How to Decoupage With Candy Wrappers

Decoupage is a decorative technique in which you glue printed paper onto a surface. You will be amazed at how easy it is to change an old item into a creative piece of art, using candy wrappers. And you can eat the candy before or after as an added treat.

Things You'll Need

• Candy or bubble gum wrappers
• Iron
• Scissors, craft knife or razor blades
• Newspaper
• Decoupage glue
• Small foam brushes
• Popsicle stick or an old credit card
• Decoupage gel or finish sealer

Instructions

1. Prepare the surface of the item. If it's wood, smooth it out with sandpaper and wipe it down so that it is free of dust. For glass, wash and dry the piece, and then wipe it with alcohol. If you choose to decoupage metal, coat it with a rust resistant paint, and then cover it with thin coats of water-pasted paint.

2. Flatten and remove the wrinkles from your candy wrappers with an iron set to a low temperature. Place the candy wrapper under a piece of cloth and iron it quickly.

3. Cut all of the wrappers into whatever shapes you want. If you use heavier candy wrappers, like Skittles or M&M's, remove the backing from the wrapper.

4. Cover the work area with a newspaper. Decoupage can get very messy.

5. Brush a thin coat of decoupage glue onto the candy wrapper and place it onto the item. Rub out the wrinkles with popsicle sticks or the edge of an old credit card. Repeat this step until you have covered the entire item or surface with the candy wrappers.

6. Seal the item with decoupage gel and let it dry. Drying time will vary depending on how much decoupage gel you used.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure each candy wrapper has a thin backing. Heavier wrappers are hard to stick to most surfaces.

• Bowls are hard to decoupage. Flat items, such as plates and light switch covers, are easier to decoupage.

• For a smoother, cleaner look, do not use much decoupage gel.

• Do not use paper with images on both sides. When glued down, the image on the other side may show through.