When Miya and Elisabeth asked me to participate in a Skill-sharing jamboree a few months ago for the third issue of Rue Magazine, I was so excited. But I was also more than a little hesitant: I suddenly felt very unskilled–at least at the kind you can teach to a group in under 10 minutes. So I decided to learn something new myself first; I started reading up on decoupage.
My method is probably not classical, but I was quite happy with the end results!
Glass flats from Behrenberg Glass Company
Decoupage medium–Mod Podge or Acrylic Medium, thinned with water
Something to apply the medium–sponge brush or brayer
Razor blade
Papers–I chose vintage postcards and personal travel memorabilia to suggest making a souvenir, but ideally you would use thinner paper (something the medium could penetrate)
After giving it a minute or two to set, I took my blade and trimmed around the edges of the glass.
Here’s where a porous paper works best (though the postcards worked fine): you want to seal the back by adding another layer of medium. Most then suggest painting the back with layers of varnish or paint, or finishing it with a layer of felt–though my lesson ended with a simple layer of the acrylic gloss. No doubt Derian does something really special to achieve such a seamless, glossy surface on his pieces and it would be worth trying different approaches to see what you like best.
Everyone’s paperweights turned out beautifully and my nerves were immediately calmed when I started chatting with all of the friendly and creative people who had gathered.
I’ll definitely be trying this again!
The feature ran on pages 60-63 of Rue Issue 3 this past January.
Here are some awesome outtakes from Trent Bailey, the photographer, and a few more posted by Anne on The City Sage.
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Those look great!
I am loving these and such a super nice idea!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Have a lovely day, Kristina
such a nice sweet idea. really into it. would love to have one with a boat in
See, looky there…you have tons of talent! Might have to incorporate these into my next DIY project. Have fun with the swap!
wow that is so neat! what a great idea!
How neat! As I am reading this I am thinking, "goodness, they must have the coolest apartment ever." I can only imagine all the ways you've decorated with your travels.
This could be awesome to do as a wedding favor or to use instead of escort cards. THANK YOU!
Wow, that's really cool and it a great destination for all those postcards, tickets and travel bits and bobs that I've collected over the years. I used to put them in scrapbook but now they just get filed …hither and thither. Plus as an aside, love your rope necklace and pink top – they look amazing together!
What a beautiful project. Decoupage is a very handy skill to have!
xoxo,
courtney
These look darling. Thanks for sharing. Have to find some glass and pretty papers to make some.
These are amazing! What a great idea and skill to share.
Wow, that is really cool!
Thanks! I can't tell you how much I agonized over finding a project! Glad you all like it, too.
About Last Wkend: thanks so much! I spotted the necklace on Jenna's little girl over on Sweet Fine Day, and bought it from Ismodern.
great ideas and definitely a skill worth sharing!
Hi!! I'm here via Kisha's "From India with Love" blog and saw your Frequent Flyer feature… Looking forward to catching up on all of your posts and travelogues! Also love your photos. What type of camera do you use?
I'm a travel junkie as well with a travel blog… I'm currently living in Hong Kong and teaching at an international high school… Travelling in my spare time so check me out!
http://oneika-the-traveller.blogspot.com
How fun! What a great idea. I am pretty uncrafty, but I think I could do this.
The Cheeky Cafe
This was one of my favorite activities from the day! I love that it's super easy, but that the final product looks completely professional (pretty much my standard for a worthwhile DIY project).
Hope all is well!
I would love to try my hand at this!
Cheers!!
totally beautiful