DIY 4th of July Crafts: Create a Festive Decoupage Plate

The 4th of July is just around the corner! Today, we’re diving into a fun and festive project perfect for celebrating Independence Day. Donna from Mason Creations etc. has shared her expertise to help us craft a stunning 4th of July decoupage plate. This technique is not only great for plates but can also be used on trays and serving platters to add a festive touch. Watch the video below for a visual guide and follow along with these detailed steps.

What is Reverse Decoupage?

Reverse decoupage involves applying layers of paint, adhesive, and decorations on the back of a transparent surface, like glass or a clear plate, in the reverse order of traditional decoupage. This method requires careful planning because the final layer you see is the first one applied. It's a fantastic way to create a smooth, glass-like finish on the front while displaying intricate designs on the back.

Planning Your Reverse Decoupage Project

Before starting, think about the layers you'll apply and the final look you want to achieve. Plan the order of your materials: the decoupage images, primer, crackle finish, paint and embellishments. This ensures that your final design is cohesive and polished.

In this video, Donna demonstrates crafting two plates, a red one and a blue one. She uses the same techniques and products for both, except for the colors and gilding at the end. Let’s get started:

1. Preparing the Plate

Donna starts by cleaning the plate thoroughly with alcohol wipes to remove any dirt, oil, or fingerprints. This step is crucial for ensuring that the lacquer adheres properly. If a plate is not properly cleaned, you may experience flaking or peeling.

2. Applying the Primer

Next, she brushes on Polyvine’s Multi-Surface Lacquer in a dead flat finish. This product is fantastic for prepping shiny surfaces like glass or ceramic. Donna applies one coat, lets it dry for two hours, then applies a second coat. 

3. Creating the Crackle Effect

For a vintage touch, Donna uses Pentart’s Fine Line Crackle Varnish. She applies component number one, lets it dry for about an hour, then brushes on component number two. The cracks will appear as it dries, giving the plate a beautifully aged look. Remember, she needs to do this first because it will appear as the top layer of the image on the plate.

4. Enhancing the Cracks

To highlight the cracks, Donna rubs Pentart Antique Paste in gold into them and wipes off the excess with a clean, dry cloth. She advises against using wet wipes for this step.

5. Preparing the Rice Paper

Donna chose an American Flag themed rice paper from Decoupage Creatives for this project.  She uses a water brush to shape the rice paper. She gently rips off the edges of the rice paper after tracing the shape she desires with the water brush.

6. Sponging the Paint

She sponges Pentart paint around the inner circle of the plate where the rice paper will go. This helps blend the edges of the rice paper seamlessly with the plate and gives a nice color trim for the plate.

7. Applying the Rice Paper

She lightly sprays water onto the paper to make it more pliable and reduce bubbles and wrinkles. After misting the rice paper, Donna uses Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish to adhere it to the plate. This varnish is perfect for decoupage because it provides additional protection from water and heat.

8. Adding Decorative Details

Donna stencils white stars around the rim of the plate and adds gold Penart paint splatters using a fan brush. She dips the brush in the paint and taps it on her forefinger to create the splatters, wiping off any excess paint from the rice paper.

9. Painting the Back of the Plate

To make the colors of the image vibrant, Donna paints the back of the plate with Dixie Belle White Chalk Paint where the image is. After it has dried, she then covers the entire back with blue and red paints for a festive look.

10. Gilding the Stars

For an elegant touch, Donna adds a gold star in the center of the plate using Deco Foil Transfer Gel. She applies it thickly with a palette knife for a 3D look or sponges it on for texture. On one plate, she uses a thin coat of transfer gel and lets it dry for about an hour before applying the gold gilding flakes. On the other plate, she uses a thick layer of transfer gel that she lets dry overnight before applying the gilding flakes. She uses a brush to apply the flakes and brushes the excess off. This gave the star shapes a 3D look. Remember to save any crumbles of gilding flakes because they can be used again on other projects.

11. Finishing the Plate

Donna lightly sands the edge of the plate to remove any glue or paint drips. She then reapplies Polyvine’s Multi-Surface Lacquer on the edge to ensure a good priming for the rim paint. She adds a gold rim to the plate using gold Pentart paint, applying it with her finger for better control. Any gold paint that gets on the front of the plate is wiped off immediately. She touches up the back of the plate with blue or red paint as needed.

12. Sealing the Plate

Finally, Donna seals the entire plate with Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish, applying three coats with a Polyvine varnish brush. This ensures the plate is well-protected from heat, moisture, and chemical stains. It's advisable to wait several days for the varnish to cure before using the plate. Remember never to place these plates in a dishwasher. Just hand wash with soap and water and drip dry.

Conclusion

Creating a 4th of July decoupage plate is a rewarding project that showcases your crafting skills and patriotic spirit. Use them as a home decoration or include them on your July 4th dinner table. Your guests will be amazed. A big thanks to Donna from Mason Creations for her detailed tutorial. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter at DecoupageNapkins.com to get 10% off your next order. Happy crafting!