Get started on your decoupage journey with these 50 unique decoupage ideas! Grab a bottle of Mod Podge and start making. These are perfect for beginning crafters.
All About Decoupage
Before we jump into the projects, I wanted to talk a little bit about decoupage. I also want to answer a few questions I typically get when discussing the craft with those who don’t have a lot of experience.
These FAQs should help you learn what to expect with decoupage. It’s an inexpensive craft that you’re really going to fall in love with once you get started; I promise!
Is Mod Podge the same as decoupage glue?
Absolutely! Mod Podge is a brand of decoupage glue made by Plaid Enterprises, and it’s also called decoupage medium. There are several brands of decoupage mediums, and various formulas typically within those brands.
What is the best glue to use for decoupage?
I might be a little biased, but I would always recommend Mod Podge. I’m always honest with my readers, however, if there’s another product that I feel would work better to accomplish a certain task.
What can you decoupage?
You’ll see from the decoupage ideas in this post that just about every surface can be decoupaged! Surfaces include wood, paper, fabric, glass, metal, tin, papier-mâché, terra cotta, MDF, and more.
The only surface that really presents an issue is plastic, or other surfaces that are extremely slick (and possibly have a coating). The issue is that the glue doesn’t really work well with other polymers, so you would probably be able to pull whatever you Mod Podged off right after it dried.
There are some options for decoupage on plastic, including keying up the surface with sandpaper or spray painting with plastic friendly spray paint first.
Decoupage on Wood
You’ll see a lot of decoupage ideas on wood in the list of projects, because that’s my favorite surface to use! I highly recommend starting with those, and in particular focusing on smaller items like frames and birdhouses to start.
Many craft stores have inexpensive frames, birdhouses, plaques, and other wood surfaces for $1 – $2. If you’ve never used Mod Podge before, I think you should grab a wood surface along with a piece of scrap paper and start there. That way you’ll get the hang of it before attempting something more “serious.”
Re-Doing Furniture
There are a lot of decoupage ideas with furniture, and they are some of my favorites. You’ll see a few here, but I also wanted to make you aware of these dressers and tables you’ll eventually want to try. Furniture is my favorite thing to do with decoupage medium!
Can I use napkins for decoupage?
Absolutely. It’s not necessarily for beginners though, and requires a bit of practice. I have a post that will show you how to decoupage with napkins and then another post that will show you napkin decoupage projects.
Are you ready to jump into the decoupage ideas? Check them out below!
Decoupage Ideas
Get started on your decoupage journey with these 50 unique decoupage ideas! Grab a bottle of Mod Podge and start making.
They are organized in order: most popular projects, canvas, fabric, glass, metal, paper, plastic, and wood.
Personalized Mod Podge Coasters
Use your favorite photos to make custom picture coasters with Mod Podge - they make perfect gifts! These DIY photo coasters are inexpensive.
Easy Painted Rocks That Are Fun to Make
Get TEN ideas for beautiful painted rocks PLUS instructions on how to paint rocks! These decorative rocks are fun for adults or kids.
Simple DIY Flower Pots
Use pretty fabric on these Mod Podge terra cotta pots for the perfect spring craft project! Makes a great container garden - or decoupage gift idea.
DIY Bean Bag Toss
Inspired by my childhood, I created a fun DIY bean bag toss game using clay saucers and a printable. This bean bag game is easy to assemble!
Salt Dough Ornaments
Learn how to make salt dough ornaments for Christmas using this how-to! This salt dough recipe can be used for many other kids' crafts.
How to Glue a Puzzle
Learn how to glue a puzzle with puzzle glue! My favorite is Mod Podge Puzzle Saver. I'll show you my process for preserving your puzzles permanently.
DIY Flower Pot with Photos
This Mod Podge DIY flower pot is a great Mother's Day gift for moms and grandparents alike - and would also make a great table centerpiece!
Mod Podge Candles with Napkins
GoodUse dollar store supplies to make these pretty Mod Podge candles! We added a tropical flair to ours, making them perfect for parties.
