Mod Podge Material Ideas

This article provides you with a list of materials that can work for various modge podge projects.

• Magazines: Clip pictures, designs, or photos from your favorite issue (not the doctor's office copy though).
• Old calendars: Many calendars have gorgeous pictures that can be re-used. Even the actual calendar page (with the scribbled dates) can be a nostalgic piece to add. Rip the edges for a worn look. For example, if your child loves dogs, use an old puppy photo calendar for the main images. Choose other accent materials to work around the main pictures.
• Old birthday or holiday cards: Use Hallmark to your advantage and keep every card you get for future modge podge projects.
• Love letters: This is described more in depth in the modge podge furniture article, but can be a sentimental way to highlight your lover's poems.
• Photos: Make a copy and use photos from a trip or memorable event.
• Writings or Quotes: These can be either quotes you found or poems you wrote. Print them out on funky paper and use for a covering.
• Wallpaper samples: There are great gorgeous patterns that you can choose from.
• Newspapers: A black and white theme would look great with some newspaper clippings.
• Old schoolwork: Why not modge podge a piece of children's furniture with dittos from her years in school?
• Postcards: These will work best on a flat surface as the paper is thicker. Perfect for highlighting past travels.
• Books with broken bindings: You can use children's books with fun drawings or a novel that is tattered and worn for an antique look.
• Take a photo of a painting or piece of artwork: That way you preserve the piece while using the image to decorate a surface.
• Catalogs: You can find great photos of the products you love (i.e clothes, jewelry, furniture, etc.)
• Candy wrappers: This might sound like a strange idea but candy wrappers usually have a glittery foil look that pops on a modge podge project.
• Soup labels: Classic labels like Campbell's soup would work well for a project in the kitchen.
• Cereal boxes: Have you seen the back of a cereal box lately? They are full of color! Try one on a whimsical kid's project.
• Pressed leaves or flowers: These can be a bit trickier, but if the leaf is sturdy, you may be able to pull it off.
• Stickers: These are easy to use because they are already sticky. Place them randomly along your project.
• Old game board covers: Cut out the tops of boardgames you don't use anymore.
• Tissue paper: Some of the see through papers provide a texture and backdrop for bolder photos. A layered effect is fun.
• Craft gems: These are 3D so use sparingly, but as an accent, they are fun.
• Sheet music: Tear up old scores you don't use and create a dramatic effect with musical symbols.
• Maps: Find a map of your favorite vacation spot or hometown and use it to modge podge a table or treasure chest.
• Wrapping paper: You have scraps laying around from the holidays. Use it up!
• Doilies: They work well to add background texture.

You are only limited by your imagination! Next time you have a funky colored gum wrapper or packaging, save it for your next DIY project. Get a big rubbermaid box to store all your favorite papers and the next time you are inspired, your materials will be ready and waiting.

-Julie DeNeen