4 Great Decoupage Ideas For Beginners

I like to use decoupage ideas to brighten up or transform something old to look as good as new. And because decoupage art can be used to transform just about anything it could be time to investigate that cluttered hoard in the loft?

This paper craft can be fun for all ages, from 3 to a 100. They are usually inexpensive, fun and a simple way to brighten up or create interest in everyday objects. If done well they can also make excellent homemade gift ideas.

Simple Decoupage Ideas

The term decoupage is actually French in origin (découpage) meaning ‘to cut something out’. To put it simply, decoupage art is all about tearing or cutting patterned or pictured paper, then gluing the pieces to an object before varnishing. The finished item can be brought back to life and often looks like it’s been painted by a pro.

So today I want to show you three simple decoupage projects to help you get started. A trinket box, a waste bin and a coat hanger the good thing is that you can start off with a very simple project and many of the supplies could already be to hand.

Decoupage Trinket Box

If you are new to decoupage ideas you will be surprised to see just how easy it actually is and this project is a great way to get started.

What You Will Need

• Paper Mache Box
• 1 sheet of Decoupage Paper (this thin, strong easy to use paper is ideal, but you can also make use of unwanted wallpaper, wrapping paper, magazines, napkins, any thin patterned paper really).
• Decoupage Glue Varnish (this is a great glue, it stretches the paper to give a smoother, glossy finish)
• Decoupage Paintbrush
• White Acrylic Paint (optional)
• Fine Sand Paper (optional)

Method

Step 1. If you are using a dark box or light colored paper its best to give the box a coat of white acrylic paint. This will help the colors in the paper look brighter and more vivid.

Step 2. Tear the paper into small pieces about the size of an average postal stamp.

Step 3. Starting at the edges spread some glue to the box making sure that you cover an area slightly bigger than the piece you are going to apply.

Step 4. Place a piece of torn paper on the glued area then coat with another layer of glue varnish. Continue to cover the box with the same method slightly over lapping each piece as you go, until the box is completely covered.

Step 5. Coat the box with a thin layer of decoupage glue, making sure all the edges are stuck down, and leave to dry.

Step 6. If there are any wrinkles or bumps in the decoupage and you prefer a smooth finish, give the finished product another two or three coats of varnish and then sand it back with fine sand paper before adding more coats of varnish. You can continue to build up coats of varnish between sanding until you are completely happy with it.

Decoupage Bin

This decoupage bin is a great way to add decorative style and color to any room. Try coordinating it with other decoupage ideas like a matching decoupage box, drawer/door knobs, picture frames or a vase.

What You Will Need

• Plain Round Plastic Waste Bin
• Decoupage Paper
• Decoupage glue varnish
• White acrylic paint (optional)
• Paint brush
• Fine Sandpaper (optional)

Method

Step 1. Make sure your bin is clean and free of any labels or stickers.

Step 2. If you are using a dark bin or light colored paper its best to give the bin a coat of white acrylic paint. This will help the colors in the paper look brighter and more vivid.

Step 3. Tear up the decoupage paper into small irregular sized pieces.

Step 4. Starting at the top of the bin, glue a small area that’s slightly bigger than the piece you are going to apply.

Step 5. Place a piece of your torn paper on the glued area then coat with another layer of decoupage glue varnish. Try to smooth out any wrinkles in the paper as you lay and coat each piece.

Step 6. Apply the rest of the pieces to the bin in the same way slightly over lapping each piece as you go, until the bin is covered.
Once the bin is completely covered, coat it with a thin layer of glue varnish, making sure all the edges are stuck down, and leave to dry.

Step 7. Allow to dry then sand and add extra coats if required

Decoupage Coat Hangers

These decoupage coat hangers make unique gifts and they are a nice way to add decorative style to a bedroom.

What You Will Need

• 2 Wooden Coat Hangers
• 1 Sheet of Decoupage Paper
• Decoupage Glue
• Ribbon
• White acrylic paint (optional)
• Paintbrush
• Fine Sand Paper (optional)

Method

Step 1. If you are using a dark box or light colored paper its best to give the box a coat of white acrylic paint. This will help the colors in the paper look brighter and more vivid.

Step 2. Tear up the decoupage paper into small irregular sized pieces.

Step 3. Starting at the top middle, begin to glue pieces of paper to the hanger, using a paint brush and the glue. Try to smooth out any wrinkles in the paper as you lay and coat each piece.

Step 4. Work on the front first and leave a small area on the bottom bar so you can hold the hanger while you work. Apply the rest of the pieces to the front in the same way slightly over lapping each piece as you go, until it is covered.

Step 5. Once the front is complete allow it try before you start on the back. Once the hanger is completely covered, coat it with a thin layer of glue varnish, making sure all the edges are stuck down, and leave to dry.

Step 6. Allow to dry then sand and add extra coats if required.

Step 7. Add a nice decorative ribbon to the hook.

How To Make Decoupage Candles

We’ve all seen them at the craft fairs. They look absolutely gorgeous, but also a bit expensive to buy. While I would love to have one of these in every room of my house, I just couldn’t afford to keep it up. So… yup, you guessed it, let’s make them ourselves!

Make Decoupage Candles

What do you have at home that could make a nice decoupage project? Post below to tell me about your decoupage ideas or to ask any questions.