Decoupage Craft Ideas

Vintage Decoupage Tin

I recently discovered some old family photos in my mother's cupboard. The photos are more than 50 years old, and all of them are coming from the era when black and white photos were still regarded as fashionable. I decided to use one of these photos to decoupage the empty Lifegain tin, and to make something new from something that otherwise, would have ended up on the rubbish bin.

Approximate Time: 3 hours

Supplies:

• a suitable old black and white photo
• a photo editing program ~ I used PhotoScape version 3.5, which can be downloaded free of charge from http://www.photoscape.org/.
• an old tin
• paint stripper and paint scraper
• a can of quick-drying white spray paint
• an 8/32 inch paint brush
• fine paintbrush
• a fan-shaped paint brush
• water-based primer
• Deco Art glue
• Modge Podge
• water-based varnish
• hairdryer
• acrylic paint in the following three colors: white, flesh, and old gold
• a stencil that will fit with the rest of the design ~ cut your own design from an old X-ray film
• a rose made from polymer clay (available from craft shops)
• silicone gel
• a pair of standard scissors
• a few sheets of old newspapers to protect the working area
• an old cloth

Instructions:

1. Apply a coat of paint stripper to the tin and the tin's lid. Depending on the type of stripper used (follow instructions of the manufacturer), wait approximately 1 minute, and then use the scraper to peel off the paint. If necessary, use a second coat of paint stripper to get rid of all the paint.
2. Wash the tin and lid in warm soapy water and dry it thoroughly.
3. Use the can of quick-drying spray paint to give the tin and lid a base color. Remember not to hold the can too close to the tin or lid when spraying, and do not spray too much paint, as this will cause the paint to run.
4. Let the tin and lid dry thoroughly. If necessary, apply a second coat of paint.

5. Scan the photo onto your computer.

6. With the PhotoScape program, choose the Filter button and click on Region (Out of Focus). Choose the black radial option, with the settings 85% for the Size and 40% for the Feather.
7. From the different frames that can be added to the photo, choose the Antique 04 frame and set the width at 150%.
8. Save the adjusted photo onto your computer. If you want to keep the scan of the original photo for another project, remember to save the adjusted photo under a different name.
9. Print the number of copies that would be needed for the tin ~ I used 6 for this tin.

10. With a slightly wet 8/32 inch brush, paint a thin layer of the water-based primer over the whole tin and lid. Remember not to paint on the area that will be under the lid once closed, as this will cause the lid to eventually get stuck to the tin.
11. Dry the tin and lid thoroughly with the hairdryer.
12. Next, using the same paint brush, add a thin layer of white acrylic paint to the whole tin and lid, again making sure not to paint on the area under the lid once closed.
13. Dry the tin and lid thoroughly with the hairdryer.
14. Using the fan-shaped paint brush, give the tin and lid a wash with the flesh-colored acrylic paint, again not painting on the area under the lid. Make sure to especially add some detail to the bottom of the tin and the edge of the lid with the flesh-colored acrylic paint. Remember not to use too much paint when using a fan-shaped brush, as this will lose the fan-shaped effect ~ remove excess paint by dabbing it onto a sheet of newspaper before starting to paint.
15. Dry the tin and lid thoroughly with the hairdryer.
16. Repeat step 14, but this time using the old gold acrylic paint.
17. Again, dry the tin and lid thoroughly with the hairdryer.
18. Cut out the pictures and decide how they will be placed on the tin. Having the pictures slightly overlap one another and placing them on different levels, creates a more interesting end result.
19. With the 8/32 inch brush, paint a substantial amount of Deco Art Glue to the back of the first picture. Turn the picture around and put it in position on the tin, but do not press it down.
20. With the brush, spread glue to the front of the picture, lightly applying pressure so that it will stick to the tin.
21. Working from the middle of the picture, and from inside towards the outside, rub out all the air bubbles and excess glue from the back of the picture. Use an old cloth to clear any excess glue from the tin.
22. Use the hairdryer to dry the picture thoroughly.
23. Repeat steps 19-22 with the other pictures.
24. Use a stencil and a thin paint brush to add some detail with the old gold paint.

