Easy Decoupaged Pots

Old pots collecting spider webs? Sounds like it’s time for some up-cycled fun! Read on for a simple way to transform your old pots from drab…

to fab!

How you ask? Using one of my favorite 1960s crafting trends – decoupage. What is decoupage? Simply put – decoupage is artistic sleight of hand. What appears to be a painted design is actually paper, glued in place. This artistic method not only produces stunning results but it couldn’t be easier to do! It’s also an incredibly inexpensive craft, especially if you are using an old pot. Hope you enjoy this fun and easy project as much as I do!

Materials

Clean and Dry Pot.
Scissors.
Paper or Tissue Paper.
Mod Podge (or make your own with white glue and water)

Directions

STEP ONE: Prepare Items to be Mod Podged.

Here a few tips you should know before beginning.

• Paper – Most items, especially thicker papers and scrapbook papers, are ready to be Mod Podged as is. If you are working with thinner sheets of scrapbook paper it may help to spray your paper with a clear acrylic sealer before Mod Podging. Spray both sides and allow to dry before using.

• Tissue Paper – There is nothing that you need to do to prepare tissue paper, but just be advised that because it is so thin, it is very difficult to Mod Podge without wrinkles. The good news is that wrinkles are typically part of the charm of using tissue paper and add a little character to your surface. Mod Podge tissue paper carefully so that it doesn’t tear.

STEP TWO: Cut your items to fit your surface. Measure as necessary, with a ruler and a pencil, and trim your items to fit. You’ll be much happier if you cut everything to fit before Mod Podging as opposed to after.

STEP THREE: Adhere each element with your Mod Podge. Always start with the underlying design elements and work your way upward (when layering). Apply a medium coat of Mod Podge to the surface. Too little Mod Podge and you will get wrinkles – and you can always wipe away excess Mod Podge. Place your item(s) to be decoupaged on top of the Mod Podge and move onto step four.

STEP FOUR: Smooth, Smooth, Smooth. Keep smoothing until all of the bubbles are removed. Then, AND THIS IS IMPORTANT, let your project dry for 15 – 20 minutes. Don’t put a top coat on right away.

STEP FIVE: Add a protective coat of Mod Podge to your project using a sponge or flat brush. Allow to dry and then repeat. The number of coats you finish with is up to you, but I recommend at least two. When you finish, if you experience any tackiness or just want to add durability, add a clear spray or brush-on sealer to the top. Let dry and you’re done!