Mod Podge on Canvas Ideas
DIY Superhero Canvas
Grab some comic books and a canvas to make this unique superhero craft! You'll need decoupage medium - it's really easy.
Poster on Canvas
This is one of those decoupage ideas everyone wants to try. Learn how to put a poster on canvas with Mod Podge!
EASY DIY Canvas Art with Plastic Animals
This cute, mini DIY canvas art with plastic animals is such a fun and easy idea! It's perfect for a nursery, kids' room, or craft studio.
Mod Podge Photos on Canvas
Use Mod Podge to decoupage your favorite family pictures on canvas. These canvases are a great budget way to decorate! Make an entire gallery wall by gluing pictures on canvas.
Doily Wall Art
Doilies aren't just for sitting on the table under a teacup - turn them into doily wall art using Mod Podge, scrapbook paper and canvases.
Handprint Art
Learn how to make the cutest handprint art with kids! This canvas is a fun project for a classroom activity or Mother's Day.
Mod Podge on Fabric Ideas
Mod Podge Fabric Bowl
Learn how to make Mod Podge fabric bowls the easy way! This is such a cool and easy craft idea.
Glitter Shoes
Learn how to make glitter shoes using Mod Podge! This sparkly footwear DIY is simple enough for both children and adults.
DIY Screen Printing with Mod Podge (Super Easy!)
GoodDIY screen printing doesn't have to be expensive! Do it with Mod Podge - you won't believe how easy it is and how good it looks.
DIY Lace Crown
Learn how to make this unique princess crown using lace and Mod Podge! Perfect for a princess party or just for dress up.
Decorate a Canvas Bag
Learn how to decoupage a canvas tote with Mod Podge and fabric. This is a very easy project for beginners!
DIY Onesies
Learn how to make personalized onesies using fabric, Mod Podge, and recycled clothing. This is a perfect no sew project.
Mod Podge on Glass Ideas
DIY Glass Marble Magnets
These glass magnets are perfect for beginning crafters! Use your favorite magazine pages, scrapbook papers, or photos to personalize. Great for gifts.
Mod Podge Plates
Grab glassware from the dollar store and some fabric to make these Mod Podge plates!
Night Light Bulb Christmas Ornaments
Don't throw away burned out night light bulbs - turn them into light bulb Christmas ornaments with Mod Podge and glitter! So easy and cute.
Sheet Music Mason Jar Centerpieces
Maybe you need table decorations for a party or wedding on a budget? Decoupaging sheet music to a mason jar is a great idea! This one is so easy.
Easy American Flag Lanterns
These American flag DIY lanterns are perfect for the 4th of July or Memorial Day! Mason jar lanterns are super simple and inexpensive.
Glitter Mini Champagne Bottles
These DIY glitter mini champagne bottles make perfect favors for party, wedding, or New Years! Use this technique on any mini alcohol bottles. It's easy!
Make a Mason Jar Night Light
This DIY mason jar night light can be made on a budget - and your kids can help. The glitter is so sparkly and fun for night time!
Mod Podge on Metal Ideas
Comic Book Coasters
Learn to make unique coasters using your favorite decoupage medium and comic books! You'll also get some simple surfaces from the hardware store.
Altoid Tin Crafts
What should you do with an old Altoids tin? Turn it into storage! Learn how to do it with Mod Podge using this tutorial.
DIY Lazy Susan
Learn how to make a lazy susan with a planter tray from Home Depot! You can use any graphics to customize.
Revamp a Clip Lamp with Scrap Fabric
Give an old, beloved clip lamp a facelift with fabric and decoupage medium! It's a very easy and budget friendly project that you can do with scraps.
Mod Podge on Paper Ideas
Paper Beads
Learn how to make paper beads the easy way, with Mod Podge! Great for jewelry making.
Make a DIY Desk Organizer
Use cereal boxes and toilet paper tubes to create this unique desk organizer. You can customize it with any colors that you like.
DIY Notebook
Learn how to decoupage a notebook with scrapbook paper, Mod Podge, and other embellishments. Makes a great gift!
How to Cover a Lampshade
Learn how to cover a lampshade with fabric and Mod Podge! This is such an easy home decor project.
