Welcome to another crafty post on Aimsy’s Antics. In this week’s post, we are looking at the art of decoupaging. See how to decoupage an old piece of furniture with up-styling a sewing caddy.
So, I love giving furniture and decor pieces a new lease of life. Whether this is to upstyle old pieces or making pieces fit in with my current decor, there is no better way than to have a go yourself. Just have a look at this furniture upstyle I carried out a while ago on here. You can really set your creativity flow and give furniture pieces an extra bit of pop.
My neighbour very kindly gave me a sewing caddy/storage from her sewing stash a few months ago, and I have been wracking my brain on how best to change it up. That is when I discovered how to decoupage. This is a game-changer in the crafty business for me and really adds a nice effect to projects. Now this is my first time in decoupaging, so my technique may not 100% be the best, but I loved having a go at this.
Don’t forget to check out the Video version of this post at the end of this!
What is Decoupage?
The art of decoupaging is basically sticking things to other things to give a really cool effect. Now, you can decoupage with anything, from paper napkins to wallpaper and even fabric! The possibilities are endless. Ideally, you want the stick on piece to look like it is part of the furniture and not just something on, which can be difficult, especially if the paper is quite thick.
How to Decoupage:
So, to get you thinking creatively and giving you inspiration, I thought I would show you the transformation of boring sewing storage into the more styled version.
As lovely as it was for my neighbour to give me some of her sewing goodies, I really wasn’t feeling the wooden look. It looked odd with my decor, and to be quite honest I am not a huge fan of orange-toned wood. I much prefer that pale, white kind of wood style. So, I thought I would have a go at a bit of DIY and up styling the sewing caddy with paint and decoupaging. This is a look back on how I did it, with a few tips on how you can up-style something you have.
What you need:
To decoupage any piece of furniture, you will need the following items. Obviously it depends on what you are decoupaging, and whether you need to prep the surface beforehand.
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- Furniture item (sewing storage caddy)
- Decoupage glue / Mod Podge*
- Decoupage brushes* – one hard and one soft
- Paper of choice – I opted for these Art deco paper pad* from my card making stash
- Imitation Rose Gold Leaf* (optional)
- 80 Grit / Medium sandpaper
- Chalk paint – Antique White shade
- Painter’s tape
Step 1 – Prep base
Before adding any paint or decoupage pieces to the sewing caddy, I needed to prep it. There was a varnish on the sewing storage, so this needed removing. The best way to achieve this was to get out the sandpaper and a bit of elbow grease. If you are up-styling any piece, it is always best to prep the base. This allows the paint to ‘stick’ to it better, as well as allowing it to go on a lot smoother.
The trickiest part of this project was the top of the sewing caddy. There are lots of small dowels to hold cotton spools. To prep this part; I decided it would be best to remove the dowels, sand and then replace them. Very tedious and my fingers did not thank me, but was a needed step in the project.
Step 2 – Glue in the dowels
After I had painstakingly sanded each dowel piece and the top of the sewing caddy, it was time to re-glue these back into place. Now, this step might sound like a bit of wasted effort, but some of the dowel pieces were not actually glued in straight. This step gave me the opportunity to straighten then and allow for the cotton spools to fit on better.
If you have to glue any part of your project, read the instructions on your wood glue. The Gorilla glue I used, stated that there was a curing time of 24 hours. This put an extra day onto the project, as you really should let the glue set. You don’t want any wonky pieces to the furniture!
Step 3 – Paint
Before the step of decoupaging can happen, the sewing caddy needed to be painted. Now, if you are covering the full furniture piece with decoupage items, then you could probably skip this step. You won’t be seeing the base of the item anyway, so save yourself some time!
I opted to use chalk paint in the shade ‘Antique White’, which I had leftover from one of my Christmas DIYs. This really adds to the vintage look I wanted for the piece, as well as matching my decor.
First I painted the drawers, both inside and out. Now, painting the outside parts of the drawers can be problematic, as it can cause the drawers to stick when pulling them in and out. Then once the glue had cured, I could paint the base unit. Again, the top part was the most difficult to paint. Using a small paintbrush helped immensely with this! I waited a few hours between coats and covered the sewing caddy in two coats of this paint.
Step 4 – Prepare to Decoupage
So, now it is the fun part of getting the design going. I wanted to give the sewing caddy a mix between shabby chic look and an art deco feel. Two design styles that I really like and that would make this piece fit in with my room decor.
To start I selected some paper from my card making stash. This is like a rose-gold shell art deco design. Now, I thought the whole design would be too much to place onto the storage unit, so I went with cutting out a few of the individual shapes to stick on. I needed 20 of the shell pieces in total to complete the look I wanted for the sewing caddy. Fussy cut scissors are perfect for cutting small pieces out as well, rather than the bigger craft scissors.
If you are wanting to decoupage with napkins, then you can tear around the design carefully. This will really help it to blend into the project, as well as add to that shabby chic vibe!
