Stick With It! DIY Homemade Craft Glue & More Creative Crafting Hacks

As a crafter, I love creating things from scratch, and that includes the tools I use in my projects. One essential in any artist's toolkit is glue, and while there are plenty of store-bought options, there's something satisfying about making your own! Plus, it's cost-effective and eco-friendly. Today, I'm sharing my tried-and-true recipe for homemade craft glue—perfect for paper crafts, scrapbooking, and even lightweight fabric projects.

WHAT YOU NEED

100g cornflour (cornstarch) – This is our binding agent, giving the glue its sticky texture.

400ml water – To create the right consistency.

50g white vinegar – A mild acid that helps preserve the glue.

20g sugar – This adds a little extra strength to the adhesive properties.

Optional: 10 drops of essential oil (like lavender or tea tree) – To give the glue a pleasant scent and mild antibacterial properties.

METHOD

1. In a medium saucepan, mix the 100g of cornflour and 200g of water. Stir until you have a smooth, lump-free mixture. It should resemble a thick paste at this stage.

2. Place the saucepan over medium heat, slowly stirring in the remaining 200g of water. Keep stirring to avoid clumping. As the mixture heats, it will begin to thicken into a gel-like consistency.

3. Once the mixture thickens, add in the 50g of white vinegar and 20g of sugar. Stir thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. These ingredients help to extend the shelf life of your glue and give it that nice stronghold.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the glue cool. If you'd like to add a bit of fragrance, this is the perfect time to mix in 10 drops of essential oil. Once cooled, transfer the glue to an airtight container.

Store your homemade glue in a glass jar or sealed plastic container. It should be kept for about 2-3 months in the refrigerator!

There you have it—easy homemade craft glue, perfect for all your projects! It’s always fun to whip up your supplies, and this glue is just as effective as store-bought options. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and non-toxic, so it’s safe for little crafters too!

Coloured Glue for Fun Projects

Add a few drops of food colouring or natural dyes to create coloured glue! This is perfect for making fun, decorative accents in paper crafts, or even DIY puffy paint when mixed with a little shaving cream.

DIY Mod Podge Alternative

Love decoupage? You can make your own Mod Podge-style glue by mixing 1 part homemade glue with 1 part water. It works beautifully for sealing paper crafts, collages, and even painted projects.

Glitter Glue for Extra Sparkle

Mix in a generous amount of fine glitter to your homemade glue for a sparkly version that’s perfect for kids’ crafts, greeting cards, and embellishments.

4. Fabric Stiffener for Textile Crafts

If you love working with fabric, turn your homemade glue into a fabric stiffener! Simply dilute the glue with equal parts water, dip fabric strips, and shape them into sculptural pieces—great for DIY bows, lace ornaments, or fabric jewellery.

Crafting With Kids? Make Edible Glue!

For younger crafters (or edible projects like gingerbread houses), tweak the recipe slightly by using honey or corn syrup instead of vinegar and sugar. This makes a safe, edible glue perfect for baking or kid-friendly crafts.

Storage & Pro Tips

• Store your glue in a squeezable bottle for easy application—upcycle an old condiment bottle or a clean nail polish container with a brush for precision work.
• If your glue thickens over time, just stir in a little warm water to restore its smooth consistency.
• Experiment with adding natural preservatives like salt or a drop of clove oil to extend its shelf life.