How to Apply Decoupage to Photos

Brighten photos with a frame of decoupage paper or cut photos.

Photos capture moments in time. You can send them as gifts to family and friends or hang them on the wall to brighten your day. Decoupage is a cost-effective way to embellish your photographs. It allows you to combine decorative paper or objects with glue on surfaces, such as picture frames, albums and glass. Although photos are often used as the decoupage material, they can serve as the surface too. Decoupaging takes time, but the results are worth it.

Things You'll Need

• Decoupage paper, photos or dried flowers
• Decoupage medium
• Varnish
• Popsicle stick or craft stick
• Tweezers

Instructions

1. Lay the photograph you want to decoupage on a table or other flat surface.

2. Cut the decoupage paper, photos or dried flowers to the size you want to use. Smaller pieces work well for photographs.

3. Arrange each piece around the photo where you'd like it to go.

4. Apply your decoupage medium to the popsicle stick.

5. Lift the first piece of decoupage paper, photos or dried flowers from its location. Brush its reverse side with glue and return it to its place on the photograph. Use the popsicle stick to smooth the area. Remove any excess glue with the popsicle stick and damp cloth. Repeat this step for the remaining pieces you want to add to the first layer.

6. Wait for the decoupage medium to dry completely, then coat all the pieces with the medium again. Arrange the second layer of pieces around the photo where you'd like them to go.

7. Wait for the decoupage medium to dry and coat the pieces with varnish.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not apply decoupage medium on inkjet printed photos. They tend to smudge easily.