25. Use the hairdryer to dry the stenciled designs.
26. With the 8/32 inch brush, paint a thin layer of Modge Podge over the whole tin. Remember again not to paint on the area under the lid. The Modge Podge will protect the pictures and give the product a smoother finish.
27. Dry the tin thoroughly with the hairdryer.
28. Repeat steps 26-27 ~ you need to apply at least 6 coats of Modge Podge, but remember that with every layer, the direction in which the Modge Podge is applied, must be changed from horizontal to vertical to horizontal, etc. Also, remember that after every layer of Modge Podge, the tin must first be dried thoroughly with the hairdryer.
29. With the 8/32 inch brush, add a layer of water-based varnish to the whole tin and lid, and again use the hairdryer to dry the tin and lid thoroughly.
30. Using a fine paintbrush, paint the polymer clay rose with the flesh-colored acrylic paint. Allow to dry, and then add some detail to the rose with the old gold acrylic paint.

31. Glue the rose to the top of the lid with the silicone gel and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Tips:

• I deliberately didn't use Paper Seal, as the running of the ink added to the vintage look. If preferred, one can paint a thin layer of Paper Seal over the printouts of the photos before gluing them onto the tin.
• To clean, wipe with a damp cloth and do not use strong detergents. Not dishwasher safe.
• When doing decoupage, do not use the highest heat setting on the hairdryer.

Photos included:
Photo 1: The edited vintage photo that was used for the project.
Photo 2: The detail that was added with the stencil.
Photo 3: A close-up of the rose.
Photo 4: The completed tin.

By BessieBessie from Pretoria, Gauteng

Craft Project: Decoupage Wall Plaques

Approximate Time: 2-3 days counting drying times

Supplies:

• colorful pictures
• acrylic paints
• good sharp scissors
• brush for glue
• hanging device for hanging finished plaque
• screw or nail for wall
• twigs or small dried leaves
• white glue like Elmer's or decoupage medium
• palette knife or craft stick
• paint brush for paints
• water container
• wire if needed
• bits of string, tiny silk flowers
• seashells and tiny stones

Instructions:

1. Start by finding the picture you'd like to see hanging on your wall, then carefully cut it out.

2. Have someone cut a nice thin piece of wood like 3/8 inch plywood, for instance wide enough and long enough so that you have room all around the picture to do a bit of your own artwork.

3. Lay your picture on the wood where you want it to be when the plaque is finished. Make small marks at many places around your picture, then lay it aside.

4. Using your acrylic paints, paint the board with a good basic coat of neutral color to seal it and make it easier to paint your artwork on it.

5. When the basecoat is very dry after several hours maybe, go back and start painting things that will enhance the picture you intend to use as the focal point on your plaque.

6. You can make some of the paint very thick using the palette knife or craft stick making sure to use the colors that you want to be a permanent part of your finished picture plaque.

7. When it's all dry, add a good coat of watered down white glue to the back side of your picture. Carefully put it into place on your plaque and gently smooth out all the bubbles and edges. Add a coat of the watered down glue to the top of your picture as well to seal it very well. Allow to dry for an entire day.

8. You might want to add a bit more paint to brighten up some areas or highlight other areas. Be sure you have a sky painted in if it's a landscape type picture.

9. Carefully place the hanging device to the back of your plaque. It might be light enough that just simple duct tape will hold a bit of ribbon in place, then put the ribbon over a small nail or screw in the wall. You may also use hot glue to a small hanger in place.

   See the finished plaques I made for my daughters' room. They all loved dolls, so I made doll plaques. Whatever type of clothing the dolls had on, I tried to match the background and anything else I added to the pictures.

