DIY Homemade Glue Recipes

Last updated: July 22nd, 2021

Children love glue and seem to use bucket loads of the stuff, especially when you are doing a craft week at school or have a long summer holiday to fill.

You could stock up on expensive glue from the store, but it’s actually very easy to make at home. So, why not make homemade glue and save yourself a ton of money?

When I was teaching preschool we’d go through gallons of the stuff! When the glue would come out the kids would flock to the project! So funny to see, but very true!

My own kids love the glue but the other day when my daughter asked to glue her paper together and we were out of glue I decided it was time to pull out my old homemade glue recipes from my teaching days and get busy!

The bonus is that the glue is natural and Eco-friendly – it won’t harm the kids or the environment! Who doesn’t love a DIY project that is budget friendly, safe and Eco-friendly?

If you are now convinced and want to try making your very own DIY homemade glue, here are two recipes that are tried and true.

DIY Homemade Glue Recipe #1

This is my go to recipe, so if you want to choose one, start here. It’s pretty simple to make and uses household products you should have lying around.

Start with collecting all the ingredients you need (listed below) then follow the simple instructions and you should have some glue in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of plain flour
• 1/3 cup of sugar
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 teaspoon of vinegar
• Natural food dye/colors

Instructions:

• Place all ingredients in a pot over medium heat. Stir together gently until mixture thickens.
• Remove from heat to cool.
• Store in an air tight container and the glue will keep for approximately 7 days.

Once you have done this one a few times, you will be making it over and over again. Saves running down to the store and saves money too!

DIY Homemade Glue Recipe #2 (All Round Glue)

This recipe is a better all-purpose glue, not just for crafts. So, save this one for when you are not just making crafts with the kids. You can make this your go to glue if you want, but it depends on what you want to use it for.

Again, like the recipe above, I have first listed the ingredients (simple household stuff) then the method. Follow along and you will have made your own glue in no time.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¾ cup water x 2

Instructions:

• Place ¾ cups water, corn syrup and vinegar in a pot. Bring to a boil. In a separate bowl mix the cornstarch with ¾ cup cold water and mix well.
• Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the boiling mixture.
• Stir until thickened.
• Remove from heat to cool completely.
• Store in an air tight container and the glue will keep for approximately 7 days.

So, there you have it. Two simple DIY homemade glue recipes that are far easier than you thought? Now you too will be able to whip up your own glue whenever you run out.