Decoupage is the art of decorating an object by gluing either pieces or a large paper onto it. Commonly, small boxes or furniture are usually covered using this technique using cutouts from magazines or specially made papers.
The word decoupage comes from the French word 'decouper' meaning to cut out or to cut from something. Although the origin, some believe has come from the tomb art of East Siberia where some nomadic tribes cut out pieces of felt to decorate the tombs of their loved ones.
In this tutorial I will show you an easy way to create gorgeous tea light glasses.
The best thing about decoupage is that you don't have to invest a lot into special decoupage papers - you can use pages from a magazine and even decorative tissue papers.
Like the ones pictured below.
Most nice decorative tissue papers have 3 layers. I like to remove one of the inner layers and apply it as a base coat.
Materials:
* A small preferably straight sided glass
* Decorative tissue paper
* PVA glue
* A little water
* A flat brush
* A small container
* Scissors
* Tea lights
* Varnish/ Varnish spray/ Lacquer spray
To start with, clean your glass thoroughly then measure out the height of the glass and a little more than halfway to the bottom and all the way around and cut out a piece of decorative tissue paper.
We'll need to thin out the glue a little. I like to use a 2:1 ratio of glue and water. Put the glue and water into a small container and mix it well together with the brush.
Brush on a little glue onto the side of the glass and stick down the tissue paper. If your tissue paper has three layers, remove one of the inner layers and use it as a base coat. Once dry, apply the next two layers together. If on the other hand your tissue paper has only two layers, use both the layers together.
Align one end of the tissue paper with the top of the glass and work it all the way around.
You will need to be really careful here as the tissue paper can tear really easily. Don't be too rough in smoothening the tissue paper - just pat it down. Try and smooth down as many of the wrinkles and air bubbles you can find.
The bottom edge will be sticking out now. Fret not... Make a cut from the end of the tissue paper to the bottom of the glass. Now make another cut about a centimetre apart. Apply a little glue mixture to the bottom of the glass and stick the flap down.
Keep making centimetre cuts and sticking them down one at a time. Now some of you will be thinking about making centimetre cuts all around at once and then sticking them down. Bit there's more of a chance you'll muck up your work if you do that. All good things take time and patience...
So take your time and be patient.
Very gently apply some glue to the outer tissue. Be careful to dab gently and not brush too hard as you may take off some of the tissue. Leave to dry, then apply another coat.
Once dry you can apply a clear coat of varnish. It will need at least 3-4 coats. Make sure its completely dry between each coat. Also make sure to read the instructions on your varnish before use.
Alternatively, you can also use a lacquer spray. But make sure to follow the directions and safety instructions on the can.
Once completely dry, they're ready for use.
You can add a few finishing touches with 3D paints as I have done. You can even use a little gold leaf in places you'd like to highlight.
Your tea light may get too hot for the glass and the glass might crack. What I like to do as a precaution is to put a little sand or water in the bottom of the glass. That way the sand or water absorbs the heat and keeps the glass from cracking.
FAQ's
1) What is decoupage glue?
Almost any clear drying, water based, PVA glue can be used for decoupage.
2) What is PVA glue?
Fevicol, Elmer's glue, Woodworking glue, Crafting glue are all examples of PVA glue.
3) Is there a difference between Mod Podge and PVA glue?
For decades before Mod Podge came around, people were using watered down PVA glue for their art. Yes it may be a little stronger but I find it remains tacky for way too long. I always have large bottles of PVA for my other crafting projects and don't really see all the fuss in investing in another brand. Glue is glue. And it does its job.
4) How can I make my work waterproof?
I would recommend a clear enamel acrylic sealer.
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