Decoupage Paper Napkins on Pumpkins Using Plastic Wrap

There are lots of how-to decoupage pumpkins on the net, but a few years ago I read about a technique using plastic wrap to help smooth out the wrinkles.  I couldn't find the article I remembered but there is a wonderful video that shows how this is done.  I've never had much luck in not having wrinkles when I attempt to decoupage.  So I think using plastic wrap is a great technique that I need to try.

I have paper towels in my guest bathroom that I wanted to preserve by doing some sort of decoupage.  I also wanted to show the class I teach in my community clubhouse how to decoupage pumpkins, so I'm killing two things I need to do with one craft.

Paper napkin patterns are very delicate once the white backing layers are removed.  Using plastic wrap helps with the adherence and is less messy than the usual technique of applying mod podge first, and smoothing out the material  with a brush.


Since I had a pattern with a white background I needed to paint my orange pumpkins white.  I used chalk paint for this and it didn't take long to dry.

 

It's always best to tear away the edges of the design so that the napkin will blend in with the background instead of having a straight edge from using scissors.  I thought wetting the edge and pulling it gently away would be better but I had to wait for it to dry first before moving onto the next step (which I was too impatient to do), so I used my fingernails to tear the edge away.

 

After removing all the layers from the pattern, I decided where I wanted the design to go on the pumpkin.  Next, I placed the pattern face down on the plastic wrap. Making sure the plastic wrap is overlapping the napkin all around. Then I applied a light layer of mod podge, not too thick, painting it from the center out, pass the edges.  Making sure all areas of the napkin are covered.   

 

Once covered with mod podge, I picked up the top corners of the wrap (with napkin) and placed it on the pumpkin, smoothing out the napkin (center to edge) on the pumpkin, removing any air bubbles or wrinkles. Once satisfied with the look, removed the plastic wrap and let dry.

 

 

Smoothing the plastic wrap with my fingers was so much easier for me and it felt really good.  I could feel the ridges of the pumpkin while smoothing the napkin out.

I added additional napkin pieces using the same technique.

 

Finally, I applied decoupage glue over all the napkin patterns to seal and let dry.

 

Having a larger stem on the pumpkins adds a bit of whimsy to the overall look.

 

So I took a small piece of dampen brown bag paper, twisted into shape with one end open to fit around the small stem, coated it with white glue and allowed to dry.

Hot glued the twisted paper stem to the small pumpkin stems.

Looks much better, don't you think!

 

I painted the stems with dark brown acrylic paint to blend in better on top. 

 The smaller pumpkin is from the Dollar Tree . . . you can tell by the crease in the middle I couldn't get rid of.

I will definitely be using plastic wrap when I decoupage again.  
This is truly a great idea!

 

 

Take a little time to enjoy

and

Happy Crafting!

Linking To:

Corrugated Cardboard Pumpkin Cut-Out

Raise your hand if you remember cut-out cards as a child.  I'm going way back and thought making a cut-out pumpkin with a little pumpkin in the opening a cute idea as a centerpiece.

This is a great recycle project using corrugated cardboard, a small ornamental pumpkin,  mod podge, paint, glitter, scissors and hot glue  .  .  .  all you probably have in your stash.

•  I used an oval crock pot top as a guide to draw two pumpkin shapes on cardboard boxes I got from Costco's box bins and then I cut the shapes out with an xacto knife.

• Next, folded the pumpkin shape in half, lining up the edges.  I measured the small pumpkin and guessed at drawing a 1/2 oval shape opening at the center edge that the little pumpkin would fit in and cut out.  Tried the small pumpkin for fit in opening which turned out almost perfect.

• I used the first cut out on the second cardboard pumpkin to draw an exact measurement and opening to cut out.

• Painted cardboard pumpkins metallic copper orange and let dry.  After drying I decided that the color was too plain so I painted each side with mod podge and sprinkled orange glitter over the wet glue. After drying, I sealed the glitter with another coat of mod podge and let dry.

• Folded the oval pumpkins in half and hot glued the folded centers together, lining up edges and open circles and let dry.

•  Inserted small pumpkin into the cutout for fit and stability and then removed.  Drew a straight line on bottom about a 1/4 inch from edge and cut off to allow the dimensional pumpkin to stand. Re-inserted pumpkin.

• Cut out two leaf shapes from corrugated cardboard painted green and sprinkled with glitter.  Hot glued leaves to top of pumpkin.

• To make the stem, I cut a strip of corrugated cardboard painted brown, inserted a piece of wire leaving the end exposed, curled it around a pencil and inserted end wire into top of pumpkin.

This would make a great centerpiece for Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving!

Take a little time to enjoy


and


Happy Crafting!






 

Seed Bead Sunflower On Glass DIY

I had an idea to make a sunflower out of seed beads on a glass vase.  I thought this would be great as a fall décor item.  It didn't turn out exactly how I thought it would but it is cute, different and quite easy to do. 

• Find or draw a picture of a sunflower,  cut out and tape to the inside of a glass vase.

• Using a glue like E6000 or thick tacky glue that will dry clear and not run on the glass, outline and fill-in the center section of the flower.

•   Sprinkle dark brown seed beads over the glue until the entire area is covered in seed beads. Use a plate to catch the fallen seed beads so you can collect and use them again.

 

• Next, fill in the petals with glue, two at a time so the glue won't dry out and sprinkle with gold tone seed beads.

 

 

• Use a plastic spoon to shape and push the beads down on the glue and fill in any low or empty areas by sprinkling on more beads and glue if needed.
• Let dry overnight.
• Seal by painting the beaded sunflower with mod podge or clear varnish and allow to dry.

 

• Any glue stains on the glass should be carefully cleaned with alcohol or nail polish remover on a cotton ball.

 

 

 

The possibilities are unlimited for decorating glass containers with seed beads and glue.  Just find a drawing you like, tape it inside the glass, outline and fill-in with glue, sprinkle on seed beads, dry overnight, seal with mod podge   .  .  . and beautify your areas!  

    

Take a little time to enjoy

and

Happy Crafting!