Master the Art of Decoupage with This Gorgeous Wine Bottle Project

Have you ever wanted to create a stunning wine bottle for a special occasion? Donna from Mason Creations Etc. shows us how to transform an ordinary wine bottle into an Italian countryside masterpiece! This project is perfect for both beginners and seasoned crafters. Watch the video below and follow along with the detailed steps to create your own stunning piece of art!

Watch the video tutorial below:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Bottle Start by wiping down your wine bottle with alcohol to remove any dirt or fingerprints. This ensures a clean surface for the following steps. Skipping this step can result in poor adhesion of paint and decoupage glue, so make sure to clean the bottle thoroughly.

Step 2: Prime the Bottle Brush on Polyvine Multi-surface Lacquer using the dead flat finish to eliminate shine and create a perfect surface for painting and decoupage. Donna prefers this lacquer because it ensures that the paint won't chip, scratch, or peel. Let it dry for about an hour to ensure the best adhesion.

Step 3: Paint the Bottle Use a sponge to paint the entire bottle white. This technique not only provides better coverage but also adds a bit of texture, which is ideal for decoupaging. A white background makes the colors in your napkin pop. Donna emphasizes that while a very light off-white can work, plain white is the best choice for vibrant results. Allow the paint to dry completely, usually about an hour.

Step 4: Prepare the Napkin Select a beautiful napkin. Our store has thousand's of patterns to choose from! Separate the layers and use only the top ply with the print. Donna suggests using a water brush to carefully remove any excess napkin, as a torn edge blends better than a sharp cut. If you're new to this, watch Donna’s beginners video on napkin preparation linked in her description.

Step 5: Decoupage the Napkin Using Polyvine Decorators Varnish as your adhesive, lay the napkin on the bottle without any glue. Brush the adhesive over the napkin, starting from the center and working outward. This dry method reduces wrinkles and bubbles, ensuring a smooth application. Donna prefers this varnish because it’s thinner than typical decoupage glue, dries crystal clear, and doesn’t yellow over time. Allow it to dry for about 2 hours.

Step 6: Create Clay Embellishments Dust a leaf silicone mold with cornstarch to prevent sticking and fill it with DAS clay or another similar casting clay or resin to create grapevine leaves. Attach the wet clay leaves to the bottle, arranging them in a natural, overlapping pattern. Add small clay grapes to enhance the vineyard theme. Donna suggests this clay for its minimal shrinkage and ease of use when wet. Let the clay dry completely before moving on.

Step 7: Paint the Embellishments Mix vintage green with dark green to paint the leaves. For the grapes, use a mix of Christmas red and dark burgundy for a realistic look. Donna recommends dry brushing with lighter colors over the dark base to create depth and a translucent effect. Paint the vines and bottom of the bottle to match, adding details last for precision. We have carry a large selection of paint products in our store.

Step 8: Protect the Image Apply a coat of gloss varnish over the decoupage image to protect it from accidental paint spills. Donna uses Polyvine Heavy-duty Wood Varnish, which works on any surface, to ensure the image remains pristine during the painting process. Let it dry for about 30 minutes.

Step 9: Apply a Crackle Finish Use Pentart's Fineline Crackle, available in a two-part system, to create an antique crackle effect. Apply component #1 and let it dry until clear. Then, add component #2 with thin, even strokes to avoid drips. Once dry, rub Pentart Antique Paste into the cracks to highlight them. Donna suggests using a brush to reach tight spots and advises against using wet wipes for this step.

Step 10: Final Touches After the crackle finish is dry, protect the entire bottle with Pentart’s solvent-based varnish. Add metallic wax rubs to the edges of the leaves and vines for a finishing touch. Donna loves using white pearl for the grapes and aged brass for the leaves, as these add a beautiful translucent glow and accentuate the details.

We hope you enjoy creating this beautiful wine bottle! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for a 10% discount on your next order. A special thanks to Donna from Mason Creations Etc. for sharing her expertise with us. Happy crafting!