Revamp decorations with decoupage

Revamp decorations with decoupage

I decided to decoupage a tin can that I put my pencils in. Mod Podge inspired me to decoupage.

Mod Podge is a glue, sealer and finisher. It’s one of those crafting essentials.

While it is pricy, at about $9 for 16 ounces, it is worth adding to your craft supplies bin. It’s super easy to work with.

The way decoupage works is you can pick almost anything as your base – a lampshade, a pot or even a tin can.

Then you find your layers. Your layers can be photos, old stamps or anything else on flexible paper. I chose old newspapers.

I love decorating with newspapers, especially when they’re from the 1960s.

I work at the Digital Library Center at UF. I help digitally archive newspapers. Once the newspapers are archived, we recycle them. Instead of tossing them, I decided to take some home to use for crafts.

Check your libraries for old newspapers and old books. Some libraries throw them out after a certain amount of time has passed.

If you want that old, yellow tint that old newspapers have, you can dye current newspaper using a tea bag. But that’s another craft for another day.

Decoupage a tin can

What you’ll need:

–       Tin can

–       Mod Podge

–       Paintbrush

–       Old newspaper

–       Scissors

Cut out strips of old newspaper. Vary the sizes of the strips. It will make the can look more interesting.

Using a paintbrush, apply Mod Podge to the back of the newspaper strip that you want to paste on the can.

Carefully place the newspaper strip on the can. Rub it so that any air bubbles are gone. Be careful not to rub it too roughly or the newspaper will rip.

Keep applying the newspaper strips until the entire tin is covered. This process is similar to paper mache. Overlay the strips, if you want.

After the can is completely covered, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the newspaper. This will seal the newspaper and give it a glossy finish. Wait 20 minutes before applying more coats.

I love decoupage because it’s so versatile. It really enhances decorations and adds flair to ordinary household items, like a soup can.

Budget: $9.14 (I had to invest in a bottle of Mod Podge. I barely used any, so I can use it for many crafts to come.)