Step 6 – Start to Decoupage
Once, all the pieces are cut out and ready, it is time to grab the decoupage brushes. I bought a pack of two for this, using the thicker and more hard brush to place on the first layer of mod podge. I preferred to do this in patches of where I wanted the decoupage pieces to sit rather than covering the whole of the sewing caddy.
Then using the same brush, I gave the small shell shape a layer of the mod podge onto the back of it. Once this was coated, it was then time to place it down into the desired place. Now, this can get a little tricky, with the piece moving about a little. It may be best to wait for the glue to get slightly tacky so that it sits in place.
When the pieces were in place, I applied another layer of mod podge over the top, and used the softer brush from the pack, to remove some of the excesses. This type of brush is also perfect for removing any air bubbles that could form. Luckily for me, the paper I used was quite thick and I didn’t really see any air bubbles.
For thinner and more delicate paper, it is important to move the brushes over them gently, so not to tear.
Ideally, you should keep applying layers of the mod podge, until the stuck on pieces feel like they are part of the furniture, rather than stuck on. I only applied two layers of the mod podge in the end, because I was too impatient with the up-styling! I still think the effect looks good.
Step 7 – Add on Final Touches
To add a finishing touch to the sewing caddy, I opted to add on some imitation rose gold leaf. Now, I am not sure if this is the best method of adding on imitation gold leaf as it didn’t turn out 100% as I had envisioned. However, I have grown to like the effect that I did get with this and it really adds to the shabby chic look to the sewing storage.
So, first, it was time to use painters tape to tape up the area I wanted to place on the imitation leaf. I thought it would look nice around the top edges of the sewing storage.
Then I placed a think layer of the mod podge glue around the area. Carefully adding on the imitation leaf next, patting it on with the paper it came in.
This worked slightly, with some of the pieces sticking, however quite a few tore and came away. So I used the softer brush, to pat more of the imitation leaf on. Again, this was semi-successful. I followed this by placing over another thin layer of mod podge to seal it on. Leaving it to dry for another 24 hours before removing the painter’s tape.
When removing the tape, it did pull off a bit of the imitation leaf, as well as a bit of the mod podge. I however quite like the effect it left. For some of the more ‘bumpy’ bits, I gently sanded down slightly, which again added to the shabby chic look. To balance the imitation leaf design, I added a small amount to all four bottom corners of the sewing storage using the same method.
Then the sewing stoarage/caddy up-style with decoupage was complete!
What do you think of the up-style? What would you have done differently? Do you have any tips on adding on imitation gold leaf? Let me know in the comments below!
How to Decoupage – Video
If you would like to see how this project turned out in video form, check out my video version below!
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Wow the before and after!! I have never seen a tutorial like this before – I don’t do a lot of crafts so that could be why, but what a great technique!!
Hayley || hayleyxmartin
It looks like a totally different piece doesn’t it? Think the technique could use some work, but love how this turned out!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
This looks absolutely gorgeous! The basic wooden look definitely wouldn’t be my style either but I adore how you’ve transformed it 🙂 The foil effect is really unique and I especially love how you’ve done it on the drawer knobs!
Alice Xx
http://www.blacktulipbeauty.co.uk
Aww, thank you! I wasn’t sure I liked it when it was first finished, but now I love it. Definitely more fitting with my decor now!
I like the added touch on the drawer knobs too 🙂
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
This looks so pretty, you brought back life to the wood. Thank you for letting me know about decoupage, never heard the word before but it’s always nice learning something new.
I hadn’t really tried decoupage until now, but now I want to decoupage everything!
Glad you liked!
Aimsy xoxo
Decoupage can be so much fun! I have used it to make season decorations a few times but never thought about trying it for a furniture redo! This is a great idea!
I am new to it, but I love it. I think i still have to work on the technique, but love the effect it gives. Really does up-style pieces of furniture!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
What a transformation! You really made this your own and it’s so pretty. I can’t wait to find something to do this with 🙂
Leanne | Latte Leanne xx
It looks totally different, doesn’t it?! Glad you liked it…happy crafting!
Aimsy xoxo
I love decoupage! So easy and transformative. Love this, it’s so pretty 🙂 x
LottieLately.com
It is so easy, I don’t know why I haven’t given it a go before!
Thank you, quite happy with how it has turned out!
Aimsy xoxo
AAWwwww, this is the cutest!
I love to work with wood especially as I feel there is something magical about that 🙂
You made it look so wonderful!
https://www.ecoislogical.com/
Nathalie
Aww, thank you! I am happy with how it turned out in the end. I was worried I had ruined the box at first.
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Wow, what an incredible transformation! I absolutely love your creativity Aimsy! The new sewing caddy fits in with your decor perfectly and looks so beautiful. This is such a fun way to refresh furniture and make your own unique designs. You have done a brilliant job, thank you for sharing the tutorial and for the inspiration! <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Aww, thank you for such a lovely comment Bexa! Definitely a fun way to liven up old furniture, especially when you can get it to match your decor. Glad you have got some inspiration from it!
Aimsy xoxo
I love doing decoupage. It is such a fun way to upcycle décor! Thank you for this tutorial, your finished drawers look amazing!
