Creating your own decoupage prints is not only budget-friendly but easy and fun to make! Countless creative decoupage ideas allow you to use items you may already have on hand.
Today, we will look at a few DECOUPAGE IDEAS & tips that may help with application & appearance.
Free Printable Pages
I started creating full printable pages that are free for you to download & print on your choice of paper. Feel free to use them on your personal +/or commercial projects. You will find the fall pages here in the DIY Decoupage Paper – Make Your Own! post.
*“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.” Some links are affiliate links which I earn a small commission from at no extra cost to you.
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What can I use to make DIY Decoupage Paper?
The sky is the limit when it comes to creative material options for decoupage. If you can apply a glue mixture to it and a sealer on top of it then it’s worth a try!
Paper and fabrics have different weights to them which make some easier to work with than others. Practice along with picking up tips from others is what I have found most helpful.
If you would like to put together graphics you find online to print your own pages for decoupage I recommended using Canva.com. Over on my second channel, I have a quick tutorial for an easy way to do that!
My DESIGN Channel for CANVA Tutorials
Here’s a list of DECOUPAGE IDEAS for Materials
Please comment with any other types of materials that I didn’t post on this list. Also, let me know what your FAVORITE decoupage medium is 🙂
Where can I buy Printed Decoupage Paper?
If printing your own paper isn’t an option OR you want a variety on hand there are many printed papers & napkins available!
Napkins can sometimes be found at The Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and The Christmas Tree Store, along with a variety of online stores. Prints on decoupage, mulberry, and rice paper can be found in online shops like Vintage Revival Design Co.
I love keeping printed napkins on hand so when I have projects that need to be done quickly I am ready to go!
Tools & Materials for Decoupage
Here are a few of the supplies that I used for my projects. Let me know if I forgot to list any or if you use a different method. I am always looking at trying and learning new ways to create!
Easy Steps to Decoupage
Due to the different weights of papers, some materials apply much easier to certain surfaces than others.
I find for items with lots of details or textures that a thinner weight works best to bring out all of the details. (like one-ply napkins or tissue paper). It could just be my personal preference so be sure to let me know what works best for you!
Tips for Decoupage
Here are a few simple tips that may help with the appearance & application process. Some I learned the hard way but that happens!
- When applying paper on curved surfaces using small pieces can make it easier and less wrinkled
- Using plastic wrap or a plastic bag to help smooth the paper after you’ve applied it to its surface
- Applying spray sealer to paper that has been printed on using an inkjet printer to avoid smearing once you apply Mod Podge (or equivalent)
- Allowing the “bottom layer” to dry fully before applying a second layer or sealer top coat.
- If adding a design using ink stamps try to use permanent ink OR spray with sealer before applying your ink stamped print to lock the ink on
- If using an inkjet printer to print on your paper you may need to apply a coat of spray sealer to lock in the ink first. I find that with thinner materials like tissue paper & napkins I have to do this step but when using thicker paper like rice paper, I can skip this step.
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Decoupage Ideas – Paper Options
Book Pages – I applied watered-down Antiquing Wax from Waverly onto the pages. I poured the mixture into a spray bottle which makes application easier & “speckled” for more of an aged look.
Decoupage Ideas applied to Upcycled Home Decor
Paper Placemats & Ink Stamp
I scored an entire box of embossed white paper placemats at a church sale last summer and have loved crafting with them! The texture is similar to a paper towel or thick napkin but they are the weight of rice paper or quality copy paper.
Tip – when applying images or script onto an item while it’s upside down be sure you’re adhering them facing the right way. I had the dish upside down which also put the words upside down, too! Lol, easy fix to glue new pieces going the right way over the top!
Can you Decoupage with Printer Paper?
Yes, you can! If using an inkjet printer to print on your designs be sure to add a coat of spray sealer to lock the ink on so it doesn’t run or smear when applying Mod Podge.
After the bottom paper had dried onto the wood, I tore around the second printed page and applied them using Mod Podge. I worked carefully to make sure they were aligned with the bottom images.
One of our lovely viewers suggested cutting the butterflies and gluing them down the middle to create a 3D look! I can’t wait to try her suggestion!
DOWNLOAD HERE – AMAZING GRACE NATURE PRINT (PDF)
(PNG) AMAZING GRACE NATURE PRINT (PNG)
(JPG) AMAZING GRACE NATURE PRINT (JPG)
Paper Gift Wrap – Decoupage Ideas
Just cut or tear the gift wrap to size, and apply with a thin coat of Mod Podge. Wait, for it to dry, and then apply your favorite sealer. I prefer applying two coats of Polycrylic brush on sealer when I’m working with vintage gift wrap and wood.
You can create your own vintage Inspired gift wrap by finding vintage ads over at thegraphicsfairy.com and resizing them over on Canva.com then print them on your choice of paper or on plain rice paper.
Regular Paper for Decoupaging
I use an inkjet printer which my prints tend to smear when I apply even a thin undercoat of Mod Podge. I do recommend applying spray sealer over your printed page prior to crafting (like we do when making waterslide decals)
Triple Krylon spray works the best for me and gives the paper some texture and added weight which helps prevent tearing.
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Friends, I want to thank you so much for stopping by. I hope that you enjoy these simple decoupage ideas & they inspire you to create something unique & beautiful that will bring you (or others) JOY!
Feel free to comment with any questions and please share with me if you tried this project! I would love to hear from you!
Have a Super Blessed week! ~KIM
Posts that You May Enjoy
Vintage Thrift Haul & Free Printable Tags
Upcycled Home Decor & Free Printables!
Free Printable Floral Tags for Spring!
DIY Transfers – Create & Apply to Your Projects!
Fall Decoupage Prints & DIY Transfers
I hope you enjoy these printables! Let me know what projects you create using them. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter for updates on more free printables & DIYs!
Shop This Post and My Favorite Products
- HP INKJET Printer (my HP model is no longer made but this is similar) – Basic, easy to use
- Rice Paper (for DIY transfers)
- Reynold’s Freezer Paper – (for DIY transfers)
- Waterslide Decal Paper (for inkjet printer DIY transfer)
- No Spray Waterslide Decals – white matte – (for inkjet or laser) DIY Transfers
- Iron-On Transfers for light fabric (for inkjet printer) DIY Transfers
- Mod Podge (32 oz. matte)
- Gesso Surface Prep Medium (16-oz white)
- Wax & Chalkpaint Brush
- Water-Based Poly Sealer (brush-on)
- Lavender (faux) just ordered & it is AMAZING for the price
*“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.” Some links are affiliate links which I earn a small commission from at no extra cost to you.
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If you’d like to learn how to create your own designs and printables just head over to my second channel on YouTube, Creative DIY Purpose DESIGN, where I offer video tutorials using Canva. If you are new to Canva you can use my link HERE for a FREE Trial
I offer many free printables for you here on my blog that were created using Canva!
Unlock 1,000’s of Graphics & more with CanvaPro!** – I have created over 5.000 designs using Canva, it is very user-friendly and offers unlimited design options!
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