DIY Pressed Flowers with Mod Podge
Make art using DIY pressed flowers and Mod Podge! It's easy to dry flowers and preserve them in a frame - this tutorial shows you how.
Egg Carton Art
If you like egg carton crafts, try this canvas project with your kids. You'll have just as much fun as they do! Use Sparkle Mod Podge on the flowers!
Make a Confetti Bowl
Learn how to make a bowl using confetti! This is such a cool and easy craft idea.
DIY Photo Puzzle
Learn how to make a puzzle from a picture! This is such an inexpensive method. A custom photo puzzle makes a great gift and it’s SO easy!
Mod Podge on Plastic Ideas
DIY Phone Case
If you want to decorate a phone case with glitter, I'll show you how in a few easy steps! This project is perfect for beginning crafters.
DIY iPad Case
Grab a dollar store iPad case, some fabric, and decoupage medium - and try this unique makeover! It's really easy.
DIY Cell Phone Holder
Learn how to make a cell phone holder out of a lotion bottle, and decorate with Mod Podge and fabric.
Make Photo Vases
This is one of the most unique decoupage ideas you'll probably ever see! Add photos to PVC pipe to make a cool vase display.
Personalized Sunglasses
Learn how to make custom sunglasses the easy way! Learn how to personalize your frames with Mod Podge.
Mod Podge on Wood Ideas
Colorful Geometric Frame Using Tissue Paper
This tissue paper frame is perfect for whipping up quickly and adding color to your home. So easy, even a child can do it!
Decoupage Tabletop
Learn how to decoupage a tabletop with fabric and Mod Podge! It's easy, even for beginners.
Decorate a Stool
Make a decorative step stool with Mod Podge and your favorite patterned papers! I'll show you how to do it, with tips and tricks.
Make Baseball Bookends
Learn how to make bookends with a baseball theme! This is a fun project for the sports fan in your life.
DIY Alphabet Blocks for Nursery Decor
Make cute DIY alphabet blocks for nursery or room decor! This easy decoupage craft is perfect for a beginner to tackle and is so cute.
Decorate Bangle Bracelets
Learn how to DIY bracelets from wooden bangle bases! Decorating is easy to do with fun paint colors, paper, and Mod Podge.
Fabric Lined Drawers
Learn how to Mod Podge a drawer with fabric - because fabric desk drawers are super cute!
Decoupage Fabric Onto Shelves
Learn how to decoupage fabric onto shelves with Mod Podge! It's really easy to do for unique home decor, even with no prior crafting skills.
Scrapbook Paper Wall Art
Use cool scrapbook paper and cut pieces of wood to make fabulous DIY wall art in minutes. So easy and looks great on the mantel!
Which of these decoupage ideas are your favorite – I’d love to hear in the comments!
Catoline
Thursday 30th of March 2023
Is it possible to mod podge a leather desk pad?
Amy
Sunday 2nd of April 2023
Hi Caroline! People have Mod Podged leather with decent results. You might want to rough up the pad a little bit with some sandpaper before Mod Podging it. That seems to help it adhere better.
Gail Gearrin
Tuesday 14th of February 2023
How could I decoupage my laminate countertops? It would look so pretty and I could seal it with something that wouldn't yellow,,.is it possible with napkins or fabric?
Marcia Bihun
Thursday 24th of March 2022
I have an old stool.so I'm going to give it my best... Love your ideas..I'm new at crafting..I'm 72 but I'm bored..thank you.
Amy
Thursday 24th of March 2022
Welcome to crafting Marcia! I hope you will join our Facebook group! Would love to see your creations: https://www.facebook.com/groups/530673913743641
Dashon Stewart
Tuesday 8th of March 2022
What about decorations for binders to put information papers in?
Doris Huskey
Saturday 12th of February 2022
I took a picture of a friend and would like to transfer it to a piece of wood. I don't want to simply glue the picture down; I want the picture to be ON the piece of wood. How do I do this??
Amy
Saturday 12th of February 2022
You'll want to do a photo transfer! Learn more here: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/how-to-transfer-photos-to-wood/