How to Decoupage a Small Wooden Box

Decoupage allows you to create a wide variety of looks.

When you're looking for a simple project that will allow you to decorate a small wooden box easily at home, decoupage is the way to go. By selecting and clipping out an assortment of tiny images, pasting them to the box and sealing them with decoupage glue, you can create an ornate and long-lasting look that matches your household decor. Block out an afternoon, gather your supplies and get to work.

Things You'll Need

• Paper images or swatches
• Medium-sized paintbrush
• All-in-one decoupage glue and sealant

Instructions

1. Collect and clip enough images to cover your box. Use magazine images, family photos or pictures from postcards and greeting cards. You can also use scraps of tissue paper for a mosaic look or swatches of wrapping paper as well.

2. Lay the images out on the box in the pattern that you prefer in order to ensure your design will fit on the box's surface. Trim any pieces as necessary until you have the design the way you want it. Remove the images from the box.

3. Use a medium-sized paintbrush to cover the surface of the box with decoupage glue. Do one small area at a time to prevent the glue drying before you finish attaching your images. Alternatively, paint the back of each image one at a time, and stick them onto the box.

4. Paint the surface of the box that has been decorated with a moderate coating of decoupage glue to provide a protective sealant. Ensure the edges of each image are covered. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly and add another one or two coats, allowing each to dry completely between applications.

Tips & Warnings

• Decorate one or two sides of the box at a time so you'll have a non-sticky surface that you can rest on the table while the other sides dry.

• Supervise young children closely when you allow them to work with decoupage.

References

• Michaels: Tulip Decoupage Box
• Plaid: About Mod Podge