From Plain to Pretty: Make This Charming Decoupage Trinket Box

Have you ever wanted to turn a plain wooden box into a romantic, vintage-style keepsake? One that looks like it came from a high-end boutique—but was made right at your craft table? This week, our talented affiliate Donna from Mason Creations etc. shows you exactly how to do just that with her beautiful trinket box project.

Watch the full video below, then follow along with our detailed guide to create your own!

🧰 Step-by-Step: Make Your Own Frosted Forest Trinket Box

Step 1: Prep Your Surface
Start with an unfinished wooden trinket box. Sand away any rough edges and wipe off the dust. A smooth surface will help your paint and paper adhere properly.

Step 2: Paint the Base Coat
Apply a coat of Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Magnolia. This creamy white shade creates the perfect backdrop for decoupage, making rice paper designs pop with clarity. Let dry.

Step 3: Customize Your Color Palette
Donna mixes Pentart Rose and Compact Powder to match the florals in her rice paper. Apply this custom color to the top of the lid, and allow it to dry for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Add a Crackle Finish
Use FolkArt One-Step Crackle Medium over the pink lid color. Once dry, paint over it with Magnolia again. As it dries, cracks will naturally form, revealing the warm color underneath.

Step 5: Trim and Apply Rice Paper
Cut rice paper into strips and circles to fit the sides, interior base, and underside of the lid. If your box has curved edges, gently tear slits in the paper so it lays flat.

Step 6: Apply with Polyvine Decorators Varnish
Brush Polyvine Decorators Varnish onto the box and press the rice paper into place. Smooth it using a damp piece of plastic to remove wrinkles. Repeat for each section.

Step 7: Sand the Edges
After everything dries, use medium grit sandpaper to remove excess rice paper for a clean, flush finish.

Step 8: Add Gold Accents
Use Pentart White Gold Paint around the edges and even the inner lid for subtle shimmer. A sponge works best to dab along small edges.

Step 9: Seal with Satin Varnish
Apply 2–3 coats using a Polyvine Varnish Brush of Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish in Satin, allowing 1 hour between each coat. This protects the surface and adds moisture, UV, and heat resistance.

Step 10: Make a Molded Clay Accent
Press air-dry clay into one of our new Accent Silicone Molds, then freeze it for 20 minutes. Pop it out and glue it (while still slightly soft) onto the lid using Aileen’s Tacky Glue.

Step 11: Antique Your Embellishment
Paint the clay with Pentart Light Brown, then dry brush the high points with your custom pink, Pentart Vintage Green, and White Gold for detail. Add depth with a DIY glaze made from paint and glazing medium.

Step 12: Finishing Touches

• Add a strand of tiny pearls inside the rim using the tacky glue pen.

• Attach wooden feet painted in White Gold to the bottom using painter’s tape to guide placement.

• Highlight with wax rubs in White Pearl and White Gold for a soft shimmer.

• Glue a pink rhinestone at the center of the floral mold for a final touch of charm.

💌 Thank You, Donna!

A huge thank-you to Donna at Mason Creations etc. for sharing her expert tips and creative spark! This is a perfect beginner-friendly project to get started with decoupage, and a great reminder of how a few carefully layered details can make a piece truly special.

Don't forget to watch the full tutorial video above to see every step in action.

Want more tutorials like this? Subscribe to our newsletter below and get 10% off your next order! Happy crafting!