Decoupage: A Beginner's How To Tutorial Guide

Want to enter the wonderful world of decoupage? Here is how to add a unique decoupage finish to your craft projects using paper or fabric scraps and decoupage medium.

Tags: #decoupage #paper #papercraft #crafts #diy #tutorial #modpodge 

Step 1: Make or Select Your Form:

If you want a custom shaped sculpture or item, paper mache is the way to go.  You do NOT have to settle for (the overpriced and limited varieties of) paper mache armatures you find in craft stores.  You can inexpensively and easily create anything your heart desires.  To see how I created my latest rooster, visit the tutorial I wrote for Activa Craft Products:  How to Sculpt a Paper Mache Rooster with FastMâché.  You can also visit the paper crafts section of this blog.  There you will find more of my paper mache tutorials and many include free printable patterns.

I've also decoupaged wood craft forms, shoe boxes and even a trash can. You can decoupage almost anything.

DIY Tree Art Recycle Bin

My husband even jokes that if our cats are not careful, one day he's going to come home and find them decoupaged as well.

meme credit: http://knowyourmeme.com/photos/481790-grumpy-cat

Step 2: Select and Prep Your Paper or Fabric

After you have your selected your form, it's time to prep your scrap paper or fabric.  Think outside of the box when it comes to paper or fabric selections.  You can use book pages, newspaper, magazines, scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, pretty much any type of paper. You can also use scrap fabrics from old shirts or etc for decoupaging.  Fabric really doesn't require any prep work.  The steps you take to prep paper depends on the type of paper you use.  Most commercial or laser printed paper requires no prep work.  However, I have found that the ink will bleed on some book pages (from mass produced paperback novels) and inkjet printer copies.  To avoid this, spray the paper with a print fixative first and allow to dry. Plaid makes a spray that can double as both a print fixative and a finishing sealer for your project. When in doubt, brush a coat of decoupage medium (I use Mod Pod Podge) on top of a small piece of your paper to test for print smears. Once your paper or fabric is ready to go, simply cut it into strips or any desired shape.

Step 3: Let's Decoupage!

Once your paper or fabric is cut, grab a sponge brush and dip it into decoupage medium. Apply the medium on the back of each strip and the place it in the desired position on your project.  Continue adding more strips (if necessary) until the project is covered to your liking.

To finish and seal your strips, sponge brush the decoupage medium over the top and allow it to dry.  That's it!  You can add a few additional coats for extra durability if desired.  As Negan would say...

Meme Credit:  https://me.me/i/easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy-4422180

Yes, I'm totally a Walking Dead nerd, I mean fan.

For even more durability or to reduce tackiness in the finish, you can also add a clear acrylic or enamel spray sealer if desired. However, Mod Podge's decoupage medium is an excellent sealer and finisher in its own right. It dries hard and rarely requires additional sealing.

Here are some of the items I've decoupaged along with their tutorials.

Anthropologie Inspired Elephant Bust

Upcycled Magazine Mug

Tic Tac Bobby Pin Container Tutorial

Once you get started it's super addictive.  Before you know it you will find yourself looking around your home for new things to decoupage.  For your own safety, you should probably take my husband's advice and  refrain from decoupaging your cat.  They don't appreciate that very much.

meme credit: http://www.peteditor.com/view.php

Until next time, happy crafting, my friends!

++++

Decoupage: A Beginner's How To Tutorial Guide

+++++

Note:  Some of the exact supplies I used are available using the Amazon affiliate links below: