Shelf Paper Alternative: Mod Podge

I was tired of my 1980′s “honey” cabinets and all of their glory–or lack thereof. I hated the smell of them and the fact that they always felt dirty when I pulled food out of them.  So, when Eric took the cabinets apart and put them back together I decided I wanted to line the shelves with paper.  Just the thought of measuring the paper perfectly was making me nauseous.  Then it hit me. I could totally decoupage them with Mod Podge (gloss), and that way I could actually wipe them down if the syrup spills again—which I’m sure it will.

 

At this point you can keep adding paper to give the design more depth.  I added birds and stamps from the paper I picked up at Papermoon. I also cut out a few clever quotes from this week’s R&R. I plan to add a few pics of the family too. It is just one more way to put our mark on this house.   Below are the results. Note, the backsplash is not done yet and we have not put new cabinet doors on yet, but you get the idea. The shelves feel a lot cleaner now!

I would love to hear about any other clever uses you can come up with for using Mod Podge.  As an aside, this project can be done using household supplies you already have. You don’t need to go out and buy anything, in fact, I think it might have turned out even better if I had only  used stuff I already had. Old newspapers, magazine, greeting cards, and wallpaper all work. Copies of old family pictures would also be amazing.  Also, a DIY Mod Podge can be made using 1 part Elmer’s white glue to 1 part water. Place it in a mason jar, put the lid on, and shake it up.  For a glossy sheen add a dollop of water-based varnish. Voila! I will post a picture when the backsplash, red floor, and cabinet doors are finished, so that you can see it all together. For now, you will have to use your imagination.