As a loyal employee of a national arts and crafts retailer in Nashville, I am asked about once a week if I know how to do “that collage stuff that makes things look cool.” Well, yes I do know how to decoupage, and you’re about to know, too.
First of all, don’t freak out if you’re “not creative.” Decoupage is one of the most simple projects you can undertake. It has few supplies and is a great gateway into more difficult arts and crafts projects.
Gather your supplies. Here is what you will need to decoupage:
1. Something to decorate. This could be almost anything, from a hat box to a scrapbook to a coffee table. For this example, I chose a photo storage box.
2. A bottle of decoupage glue. Any of your local arts and crafts retailers will carry a variety of glues. I stick with my tried-and-true favorite: Mod Podge. Buy matte finish or glossy finish depending on the look you’re trying to achieve.
3. A sponge brush or old paintbrush for the glue.
4. A variety of papers/pictures.
Find a safe place to decoupage. This can get messy; I usually sit down in the floor and spread newspapers over a small workspace.
Tear your paper into small chunks, long strips.. different shapes and sizes.
Open up your glue and begin spreading glue over small areas of your project item. Put the brush down, and begin affixing pieces of the paper, magazine clippings, and photos to the surface one at a time, going in different directions, creating a collage effect.
Continue affixing your paper onto the glued areas, adding more glue, etc. One of the reasons decoupage is so easy is because you can be a little messy and it looks great. I make sure to smooth down the pieces of paper as I add them so they don’t bubble if I accidentally go overboard with the glue. The glue is non-toxic so feel free to get your hands dirty! Get a little extra glue on top of the paper pieces? That’s actually a good thing – it acts as a sealant on top of already-affixed papers.
As you get to the edges of your project, just fold the paper pieces over, smoothing with your fingers as you go. As you finish each side, let the glue dry before working on another side. You can leave unfinished edges hanging off and come back to them whenever you have time, like I did in the above picture.
When you finish covering the surface, allow the project to dry. I always wait 24 hours before stacking it on top of another item or gifting. If you want a glossy look, purchase a glossy decoupage glue and coat your project when you are done! Usually I decoupage the lid of the box too, but this time I really liked the way the plum lid looked with the papers I’d chosen, so I left it naked. Wash your brush thoroughly and be sure to put the lid back on your glue if you’re away from your workspace for any length of time!
Enjoy – or gift! These make wonderful personalized gifts. I love personalizing a photo storage box with specific paper patterns and then filling it with baby goodies and gifting at a baby shower. You’ll get compliment after compliment, and no one has to know how easy (and fun) it was!
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