A FREE DECOUPAGE PROJECT - REVERSE DECOUPAGED CRYSTAL PAPERWEIGHT
Here's a free decoupage project from our new book, Elegant Decoupage with Paper, Gold Leaf and Fabric. This is the easiest and fastest project in our book, we hope you enjoy it! We intend to add more free projects soon, so please bookmark this page and check back soon!
ELEGANT DECOUPAGE WITH PAPER, GOLD LEAF AND FABRIC
DECOUPAGE WITH PAPER, PROJECT 2
Botanical Motif Crystal Paperweight
A domed crystal paperweight, reverse
decoupaged with a botanical print.
Nothing could be easier than creating a decoupaged crystal paperweight, but the results will astound you! The picture goes beneath the paperweight, and the crystal will magnify and beautify it. This is truly a lovely gift, and a beautiful addition to your desk or writing table.
MATERIALS
Decoupage scissors
Crystal paperweight
Botanical print, or other small print or photograph.
PVA glue
Artist's acrylic spray fixative
Small sponge
Small paintbrush
Latex paint
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1. Select and Prepare the Surface
We used a round, 3” domed crystal paperweight in the example above, but you can also choose clear glass, flat, oval and other sized paperweights, as long as they have a flat surface on the bottom on which to adhere your image. You can find these at craft and department stores, and at many of the online shops that sell decoupage materials. See Part II and the Appendix on sources for a list of such shops.
Wash your paperweight in hot water and dishwashing liquid, rinse it with a mild vinegar solution to make sure there is no oil or detergent residue, then dry it with a lint free cloth, and set it aside.
Step 2. Choose and Prepare your Image
We chose a small botanical print of a cyclamen plant for the bottom of our paperweight. You can choose any small picture for your image, or you can use a family photograph to make a truly personalized work of art. Make sure that you use a laser photocopy of a family photograph, so that you can preserve the original.
To select the proper size image, simply place the clear paperweight on top of various images or photos to see how they fit. You will notice that the domed top of the paperweight will magnify your image.
Before cutting your image, you might wish to make a template. Measure the center interior section of the bottom of the paperweight across from side to side, then use a compass to sketch a circle of the same size on plain paper, and cut out the circle.
Prior to cutting, give your image one or two light coats of spray fixative, to ensure that the colors will not bleed when you wet them with the glue. If you are using an image generated on an ink jet printer, use at least three coats of fixative.
After you have decided on the portion of the image you wish to use, place the template on the image and trace a circle in pencil around the template. Then cut out your image.
Step 3. Glue the image to the paperweight
Working on wax paper, spread a generous amount of PVA Glue such as Elmer's Glue-All or Mod-Podge, onto the bottom of the paperweight. Place the image into position, with the image side down, so that the front of the image shows through the top of the paperweight.
Add a bit of glue to the back of the image, then, using your fingers, spread the image from the center out in order to remove all the air bubbles. Do not squeeze out all the glue, this will result in shiny spots where the image does not adhere to the glass.
Clean up any excess glue with a damp (not wet) sponge. Place the paperweight face up and let it dry overnight.
Step 4. Finish your paperweight
After the paperweight has dried, use a small artist's brush to paint the back side of the decoupaged image with latex paint in a color of your choice. Let the paint dry for several hours, then add a second coat.
Clean up any excess glue or paint on the paperweight with glass cleaner and a paper towel. You can use your fingernail or a razorblade in a holder to remove any stubborn spots of paint or glue.
There you have it, a lovely crystal paperweight that you will enjoy having on your desk!
We hope you enjoyed this free project! You can also see our TABLE OF CONTENTS listing all the elegant projects in our book! When you are ready to order, click the PayPal button below, or go back to the Elegant Decoupage Book Order Page!
CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW FOR ONE-CLICK PAYPAL ORDERING FOR OUR NEW DECOUPAGE BOOK, "ELEGANT DECOUPAGE WITH PAPER, GOLD LEAF AND FABRIC," WITH EMAIL SUPPORT!
Decoupage is only a small part of our art! On our main website, Lady of the Lake Jewelry and Glass Studio, we also offer a dazzling selection of our exotic, handcrafted designer jewelry in sterling silver, 14k and 18k gold, including unique charm bracelets, necklaces and earrings, and handmade lampwork glass beads by artist and jewelry designer Lee Archer. Please do visit!
We provide a convenient, one-click PayPal "Buy it Now" option for our Elegant Decoupage Book. We also accept American Express, money orders and checks for our book and our decoupage items. For other orders and inquiries, please call us at 337-474-4712, or e-mail us.
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© Copyright 1999-2002, Lee A. Archer and Lady of the Lake Enterprises® All Rights Reserved. Original decoupage projects, photographs and and images on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without express, written permission from Lee A. Archer.
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