Homemade Gifts

Simple Decoupage Projects

By editor ⋅ August 13, 2007 ⋅ Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

If you’ve ever wondered what decoupage means, exactly, there are a wealth of definitions on Google.  But, essentially, it is the art of gluing shapes of paper or other material onto a surface which is then varnished or coated until the effect is similar to an inlaid collage.

The Decoupaged Postage Stamp Tin, shown at left, is a simple decoupage project made from used postage stamps that are glued to a tin box and coated with decoupage medium (or with white glue thinned with water).  It’s a great keepsake, especially if you use postage stamps from envelopes that were mailed to you.  But even if you buy a bulk bag of international used stamps, the tin will be colorful, and indicative of its purpose if you use it to store current stamps inside.   A nice homemade gift for the hard-to-buy-for male in your life, perhaps?

The Patchwork Decoupage Container, shown at right, has a country feel and makes a great container for soaps, sachets or other homemade gifts.  You make it by gluing one-inch squares of fabric, cut out with pinking shears, onto a cardboard tube or plastic tube container that previously held drink crystals or something similar.  Nice way to recycle both the container and those odd scraps of fabric you have lying around!

Fancy paper napkins are the inspiration for the Decoupaged Bath Set, shown at left, which includes a glass jar and shaker box.  In this version of decoupage, shapes are cut out of the paper napkins - in this case, rosebuds…but any beguiling image that catches your eye would work equally well.  How about a bathset featuring tropical fish, frogs or seashells?  Just find paper napkins that suit your theme, cut out the motif and start gluing.

For the ambitious among you, why not try making Decoupaged Jewellery?  The cameo earrrings, shown at right, are…you guessed it, decoupage creations. 

If you fancy something a little less fiddly, but equally charming, try making these easy Decoupaged Candle Holders, shown at left, made from inexpensive glass votives and a cut-out motif from gift wrap paper.