Seven Fun and Creative Ways to Decoupage with Napkins
In every corner of your home lies a canvas begging for your creative touch. Yes, believe it or not, with decorative paper napkins and a bit of enthusiasm, you can transform everyday items into stunning pieces of art. Welcome to the world of decoupage – a playful, innovative, and deeply satisfying way to express yourself while adding a unique twist to your home décor. Let's delve into a universe of creativity with seven different decoupage napkin project ideas.
1) Your Coaster is your Canvas
Plain MDF or wooden coasters provide a small yet expressive canvas for your artistic pursuits. Start your decoupage adventure by painting these coasters with gesso or white acrylic paint. White is the go-to choice, as it provides the best contrast and allows the vibrant napkin colors to "pop".
Following the drying of the paint, a thin layer of decoupage glue is applied. This prepares the coaster for the addition of the top layer of the paper napkin, where your creativity truly gets to shine.
Once you have arranged the napkin in a way that best represents your artistic vision, it's time to seal your masterpiece. Add one more layer of decoupage glue on top of the napkin, carefully pressing-out creases or bubbles with a brush or sponge. Applying a final layer of clear varnish not only adds a finished look, but also offers protection against potential spills.
With this final touch, your once-ordinary coasters are transformed into eye-catching pieces of art, ready to be the spark for many a conversation.
2) A Nest Box with a Difference
How about extending a stylish welcome to our winged companions? A wooden bird nest box presents a wonderful canvas to showcase your decoupage prowess. Begin by adorning it with a coat of paint, followed by a thin application of decoupage glue.
Let the top layer of a 3-ply paper napkin infuse a fresh wave of vitality into this humble abode. For instance, the use of bright yellow sunflowers, as in the example, has metamorphosed the simple bird's nest box into a captivating piece of art. Such artistic expressions not only offer aesthetic delight but also add a charmingly personal touch to your feathered friends' dwelling.
3) Eggs-traordinary Decoupage: A Festive Twist
Eggs aren't just for breakfast anymore; they make an intriguing and festive canvas for your decoupage creations. Ideal for Easter decorations or simply to add a whimsical touch to your home, decoupaging on eggs is a delightful activity for crafters of all ages.
Start with a clean, dry egg—either a real egg that has been blown out and cleaned, or a faux egg made of ceramic, wood, or plastic. Begin by applying a base layer of paint; white is often a popular choice as it allows your napkin designs to truly shine. Once your paint has dried, it's time to apply a thin layer of decoupage glue.
Trim your chosen decoupage napkin into the desired patterns—flowers, birds, abstract designs, whatever captures your imagination. Remember, you should be working with just the top, printed layer of the napkin. Carefully place these pieces on the egg, smoothing out any wrinkles with a soft brush or sponge dabber. The curved surface might be a little challenging, but with patience, you can achieve a smooth finish.
Once the glue has completely dried, apply a layer of clear varnish to seal your design and add a touch of sheen. And there you have it—a stunning, one-of-a-kind decoupaged egg that's sure to steal the spotlight!
4) Decoupage on Jars
The trend of decoupaging jars has witnessed a significant surge in recent years, offering an enjoyable and rewarding entry point into the world of decoupage for novice crafters. This delightful craft begins by painting a simple glass jar with a base color, typically white, mirroring the technique described earlier.
After allowing the paint to dry, a thin coat of decoupage glue is applied to the jar. One crucial aspect to remember while working with napkins for decoupage is the necessity of removing the back underlayers, leaving only the topmost layer showcasing the printed pattern.
Once the napkin is measured and cut to fit, it's gently placed on the jar. Wrinkles and bubbles are then smoothed out meticulously using a soft-bristled brush or sponge dabber, ensuring an even and polished look. After the glue dries, you can add stenciled designs using colored acrylic paint. A final layer of varnish is applied, providing a protective sealant.
To add a final touch of creativity, additional embellishments like ribbons can be affixed, further enhancing the visual appeal and adding a personalized flare to the finished product.
5) Decoupage Napkin Tray
An ordinary wooden tray can undergo an artistic metamorphosis into a beautiful decoupage napkin tray using decoupage paper napkins. The first step involves sanding the tray to achieve a smooth, clean surface, which is then adorned with a base coat of white paint or stain. It's essential to allow the tray to dry completely before proceeding with the subsequent steps.
The tray is then graced with a a layer of decoupage glue, followed by a careful placement of the top layer of the paper napkin. The surface is further refined by smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles using a soft-bristled brush or a sponge dabber. You may want to add multiple glue layers for maximum protection of the images.
After the glue dries, the tray receives a final touch - a protective layer of varnish that seals the vibrant art and provides a barrier against any potential spills. This elegant transformation results in a decoupage napkin tray that is not only visually stunning but also functional and resistant to everyday use.
6) Decoupage On Pumpkins
A unique holiday decoration like this decoupaged pumpkin can be crafted with a touch of creativity and finesse, as demonstrated by one of our valued customers. The process begins with the application of white acrylic paint or gesso to the pumpkin, setting the stage for the transformation. You can use real pumpkins, or pumpkins made of wood, plastic or ceramic.
Once the paint has dried, apply a thin layer of decoupage glue over the pumpkin's surface. Glued on paper napkin cutouts featuring pumpkins, nuts, and leaves are then thoughtfully arranged around the core, adding depth and seasonal charm to the design.
After the napkin patterns are smoothed to perfection, a final layer of varnish is applied. This essential step seals the artwork and provides a protective shield against potential wear and tear.
The last stage of this artistic journey involves embellishing the pumpkin with various elements such as twine and dried berries which add a whimsical finish to the overall design. The result is a uniquely crafted holiday decoration that combines creativity with the spirit of the season.
7) Handmade Greeting Cards
Creating homemade greeting cards opens up a delightful playground for decoupage enthusiasts, offering a chance to infuse any occasion with a personal touch and a spark of creativity. The card-making process starts with a careful separation of the three ply layers.
Using adhesive tape to adhere the napkin:
Apply the top layer of a 3-ply napkin to the cardstock base. Use double-sided adhesive tape, strategically applied. Roll the surface gently with a brayer or press with your fingers. Add embellishments such as washi tape to the top and bottom portions of the card which can inject an extra dimension of decorative charm.
Using mod podge glue and a laminator press or iron, to adhere the napkin:
Another technique is to apply a very thin layer of mod podge glue to a white cardstock base. Allow it to dry completely (30 or more minutes). Cut the top napkin layer to size and place it on top of the dried glue layer. Sandwich the napkin and cardstock inside a carrier pouch or piece of folded parchment paper. Run this through your laminator machine or press with an iron using a medium heat setting. Use scissors or a file to trim off any excess napkin along the edges.
Discover the Universe of Decoupage with DecoupageNapkins.com
Decoupage with paper napkins is not just a creative venture; it's a journey of transformation where everyday objects become unique art pieces that echo your personal style. Your creative journey should never be hindered by a lack of supplies or inspiration.
For all your decoupage needs and a treasure trove of fresh ideas, make your way to DecoupageNapkins.com. Beyond just napkins, explore an array of supplies like Decoupage Tissue Paper, Rub on Transfers, Wet Transfers, and Decoupage Rice Paper. We're committed to fueling your creativity and helping you redefine your world, one decoupage project at a time.
So, are you ready to embark on your decoupage adventure with us? Visit DecoupageNapkins.com today and let's start transforming the ordinary into extraordinary together!