   Any questions, just ask, and I'll do my best to help you. Do get the children involved in this project, and let them do as much of the actual work as possible. There is nothing like crafts and creativity to open up their minds and imagination. Have fun.

   By Pookarina from Boca Raton, FL

Decoupaged Glass Vases

These easy decorated vases and jars make great candle holders for Valentine's Day. Any recycled glass jar would work. We used both regular tea lights and the battery operated ones. At least one of these projects is going to be a gift for Grandma.

Approximate Time: 1 hour (plus overnight to dry)

Supplies:

• colored tissue paper
• Collage-Podge
• clean dry glass vase or jar
• foam brush

Collage-Podge is a glue, sealer and finisher. If you are using Mod-Podge or white glue instead of Collage-Podge, apply a finishing sealant coat before using.

Steps:

1. Start with a clean dry glass vase or jar. Tear some colored tissue paper into small pieces (about the size of a large coin).
2. Using the foam brush and some of the glue in a dish, attach the tissue paper to the outside of the vase. If you make a mistake, simply add more tissue paper to camouflage it.

   

   We found that adding a coat of glue to the vase and then attaching the tissue paper worked well but sometimes we would put the glue on the paper and then brush over it on the vase. Develop your own favorite technique.

3. Use the straight edges of the tissue paper to make a clean line at the top.
4. Feel free to add paper cutouts, glitter or any other accessories to the vase. We used glitter tissue paper for this purpose, with regular paper behind it to help it punch up the thin paper.

   

   You can use pictures out of a magazine too; flowers or hearts would be appropriate for Valentine's Day.

5. Allow to fully dry, probably overnight. These vases should not be washed or used with water. They are purely decorative.

We thought about covering the top of the jars with glued on beads. Ribbons or other decorations would also add to the project.

By Jess

Decoupage a Flower Vase for Spring

It is also a time for nature's dullness to be replaced by the splendor of colors, a season to be enjoyed by avid gardeners. A popular flower that can be sown after the bothersome frost has taken leave, is cosmos. Cosmos originated in Mexico and South America, and were grown in mission gardens in Mexico. The missionaries christened the flower, cosmos, due to its evenly placed petals. The word cosmos comes from the Greek word for harmony or ordered universe.

In this article, you will be shown how to create a decorative flower vase, using decoupage techniques, and combining the lyrics of "Spring is Here" and cutouts of cosmos flowers. A perfect way to bring the joy of spring into your home!

Approximate Time: 2 hours

Supplies:

• the lyrics of the song "Spring is Here"
  see http://lyrics-keeper.com/en/nat-king-cole/spring-is-here.html
• a cylinder shaped plastic flower vase.
  (For one like the one used for this article: http://www.burtonandburton.com/store/productDetailForm.asp?CollID=83437. But any plastic flower vase can be used.)
• 10/32" paint brush
• fan-shaped paint brush
• white water-based primer
• Paper Seal
• Deco Art Glue
• Modge Podge
• water-based varnish
• acrylic paint in the following three colors: Sweet Memories (pink), flesh, and Old Gold
• hairdryer
• pictures of white and pink cosmos
• pair of standard scissors
• a few sheets of old newspapers to protect the working area
• an old cloth

Instructions:

1. Wash the vase in warm soapy water and dry it thoroughly with an old cloth.
2. Copy the lyrics of "Spring is Here" onto your computer. Change the font into ornamental lettering and the font color into pink, before printing the lyrics.
3. With a slightly wet 10/32" brush, paint a thin layer of the white water-based primer over the outside of the vase. Do not paint the bottom of the vase, and paint the sides of the vase up to where the top rim starts to protrude. Dry it thoroughly with the hairdryer, be careful not to use the highest heat setting on the hairdryer, as the vase might become too hot to handle.

4. Next, using the same paint brush, add a thin layer of Sweet Memories-colored acrylic paint over the water-based primer. Dry it thoroughly with the hairdryer.

