A Tiny Kitchen Set with Big Spring Charm
Have you ever started with something small… and ended up with a piece that feels like it tells a story?
That’s exactly what happened with this tiny ceramic cup and wooden cutting board set. What began as two simple clearance finds slowly turned into a soft spring vignette filled with florals, delicate scrolls, and subtle shimmer.
Be sure to watch the full video tutorial below before you begin.
Step 1: Preparing the Surfaces
The wooden cutting board is lightly sanded with fine grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. Because rice paper will be applied to the front, it’s painted with Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Cotton to create a bright white base. Painting white ensures the rice paper colors stay vibrant and don’t appear dull.
The ceramic cup is slick and non-porous, so it’s prepped using Polyvine Multi Surface Lacquer (Dead Flat). This removes shine and creates a bonding layer so the rice paper will adhere properly. For best results, this coat is allowed to dry overnight.
Step 2: Preparing the Rice Paper
The floral rice paper images are separated using a water brush. Tearing rather than cutting creates soft edges that blend seamlessly into the background. As much white background as possible is removed so only the floral image remains.
Step 3: Decoupaging the Images
The floral images are adhered using Polyvine Heavy Duty Varnish (Satin). This formula works beautifully as both adhesive and topcoat. It dries crystal clear, won’t yellow, and builds a smooth finish.
After positioning the rice paper, a lightly misted plastic sheet is placed over the surface and gently smoothed to remove bubbles. Once dry (about one hour), another coat of varnish is applied to seal all edges.
Sealing is important—especially before blending paint—so the edges don’t grab color and become visible.
Step 4: Blending the Background
To create cohesion, a custom blend of French Lilac and Light Orchid is mixed to match the rice paper tones. Using a sponge, the color is dabbed around the floral images, then blended with white paint until the background flows naturally into the design.
A little paint is lightly sponged onto the rice paper edge itself to create a third blended color. This softens transitions and hides the paper line completely.
The same purple tones are added to the ceramic cup to tie both pieces together visually.
Once dry, both pieces receive another coat of varnish to protect the blended paint.
Step 5: Building Shine
For a flawless finish, multiple coats of Polyvine Heavy Duty Varnish are applied. Each coat dries for one hour and is lightly sanded with fine grit sandpaper before the next application.
This layering process builds depth and shine without thick buildup.
Step 6: Creating Clay Scroll Embellishments
Using Das air-dry clay, decorative scrolls are pressed into molds and smoothed with water. The molds are placed in the freezer for about 20 minutes so the clay releases cleanly.
While still slightly damp, the scrolls are attached with Aleene’s Tacky Glue. Attaching them while wet allows the clay to conform naturally to the surface. Any excess glue is removed immediately with a damp brush.
Step 7: Sealing and Antiquing
The clay embellishments are sealed with varnish to create a satin surface before antiquing.
A custom purple glaze is mixed using glazing medium and a few drops of paint. The glaze is brushed over the scrolls and wiped back immediately with a soft cloth. The glaze settles into crevices, creating depth without darkening the overall spring feel.
Using a colorful antique instead of brown keeps the project bright and seasonal.
After drying for several hours, a final coat of varnish is applied to the cutting board top and inside the cup.
Step 8: Wax Highlights
To add warmth and shimmer, Redesign Decor Wax in Eternal is lightly rubbed over the raised scrolls using a fingertip. The wax is buffed gently to reveal a soft metallic glow.
Because wax is always the final step, no sealing is needed.
The ribbon is pressed, the pieces are strung back together, and a bow completes the look.
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