Inexpensive Christmas Gifts

Mod Podge

Mod Podge is a product that is versatile and easy enough for children to use.  It is basically a white glue which dries clear.  Mod Podge comes in gloss or satin finish, and clear and tinted colors. It comes in smooth and textured finishes. There is also an outdoor Mod Podge, although I haven't been able to find it locally--you can buy it online. There are more and more kinds and finsihes of Mod Podge on the market all the time.  Mod Podged surfaces are cleanable with a damp cloth, but not dishwasher safe.  Spilled Mod Podge can be cleaned up with water, but wipe up spills before they dry.  You can use Mod Podge on almost anything you can think of to make personalized gifts.  Try Mod Podge on plastic, paper, fabric, cardboard, glass, wooden, painted surfaces--what ever you can imagine.  Mod Podge works both as a glue and a sealer--glue one surface to another, then seal the project with a top layer of Mod Podge.

Project 1: Wooden Box

Time to make (other than drying time) 5 minutes

I bought a $1 wooden box from a craft store and painted it with gold craft paint.

I used 3 coats of paint.



Next I took a piece of craft paper, and using my computer, I printed off some words directly onto the paper and cut it the size of the top of my box.

 

I Mod Podged it on for a simple, but fun seasonal treasure box. You could glue on jewels or other emblishments for a fancier box.



Project 2: Personalized Canister
Time to make (other than drying time) 10 minutes

I washed out a canister that held nuts and gathered scrapbook paper.

I cut a main piece to fit the canister and put a layer of Mod Podge on the wrong side of my paper.

 Wrap this piece around your canister and smooth with your fingers.

Cut more pieces for embellishment and glue them on top of your already glued down paper.

Cut a piece for the plastic lid and glue on.

Cut a ribbon for the edge of the lid and glue on.

 After everything is glued down, paint a layer of glue on the entire project.

Here's the finished project, personalized, and ready to be filled with crayons, hair ribbons, food, or small toys.

Project 3: Luminary from a Glass Jar

Time to make (other than drying time) less than 10 minutes.
This project uses tissue paper and a glass canning jar.  Tear the tissue paper into pieces-
mine were about 2" x 1".

Glue onto jar, overlapping slightly.

Tie or Mod Podge ribbons and decorative items around top.


Add sand and a candle.  Enjoy!