HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN DECOUPAGE PAPERS
Hi there creative friend! Today’s post is all about how to make your own decoupage papers. We know that decoupage is all about turning everyday objects into works of art, and the first step is having the perfect paper to work with. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of how to make your own decoupage paper. Whether you’re a decoupage pro or just looking to spruce up your craft game, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and discover the art of creating decoupage paper that’ll add that personal touch to your projects.
SOURCE LIST OF MATERIALS USED TO CREATE MY OWN DECOUPAGE PAPER
- Printer
- Printer paper
- Image from Canva
- Rice Paper (hobby lobby)
- Plate Charger (Dollar Tree)
- Fixatif spray
- Easy tack spray
- DIY liquid patina
- DIY paint (White Swan)
- Gold Metallic Paint
- Paintbrush
- Brayer
- Big Top top coat
How to find images to use for your DIY decoupage papers:
For my images, I went to Canva.com. I selected “Create image” with “Custom size.” I found that a 7 in. by 7 in. worked well for the center of the Dollar Tree chargers. I then chose Elements and typed in the name of a particular flower, like Lily of the Valley. There are so many good graphics to choose from! Download all the images to your computer.
Now, let’s create our very own decoupage papers!
So once you’ve picked out some images you like, it’s time to print it out and use it to make a custom decoupage paper. I wanted to decoupage a charger that I got from the Dollar Tree. I first brushed on two coats of white paint, using a synthetic brush , in the color White Swan. This color is just a really good match to the color of the rice paper; a warm white; which helps camouflage the edges of your paper when decoupaging. I love the Paint Couture brushes because it gives a really smooth finish. You can get it even more smooth by lightly sanding in between each coat.
You can get the paint I used HERE!
STEP 1: Lightly spray a sheet of printer paper with the Easy Tack spray. This is not a permanent adhesive; just enough for the rice paper to stick and then be removed later.
STEP 2: Adhere the tacky printer paper to the smooth side of the rice paper; not the textured side! My rice paper comes in a roll so I lay it down, smooth side up. After adhering, I cut any excess rice paper from the edges of my printer paper. Note: This is done to make the paper heavy enough for the printer.
STEP 3: Insert your paper into the printer in the position where the image will be printed onto the textured side of the rice paper. For me, I place the rice paper, textured side up, in the feeder.
STEP 4: Find your image on your computer and Print
NOTE: If using an inkjet printer, spray the paper with a fixatif spray in order to set the ink. Allow to dry. Should not be necessary if using a laser printer.
STEP 5: Decoupaging Your Custom Paper onto the Charger
Gently separate the rice paper with your image, from the printer paper. Start at a corner and pull easily. This is similar to separating napkin plies. You can cut or tear around the image to fit the center of the plate.
Brush the decoupage medium in the center of the plate. Lay your rice paper image, face side up, over the decoupage medium.
Brush more decoupage medium over the rice paper.
To reduce wrinkles, I laid a piece of saran wrap over the image and smoothed with a brayer .
Remove saran wrap and lightly brush on a thin layer of more decoupage medium.
Step 6: Allow to dry and Seal with a top coat!
I sealed my charger using Big Top top coat by DIY Paints.
One last thing you can do, if you want to make it a little fancy, is highlight the edges with metallic gold paint.
I’m really happy with how it turned out…What do you think?
You can use this technique on so many things…Canvases, Books, etc.! I hope it’s inspired you and given you some new ideas for your projects.
LET ME KNOW IF YOU TRY IT. FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE…I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. IT MAKES MY DAY!
If you would like to see the video tutorial, you can watch it below!
OTHER USEFUL LINKS:
Happy Creating!
Joanie
