How to Make a Decoupage Paper Purse
Your purse can make or break an outfit and sometimes it's impossible to find just the right look. You can rehab an old handbag or make a work of art from an inexpensive, plain purse and make your own decoupage paper purse. Decoupage is a centuries-old art technique that uses decorative papers or cut-outs to decorate objects. From classic and vintage papers, to funky designs, decoupage purses can reflect your unique personality and sense of style.
Things You'll Need
- Vinyl, plastic or faux leather purse, preferably with a removable handle or strap
- Pattern paper or brown kraft paper
- Scissors
- Wrapping paper, decoupage paper or individual cut-outs to cover the surface of the purse
- Spray bottle of water capable of a fine mist
- White multipurpose glue
- Paper bowl
- Foam brush
- Clean sponge or rag
- Glitter glue, optional
- Goat hair brush or other semi-wide soft brush
- Acrylic varnish
- Clear, oil-based varnish
Instructions
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1
Clean and dry the surface of the purse with a lint-free cloth. Remove the handle or strap if it’s removable.
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2
Trace the shape of the purse front and back onto the pattern paper or kraft paper. Trace the sides, or the bottom and sides, as one piece, according to the purse construction. Cut out the pattern pieces.
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3
Trace the pattern pieces on the wrapping or decoupage paper, unless you are using individual cut-outs. Cut out the pieces.
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4
Lay out individual cut-outs on the purse pattern pieces one side at a time, if you are not choosing to use wrapping or decoupage paper. There should be no gaps. Set the pieces aside until you work on that part of the purse.
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5
Spray the paper for the bottom, or bottom and sides if it is one piece, lightly with water to avoid wrinkles. The paper will curl and then flatten.
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6
Pour some glue into the paper bowl. Use a foam brush to apply the glue to the paper piece or individual cut-outs for the bottom and sides of the purse, put the paper in place and allow it to dry. Individual cut-out pieces should be overlapped a bit so there are no gaps in the design. Wrapping paper or decoupage paper edges should meet without gaps. Repeat with the front and back of the purse. Make certain all edges are glued down and remove excess glue with a sponge or rag.
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7
Add a coat of glitter glue, if desired. Apply the glitter to the bottom and sides, front and back, allowing it to dry between each part of the purse.
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Apply 10 coats of acrylic varnish with the soft brush. Allow the varnish to dry between coats. Apply two coats of oil-based varnish, allowing it to dry between coats.
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9
Replace the handle or strap, or make one of your own. One possibility would be to string coordinating color beads on wire and twist the ends around the hardware where the original handle attached.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
