How to Decoupage a Gift Basket

When it comes to gift baskets, the basket itself should reflect the theme of the gifts it contains. Unfortunately, you can't always find a basket reflective of your chosen theme. You can easily create your own with decoupage. This delightful project is easy to do and results in a personalized basket perfect for creating a unique gift basket for any special event.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Decorative paper napkins or towels
• Old magazines
• Printed images
• Basket
• Decoupage medium
• Paint brush
• Acrylic varnish
• Spray varnish (optional)
• Scissors
• Craft knife

1. Select the size and shape of the basket you desire. Decide on the theme of the basket and locate images that reflect that theme. Cut images from old magazines or print them from your computer. Look for paper napkins or towels that have appropriate images; these make delightful decoupaged images as the white napkin will become translucent allowing the beauty of the wood to show through and highlighting the image.

2. Cut images as closely as possible to the outline so there is not excess background paper to deal with. Use a pair of small craft scissors to cut tiny details. Trim areas of background color away with a craft knife, if necessary. Separate layers of paper napkins or paper towels so that you are working with the thin layer that contains the image. Tear or trim away excess paper prior to decoupaging.

3. Attach images from thin paper, like paper napkins or towels, by brushing the basket with decoupage medium and apply the image to the basket. Brush the image with decoupage medium and smooth out any wrinkles or bumps. Decoupage images on heavier paper by brushing the back of the image with decoupage medium and pressing in place on the basket. Smooth any wrinkles by hand.

4. Complete the project by applying a protective coat of varnish. Brush a thin coat of varnish over the entire surface of the basket. Work slowly to prevent disturbing the images. Allow to dry and apply additional coats; the more coats apply the better the results will be.

5. Spray with clear varnish spray, instead of applying varnish by brush, if desired. Spray lightly and work in a sweeping motion to prevent dripping. Allow to dry and repeat, if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember you can include words, quotes or verses by printing out the phrase on computer paper and decoupaging them to the basket. The rim of a basket is often a good place to decoupage a favorite verse.

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[Desula]

on 9/25/2008 Thank you for the instructions on how to decoupage a basket. This would be a clever way to decorate Christmas baskets.