celebrate the launch of my novel, Handmade Murder.

I shared this project as a reel on our Instagram a few weeks ago. And when I did, I pointed out this project was inspired by Lauren Holifield as she made something similar and shared it on IG. I loved her seashell version and I thought decorating a champagne bottle to look like the cover of my book would be the perfect way to celebrate my first self-publishing launch. Cheers!

What is Mod Podge?

Mod podge is a glue, sealer and finish all in one. It comes in a variety of weights and finishes, including matte or glossy. You can use mod podge to glue cut paper pieces onto most surfaces and, once dry, you can also use it to seal the item.

Mod podge comes in a variety of containers and can be applied different ways, but I tend to use a paintbrush to both glue cut papers on as well as seal projects.

What is Mod Podge used for?

It’s a great supply for collage and decoupage projects. You can use it for a variety of other craft projects as well. Anything that would require a medium to lightweight glue (so not hot glue, or a super glue) Mod Podge could likely be used for.

For this project, I saved the collage pieces I had used for my book cover. I had already scanned and saved them digitally (which is what I sent to my book cover designer), so I also printed them and cut them out so I’d have multiples.

I painted the outside of the champagne bottle with acrylic paint that I mixed to match my book cover. I taped the labels with painters tape so I didn’t have to be super careful as I painted.

Once the paint was dry, I used mod podge to add the cut paper pieces to the bottle. And once that layer was dry, I sealed the entire painted area, with the glued on pieces, with mod podge again.

Best collage supplies

• Extraordinary things to cut out and collage
• Cut up this book
• Magazines
• Catalogs – I love Anthropologie and Free People
• Manual – like old Cub Scout or Girl Scout manuals
• Textbooks
• Wrapping paper – save the scraps
• Leftover wallpaper scraps
• Paint your own papers – Cut Paper Pictures is a great resource on this
• Scissors – You may also want an exacto knife

Saving junk mail, thrifting, or utilizing used books sales (like a Friends of the Library book sale) are great ways to stock up on collage paper supplies without cutting up new books/resources (which can be expensive and sad).

Here is what it looks like when mod podge is fresh on a surface. It’s looks white and kind of cloudy but it dries completely clear.

What is decoupage?

Decoupage is the art of decorating an object with cut papers by gluing them to the object. This can also include adding other elements such as paint, glitter, gold leaf, etc. The word comes from the French word decouper, which means to cut. The basic technique has been used by many cultures historically to decorate all sorts of objects including tombs, boxes, windows, and even religious items.

Paper Craft projects to try

• Pop-up Card tutorial
• Chipboard book for kids
• Photo Puzzle – could be any image or picture beyond a photo too
• Mini Magazine notebook DIY
• Photo Dot Journal DIY
• How to transfer a photo to wood
• Make your own Canvas Portrait

Check out our entire Paper Crafts archive for even more!

In addition to the champagne bottle I made for myself to open and celebrate after launch, I also made a mini version with Prosecco for my proofreader, interior designer, book cover designer, and first readers. These were so fun to make and celebrate with!

You can find my novel, Handmade Murder on Amazon or learn how to request a copy at your favorite bookstore or library here.