Decoupage
If there ever was a true decoupage fanatic, it would be Mystic Museum of Art’s Education Manager Mary Addison. There was a time that nothing was safe around her. With her fingers in a constant state of being covered with Mod Podge, she was decoupaging everything in sight. From, furniture, to shoes, holiday ornaments, picture frames, flowerpots, jewelry, various household items, etc… everything got a makeover!
There is something so enjoyable and rewarding in the experience of decoupaging. It is a crafting project for all ages, is a great way to make homemade gifts, and it encourages the concept of repurposing items rather than tossing them away. One can take the most basic item and give it a cool, fashionable, one-of-a-kind look. It is also a great way to explore your creativity with very few supplies needed. Incredible results can happen quickly, and of course, bigger projects such as furniture can get worked on slowly, over a longer period. So, break out those old magazines and unused items sitting up in the attic and get decoupaging!
Materials:
- Papers: wrapping paper, fabric, old greeting cards, tissue paper, music sheets, computer clip art, magazines and newspapers, copies of family photos, old artwork, scrapbooking papers…
- Scissors
- Adhesive coating- Preferred is Mod Podge (gloss or matte depending on your preference), but watered-down school glue can also work
- Paintbrush
Directions:
- Cut or tear the papers you wish to use for your project. Decide on the placement.
- Adhere the papers with a thin coat of Mod Podge with your foam brush.
- After everything has been glued down, apply a layer of the glue over the top of the project to seal and protect your work.
- After the project is completely dry, add a second, and even a third layer of Mod Podge especially if working with thicker papers.
Ideas:
- Decoupage a piece of card-stock to make a fun place mat
- Transform a shoe box into a treasure box for your favorite keepsakes
- Turn a shell into a decorative jewelry/ trinket holder
- Turn rocks into beautiful garden ornaments
- Turn a bottle or terracotta pot into a flower vase/ pot
- Design the front cover of a journal or sketchbook and decoupage a pencil to match
- Design a personalized set of greeting cards