Em x
It is so relaxing, isn’t it? Definitely a great way to upcycle projects!
Thank you, glad you liked it!
Aimsy xoxo
This is so cute! Thanks for sharing x
Glad you like it!
Aimsy xoxo
I haven’t ever decoupaged anything before but it looks like fun! I should do this now that I have more time on my hands!
Oh, it is so much fun and so easy to do. Although I do think I need to work on my technique, I don’t think the project has turned out too bad!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
I had no idea what decoupage meant until you broke it down so simply. I love this little storage caddy, and how different it looked after a decoupaging! The pink and white is pretty, and it will be a great place to store things for future crafts.
I want to decoupage my jewelry box now! 🙂
Have fun decoupaging! You will find it relaxing and hopefully get some great projects from it.
Thanks for commenting!
Aimsy xoxo
Wow! I love the before and after, your caddy turned out so cute!
-Hillary
http://www.hillarybush.com
Aww thank you! Glad you liked 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
I had honestly never heard of decoupage before reading this post! The transformation you made to these draws is amazing! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Decoupage really can transform a piece, can’t it? Really happy with how this turned out for my first proper go!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
This looks so pretty you really did a good job
Aww, thank you! I think it has turned out really well!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Wow what a transformation! I never knew what decoupage was so thanks for sharing 🙂
It looks like a different piece doesn’t it? Really happy with decoupaging, now looking for something else to decoupage!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
That transformation is amazing! It looks so much better even after it’s been painted but the gold leaf looks incredible. I love the detail on the top, so easy to do as well. I need to try this x
Sophie
I wasn’t so sure on the gold leaf, but I think now it has had a chance to settle into the piece, it would look weird without it!
Decoupage was weirdly therapeutic too, so relaxing!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Turned out well! I’m about to tackle a tray with wine labels! thanks for the tips. I’ll remember to take a before and after pic and share w you!
Ooo, that sounds interesting! Hope the tray turns out great, would love to see a picture of it when it’s finished!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
That was a really cool before and after transformation. I have never decoupaged anything but you make the process look like it’s something I could do. Thanks for sharing this. It was fun to see the project.
Glad you liked it, it looks quite different from the before, doesn’t it?
Oh, you will have great fun decoupaging if you give it a go. It’s more simple than you think!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Glad you liked it, it looks quite different from the before, doesn’t it?
Oh, you will have great fun decoupaging if you give it a go. It’s more simple than you think!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Flora and I do a lot of decopatch crafting – we have a whole host of little trinket boxes and model animals around the house. They make great gifts for people to, it’s the nandmade touch, isn’t it? And so easy and satisfying to do as well. Lovely tutorial, Aimsy, and your sewing caddy looks beautiful! Lisa x
Oh, I bet they look amazing! Definitely a lovely handmade touch, and very satisfying.
So glad I have tried this technique out!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
What a beautiful transformation! I love what you managed to do with the original! It looks great!
Aww, thank you! I love how it has turned out
Aimsy xoxo
Simply lovely! I love what you did with it – you brought back life to it with your own creative style!
Glad you liked it…its great to get a bit creative!
Aimsy xoxo
Oh this is awesome! I love what you’ve done here! I’ve never heard of this technique before but the before and after pictures look fab ☺️
Ashleigh – https://www.ashleighsmoments.com
Aww thank you! I had never given it a try before, but now I am just thinking of everything I can decoupage!
Glad you liked!
Aimsy xoxo
The sewing caddy turned out so cute! I decoupaged the top of a side table once with napkins. It turned out really well, but then I ended up not liking it. 😀 I change my mind too much!
I think I will try napkins the next time, I have seen some really good effects with them. I bet it turned out fab, but like you, I would want to change it too soon
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
It looks lovely! I’d never have guessed it looked like it did beforehand. LOVE the gold leaf too! It looks fab.
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
Aww, thank you. It looks quite different, doesn’t it? I thought I had ruined the piece when I first added on the gold leaf, but I think it has settled into it nicely!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Such a brilliant idea for reusing. I really like it. You have done a good job. Kepp it up.
It’s great to give something a new lease of life, isn’t it?!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Wow this is so cool and was interesting to read how you did it! I hadn’t actually heard of decoupaging before. Very creative thanks for sharing 🙂 xx
Glad you liked! I am new to decoupaging, but I am totally in love with it now!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Wow this is soo cool!! You are very handy!! I am really klutzy and really not good at DIY stuff lol
I’m sure with a bit of practice you would be fab at a few DIY projects!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Ooooh! I always love seeing upstyling furniture. It makes the product so much more better to look at hehe. It is so cool that you have a sewing storage! The decoration of the caddy looks super cute. You did a great job with it! Thanks for sharing these easy steps. Maybe I need to look at doing the same for my things!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Thanks for commenting! It turned out great find;t it? I love seeing how others do their projects, so glad you enjoyed mine!
Would love to see how you up-style any of your items!
Aimsy xoxo