Turn a Simple Plate into a Stunning 3D Decoupage Masterpiece!
Have you ever wanted to add intricate 3D embellishments to your decoupage projects, but weren’t sure where to start?
You're in luck! Today, Donna at Mason Creations etc. is showing us how to turn a simple ceramic plate into a breathtaking decoupage piece with dimensional flowers, a delicate hummingbird, and a stunning crackle finish. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned crafter, this project will introduce you to some game-changing techniques using air-dry clay, cream paste, and beautifully blended paints.
Watch the full tutorial below, then follow along with our step-by-step guide!
Step 1: Creating Your 3D Embellishments with Clay & Molds
To add depth and texture, Donna starts by pressing Das Air-Dry Clay into her silicone molds. A little water helps smooth the surface before freezing the clay for 20 minutes. This makes unmolding easy and preserves all the intricate details—perfect for delicate elements like the hummingbird’s beak.
For shallow molds, Donna uses cream paste instead of clay. She spreads it into the mold with a palette knife, removes excess, and lets it dry overnight. Once set, it’s flexible and easy to remove without breakage.
Step 2: Attaching the Embellishments to the Plate
Once unmolded, the clay pieces are still slightly pliable—ideal for shaping around the plate’s curved surface. Using tacky glue, Donna presses each piece into place, making sure they adhere well. Any excess glue is carefully wiped away with a damp q-tip.
For the butterfly, made with cream paste, the flexibility allows it to contour beautifully onto the plate.
Step 3: Painting a Soft, Muted Color Palette
After drying, Donna applies a base coat of Dixie Belle Cotton paint to all clay embellishments. Then, she layers on soft, watered-down Pentart paint colors for a natural, blended effect:
- Mallow + White – Soft pinkish hues for the flowers
- Red + White – Creates a warm peachy-orange shade
- Pale Yellow + White – For subtle highlights
- Leaf Green + White – Perfect for leaves
- Turquoise Blue + White – Used for the butterfly
- Cobalt Blue & Light Turquoise – Blended for the hummingbird
By misting the pieces with water, the colors gently blend for a seamless, organic look.
Step 4: Creating an Aged Porcelain Crackle Effect
To give the embellishments a vintage porcelain look, Donna applies Pentart’s Fineline Crackle Varnish:
- Component #1 – Applied in a thin layer and left to dry until clear.
- Component #2 – Brushed on evenly, turning an amber hue as it dries. Cracks begin to form naturally.
For even more dramatic cracks, Donna uses a heat gun for a few seconds.
To enhance the crackle details, she rubs Pentart Antique Paste into the cracks and buffs off the excess with a dry cloth.
Step 5: Sealing & Adding Elegant Gold Details
To protect the finish, Donna applies Pentart Solvent-Based Glossy Varnish—a must for sealing crackle effects. Only one coat is needed to avoid over-layering, which can cause cracks.
For a luxurious gilded touch, she brushes Re-Design Decor Wax (Eternal Gold) onto:
- The edges of flowers and leaves
- The butterfly’s body
- The hummingbird’s beak
- The outer rim of the plate
To ensure the wax adheres well, she preps the plate’s edge with Polyvine Multi-Surface Lacquer.
Final Touch: A Stunning 3D Decoupage Plate
The result? A beautifully detailed decorative plate with realistic floral and nature-inspired embellishments, a soft hand-painted finish, and a timeless crackle effect.
Want to try this project? You can find all the products Donna used at Decoupagenapkins.com, your one-stop shop for decoupage supplies!
A Special Thanks to Donna!
A big thank you to Donna at Mason Creations etc. for sharing her expertise with us! Her attention to detail and creative techniques make decoupage even more exciting.
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Happy crafting! 🎨✨