5. Next, using a fan-shaped brush, give the outside of the vase a wash with the flesh-colored acrylic paint. Remember not to use too much paint when using a fan-shaped brush, as this will lose the fan-shaped effect. Remove excess paint by dabbing it onto a sheet of newspaper before starting to paint. Again, dry it thoroughly with the hairdryer.
6. If necessary, resize the pictures of the cosmos and print them; I used 10 cosmos for the vase.

7. With the 10/32" brush, paint a thin layer of Paper Seal over the sheet with the lyrics, and over the printouts of the cosmos. The Paper Seal will protect the ink from running and will make it easier to cut out the pictures without tearing them.

8. Dry the sheet with the lyrics and the printouts with cosmos thoroughly with the hairdryer.
9. Cut out the lyrics and the cosmos, and decide how they will be placed on the vase.
10. With the 10/32" brush, paint a substantial amount of Deco Art Glue to the back of the piece of paper with the lyrics. Turn the piece of paper around and put it in position on the vase, but do not press it down.
11. With the brush, spread glue to the front of the piece of paper, lightly applying pressure so that it will stick to the vase.
12. Working from the middle of the piece of paper, and from inside towards the outside, rub out all the air bubbles and excess glue from the back of the paper. Use an old cloth to gently clear any excess glue from the vase.

13. Use the hairdryer to dry the piece of paper with the lyrics thoroughly.
14. Repeat steps 10-13 with the cosmos. The cosmos should "bloom" all around the vase.
15. Using the fan-shaped paint brush, give the vase a wash with the old gold acrylic paint. Again, dry it thoroughly with the hairdryer.
16. With the 10/32" brush, paint a thin layer of Modge Podge over the painted part of the vase. The Modge Podge will protect the pictures and give the product a smoother finish.
17. Dry the vase thoroughly with the hairdryer.
18. Repeat steps 16-17. You need to apply at least 6 coats of Modge Podge, but remember that with every layer, the direction in which the Modge Podge is applied, must be changed from horizontal to vertical to horizontal, etc. Also, remember that after every layer of Modge Podge, the vase must first be dried thoroughly with the hairdryer.
19. With the 10/32" brush, add a layer of water-based varnish to the painted part of the vase. This time, also paint the bottom of the vase with the varnish for a neater finish. Again, dry it thoroughly with the hairdryer.

20. Add some fresh flowers, or some artificial ones, to the vase and you are ready to celebrate spring!

Tips:

1. To wash, rinse briefly in cold water and do not use strong detergents. Not dishwasher safe.
2. When doing decoupage, do not use the highest heat setting on the hairdryer.

By BessieBessie from Pretoria, Gauteng

Craft Project: Decoupage Cross

Approximate Time: 2 to 3 hours

Supplies:

• wood cross
• regular decoupage
• medium paintbrush
• old plastic tablecloth
• tissue paper or thin paper of your choice
• craft foam, felt, or fleece for backing

Instructions:

I started by laying out the tablecloth and then wiping the cross with a slightly damp paper towel just to remove any dust. The paper you use can be cut into pieces or just ripped, it's your choice. I like to start in the middle somewhere and glue the first piece on by either painting the decoupage on to the paper or on the surface you are working on.

Tissue paper will curl when you paint it, so when you first start, it might be easier to paint a small section and then lay the paper on it and press with the paintbrush. At this point, you can go over the piece with another layer of decoupage or wait until you have several pieces on. You can't really make a mistake here, so just have fun with it!

When I have the cross covered to my satisfaction, I paint on 2 more coats, letting each layer dry an hour or so between coats. I have embellished further with beads, but you may choose not to. I used a piece of craft foam for the back of this one just to give it a more finished look by tracing the cross on the foam and cutting it out using pinking sheers and then glued it to the back.

I have covered many items with this method (bottles, plastic containers), really anything that you think needs a refreshed look! Good luck!

