Monday, August 12, 2013

Debbie's How To Decoupage Anything Post

If you've been around here long, you might have noticed that I'll decoupage just about anything.

Coasters...Cabinet handles...tools and scissors...Sand pails...concrete yard chickens...waste baskets...



And then, of course, there are the eggs. 

The eggs are actually the reason for this post. I decoupaged some for our most recent tablescape challenge, and I'm still getting emails with questions about them. I figured since I really don't have anything else to yak about right now, I might as well answer the questions and give some tips for decoupaging eggs and other odd shaped things. Let's face it: If you can decoupage a hollowed out egg, you can decoupage just about anything.

Which answers Question #1

Yes. I  used real (blown) eggs, but you could use faux ones. I just wouldn't try it with those plastic two piece numbers.


Question #2:
  The pattern came from some wrapping paper that I got at Hobby Lobby after Christmas.  



I  did some similar (blue) ones last year using a paper napkin.


 I did it the same way I do all  odd shaped objects. 
I used a cut and piece method.

First,  find paper in simple patterns on solid backgrounds.  White backgrounds are the easiest for obvious reasons.


 Then,  paint the piece to match the background color. 

A recent candlestick project...

Paint


Cut 


and Piece 




***OK, here's where I part company with the Mod Podge mavens. Classically, you're supposed to just hold it on with  water. Go ahead and do that if you want, but I'm not a fan, especially if the paper is really thin. Water, hormones, and thin pieces of paper just don't play well together.  Generally speaking, I hold mine on with a glue stick applied very lightly to the base piece.  


Then, Mod Podge over the whole shebang
with a soft brush, and smooth it out with your fingers.

(I sprayed these candlesticks with a little clear, glossy, finish too.)

And  then, of course, use it somewhere.

It's kind of a waste of time if you don't use it. 


That's about all from me.
I'm still trying to catch up from being out of town this weekend.

Plus, I'm busy with a little project for an upcoming post.
I'm calling it deco-flage,
and I'm blaming it on the Newlywed Niece.


Stay tuned.
*****


27 comments:

Denise said...

Great tips. You really are the decoupage queen! You've created some really beautiful pieces. I love your mantel. Thanks for sharing your expertise!!

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Thanks for the decoupage tips, Debbie! You really are quite good at this; I've never tried to decoupage anything. I think my mom did some pretty things years ago, so I really need to learn. You did a TERRIFIC job on those eggs and I especially love the candlesticks. They look perfect on your pretty mantel. :)

I look forward to seeing the new project in the works! Have a wonderful week!

Hugs,

Denise

Christine said...

You are such a tease!
I can only imagine what is up your sleeve.

Your timing is perfect for those of us getting ready for, shhhhh... Christmas, gifts that is.

Thanks!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Debbie, have you shown that candlestick on your blog before? If so, I missed it. What a beautiful transformation! I loved your eggs in your tablescape, and I'm so glad to know how you did them. I love decoupage. It makes such a big change without a lot of effort, and you can see the change immediately! I just don't have the imagination you have, so I don't think about getting out the Mod Podge very often. When I get home (I'm supposed to be working), I'm going to look around for something to Mod Podge. laurie

Vee said...

I remember doing this years ago, but not quite as nicely as yours. We didn't cut out the pattern. Right. You can just imagine. Yours look so pretty that I may have to revisit this one.

Sue said...

I have never decoupaged a thing in my life. The crafty gene totally skipped me. I can not imagine the patience and fine motor skills needed to do your beautiful eggs. You are the D. Q. {decoupage queen, not to be confused with a wonderful summery treat!}

Sharon said...

Way back in the day I tried my hand at some decoupage. It always ended up wrinkled and thick and gloppy. That's one of the things that I admire about your deft hand - it NEVER looks like it was "applied" - it always looks like it was the original pattern.

Deco-flage...can't wait to see that project!!

xo

Lynn said...

Thanks for the tips, I love your candlesticks! And if it's camo... I'm interested-can't wait to see you next project:@)

bj said...

