How to Decoupage Lamps

Elegant silver decoupage lamp

You can decoupage lamps, plates and furniture to make interesting custom decor for your home or to give as one-of-a-kind gifts to near and dear ones. They make unique wedding and anniversary gifts. Once you've mastered this skill, it can easily become a little cottage industry of your own.

Things You'll Need

• Small scissors: straight-bladed, curved cuticle X-Acto knife China marker Nylon sponge Lint-free cloth and soft cloth Lint-free paper towel Very soft (ox hair) ½-inch wide brush Small bowl for glue Vinegar or ammonia Plain clear glass hurricane cylinder or blown glass chimney Paper prints of any design from magazines Sealer (e.g. Krylon clear acrylic spray) Sobo glue or any decoupage glue Water-base or acrylic paints Lamp kit (optional)

Instructions

1. Decide upon the glass shape you are going to use. Keeping the size and shape of glass in mind, select the prints for it. The more delicate decorations will give you a more attractive lamp. Have more prints on hand than you will need. To prevent damage to your prints during the gluing operation, seal them by spraying with the clear acrylic and letting them dry thoroughly.

2. Cut away the excess paper around the design area with straight scissors, then slowly and very carefully cut out the design with curved scissors. Hold scissors in relaxed manner by the thumb and middle finger with the curved blade resting on the index finger and pointing away from the edge to be cut. Feed the print into the scissors, keeping the scissors moving in a steady rhythm with small cuts. It is usually best to first cut away interior spaces in the design. Holding the scissors' blade then trim. Lastly cut around the contour of each shape. You can use the X-Acto knife for the interior spaces if you prefer on a self-healing board or a similar flat surface.

3. Clean the glass very well with vinegar or ammonia, and rinse thoroughly. Dry it well with lint-free cloth. Be sure the inside of the glass remains clean.

4. Arrange the placement of design on the outside of glass; use a drop of rubber cement to hold pieces in place if necessary. Do not overlap designs. When the arrangement is just as you wish, mark an outline of each piece with China marker on the outside so you will be able to secure them in the right position on the inside of glass. Then remove and lay out your designs on a flat surface. Spread sobo or decoupage glue in the interior of the glass. Use a sponge or your fingers. Decoupage glue will go on milky but will dry clear.

5. Take your pictures one at a time from the flat surface. Make some tiny cuts on the paper to help it go smoothly onto the curved surface of the glass. Dip the pictures one by one in water and align them according to the patterns seen on the outer surface of the glass as you have designed. Repeat this process until you have your complete pattern. Let it dry overnight or for a minimum of 2 to 3 hours.

6. When project is completely dry, use lint-free paper to clean off any haze left by the glue.

7. Apply paint with a very soft brush, or pat it on with a synthetic (nylon) sponge (the latter will be easier for you in the chimney). Paint should not be too thin. Apply paint over entire inside of glass and let it dry overnight. A day later, apply another coat and let it dry completely.

8. To complete the project, fit a base and cap, available in lamp or hobby stores to the lamp glass. If you have a lamp kit, follow the instructions included, wire the base and complete your lamp.

Tips & Warnings

• Blown-glass chimney and other glass shapes are available in lamp and lighting stores or from retailers of craft and decorating supplies. When you choose your glass make sure your hand can fit inside to work with the paper prints.

• Make sure the interior of your lamp base is absolutely clean. Use light paper for best results. Wallpaper and cardboard are not very good material for a smooth elegant finish.