By Robbie from IN

Mod Podge Substitute

I recently discovered that with a little water added to plain white craft glue, the same crafts can be made, with the same results instead of using the more expensive Mod Podge as an adhesive/sealant/gloss.

By prciosa3

Craft Project: Découpaged Easter Eggs

Basically, all you have to do is cut out pictures, glue the pictures onto an object, and then cover the object with glue to seal it. Not only is the end result very effective, decoupage won't make a hole in your budget; and you'll be able to create a beautiful display for your home, as well. Happy Easter!

Approximate Time: 30 minutes (per egg) plus drying time

Supplies:

• polystyrene eggs from a budget store or craft supplier
• paper napkins/serviettes
• gesso or white acrylic paint
• a decoupage medium; diluted white glue or school glue (PVA) - 3 parts glue to 1 part water
• sponge
• cotton bud
• damp paper towel or rag
• paint brush
• pair of scissors

Instructions:

1. Paint lots of polystyrene eggs with gesso (acrylic primer) or white, acrylic paint.

   Note: decoupage works best on matte surfaces, so apply at least one base coat of paint to remove the shiny finish on your eggs.

2. Peel off all white layers from the back of a paper serviette/napkin. Only the top printed layer is used. Cut out a motif with a small pair of scissors. Alternatively, tear out an image.

3. Apply a thin layer of diluted PVA to the surface of your egg. Position the motif on the surface and carefully smooth it out using a cotton bud or a sponge; start in the centre and work outwards to work out any air bubbles or wrinkles. Let the motif set for a few moments and then clean up the edges with a damp paper towel or rag. Repeat until all your images are glued on the eggs. Leave to dry completely.

4. To finish, apply a minimum of two coats of diluted PVA using a brush to seal each egg.

   Note: leave to dry thoroughly between each coat. The edges of the serviette motifs should end up smooth.

5. Display your eggs in dishes or baskets around the home, alternatively, string together to make an Easter mobile.

You can have a go at decoupaging other household objects too, such as a lampshade, plant pot, wooden box, or even a glass plate.

By Anne D. from United Kingdom

Ideas for Decoupage

I'm currently working on a wooden plant box. I painted it first; and I am just getting ready to put some nice pictures of flowers on each side. Then I'll put polyurethane on it, as it will be going outside for spring and summer. I have started several plants already indoors. Once they are big enough to transplant into the ground or into a larger pot, I'll take the pots of plants and put them in the decoupaged planter box and put it outside. It's a lot of fun.

I once saw an article where someone decoupaged a door knob. I was thinking of doing some light switch plates. The possibilities are endless!

By Karen H. from Pawtucket, RI

A Gift Frame For Earrings

Decoupage Tip

Fall Decorated Pumpkins With Mod Podge

You apply mod podge all over the pumpkin, then apply whatever you're using then go over it again with the mod podge. Not too thick or it will look like school glue when it dries in cracks.

We used darker colors, like burnt orange, brown, even a darker pink. Any color you think for fall, adding bows to the stems, I double mine so they look fuller. They should last though Thanksgiving. It's a great decorating idea. We are also going pumpkin shopping now that they're on clearance. Use your imagination.

Source: Martha S.

By "A" from Wheeling, WV

Making Pill Boxes With Decoupage

Decoupage Ornamental Ball

Read More...

Slate That Looks Painted

Materials:

• 1 piece of slate any size or shape you want
• rub on transfers
• Modge Podge sealer

Instructions:

1. If you are like me, I haven't learned how to paint but love the look. Take a slate and go to craft store and find the rub on transfers that you like, I love bears thus my selection.
2. Just follow instructions on transfers which consists of rubbing over transfer with Popsicle stick.
3. When you have added all that you would like on slate, just seal with Modge Podge to protect the rub-ons and make a shiny coat.
4. This can also be done on wood although I would recommend you put a coat of paint on the wood before the rub-on transfer.

By Carol from MA