Oh, Debbie girl...I have learned so much from you. I would have tried to modpodge the whole napkin to the candlestick and had SUCH a mess. I am so anxious to try this. Once I get moved..IF EVER I DO...I will be doing this very thing.
NOW...blown eggs..??..I remember my mother did this years ago and made some of the most beautiful egg Christmas ornies...but...over the years, even tho I packed them in egg crates and tried my best to be careful, over the years, they cracked. I don't remember how she blew them....just a tiny hole in the end and just blow out the inside of the egg?? And, then gently wash them in warm water and let dry...???

Gaby said...

But see...you make it sound like it's peanuts but then I try it and I bet it looks horribly homemade. You do a beautiful job!

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Great tips! The candle stick and egg are just gorgeous. I love mod podge projects!

Debbiedoos said...

OK you know I totally LOVE this. I am pinning it for inspiration. I also love to use napkins with the modge, it is so easy and fun!

Chatty Crone said...

Girl - is there anything you cannot do - you need to tell me - I am so jealous of you!

All these items are so pretty and you did them all? I have the modge podge and now I have some ideas. Thanks.

The eggs were beautiful.

sandie

The Polka Dot Closet said...

I don't know anything about modpodging! The glue stick is a really good idea!, I love that you cut and piece the patterns...I looks great, so glad you used your projects...Can't wait for your next post!

Carol

Unknown said...

You make this look so easy.... I'm pretty embarrassed to say this, but you hold the glue stick to the base of what? You hold the glue stick to the paper? I'll probably understand this tomorrow when I've had more sleep...yes, brenna is home and we had a wing ding of a night!
xoxo
Lynn

Mary said...

Love your decoupaged eggs Debbie, I had to pin the nest before I finished reading your post! Your decoupaging fearlessness even extends to deco-flage too, how fun. Looking forward to the results :)

Tanna said...

Oh, I can't wait to see your deco-flage!! It IS almost dove season, you know. ;)

Debbie, your mantle looks so beautiful with the white, blue and greens! You are amazing with all your projects and you eye for creating a color scheme! SHINING on!

You know I love that egg!! I love the blue one, too! I'm not sure why those are so fascinating to me... probably because some inner knowing sees that I could NEVER decoupage that kind of shape!!

Looking forward to seeing the next great thing.... xoxo Blessings ~ tanna

Unknown said...

Great tips, Debbie! I used to decoupage years ago.....I need to start up again! Thanks for inspiring me!~~Angela

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

They say to use water? I didn't know that. Sounds pretty risky to me! I just use the Mod Podge - top and bottom. Works for me. You've made some real pretties! Makes me want to pull out some tissue paper and napkins and play!

Rettabug said...

Gosh, those blue & white candlesticks turned out pretty, Debbie!
I can't tell you how long I've been saving some extra pretty napkins, thinking I might want to try this on something. That 'something' never seems to appear. One of these days...I shall use your glue stick trick...thanks for the tip!

Angel said...

I've never been brave enough to try this but I might just have to give it a whirl now that I have this great tutorial! :)

Barbara F. said...

I have all supplies for a big decoupage project, and I am scared to start!! I am going to go through all your posts that yak about Mod Podge to get empowered. Candlesticks and those eggs are awesome....xo

Sharlotte said...

I loved those red eggs too. I forgot about the blue eggs you posted about earlier, which I also loved. And your candlesticks! They are so pretty and of course with this technique, you can match things perfectly. Your mantel with the blue is really pretty, very warm and calming.
I use Mod Podge but have mixed results. I think I'm forgetting the the step of spraying after I'm finished to seal things. duh.
I'm going to redo a few things and see if it works better.
BTW, thanks for all your sweet comments about the house, I'm glad you are enjoying the posts.
(I know I've asked you this before, but when are you going to write a book? I think you really ought to consider it. I'd be first in line for a copy!)
Have a great rest of your week!
Sharlotte
BTW, I'm staying tuned for the next project!

Creations By Cindy said...

WOW! Love what all you have done here! I appreciate the tips! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Anonymous said...

That is something I've never tried, but you make it look so easy, I might have to give it a go.

CAL said...

I LOVE the mantle and how you have arranged the blue and white pieces so beautifully. I tell ya I'm inspired to try my hand at this art. Why do I have a feeling I'll be throwing my stuff away?? It probably won't be even good enough to consider donating my mistakes.

Savannah Granny said...

Love your mantel in blue and white with the green apples. Look for those at DT also. The candlestick looks fabulous.
xoGinger

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