Decoupage Magic: An Elegant Bunny Plaque for Easter Joy

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to create your own Easter masterpiece!

Step 1: Prep Your Plaque with Purpose

Grab a simple hanging plaque. Remove any twine or hardware, then give it a light sanding to smooth things out. Wipe off the dust with a cloth. If there are old holes, fill them with texture paste, scraping off excess with a spatula, and let it dry for about an hour. Donna flipped her plaque for a fresh look, drilling two new holes at the top with a basic drill—super simple!

Step 2: Set the Stage with a Bright Base

To make your decoupage pop, brush on a coat of Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Cotton. This creamy white base is a game-changer, ensuring your design’s colors stay vibrant. Let it dry fully before moving forward.

Step 3: Gild the Frame for Golden Glam

Time to add some sparkle! Brush Polyvine Metal Leaf Size around the plaque’s frame and let it dry for 15-20 minutes until it’s clear and sticky. Then, lay down gold leaf metal flakes, smoothing them with a soft brush in both directions to stick them in place. Sweep away loose bits with a stiff brush. Pro tip: Lay down paper to catch the glittery fallout—it’s a messy step, but the luxe result is oh-so-worth it!

Step 4: Decoupage Your Design Like a Pro

Here’s where the Easter charm comes alive! Donna used two sheets of rice paper—one with an adorable bunny and another with pink stripes. Mark and cut the papers to fit your plaque (bunny up top, stripes below). Use Polyvine Decorators Varnish as your adhesive—it’s crystal-clear and doubles as a varnish. Lift a section of the rice paper, brush on the varnish, and smooth it down with a damp piece of plastic (like a Ziploc sprayed with water) to keep it from sticking. Repeat for the other section, locking everything in place.

Step 5: Seal It with a Shine That Wows

Let your rice paper dry for a couple of hours, then coat the whole plaque with Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish in a satin finish. After an hour, lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe off the dust. Add another coat with a varnish brush for a sleek, self-leveling shine. Want it glossier? Repeat the process—just wait an hour between coats.

Step 6: Embellish with a Touch of Whimsy

Donna found a silver filigree trim and turned it gold with ReDesign Decor Wax in Eternal. Paint it on with a brush, let it dry overnight, and buff it with a soft cloth for a golden glow. Measure and mark its spot with painters tape, then secure it with dots of hot glue. Add a paper flower from your stash, a cute pink ribbon bow, and a few decorative sprigs, gluing them over the striped section for extra charm.

Step 7: Add Depth with Antiquing Magic

For a 3D effect that pops, brush Pentart Antique Paste in Umber along the edges between the rice paper and frame, and above and below the trim. Wipe off excess with a dry cloth—it’ll settle into the cracks, giving your plaque richness and dimension that elevates the whole look.

Step 8: Hang It Up with Style

Finish by threading a thin gold cord through the drilled holes for a hanger. Tie it tight, and your Easter plaque is ready to shine!

Wrap-Up