How to Decoupage Scrapbook Paper

Scrapbook paper comes in hundreds of styles and colors for creating special memory pages, but you can also create other projects if you decoupage your scrapbook paper to keepsake boxes, artist's canvas or other objects. Decorate bird houses, planters or vases with thick and protective craft glue called a decoupage medium. Embellish the scrapbook paper with vintage jewelry, beads or buttons to make individualized gifts or photos to turn an ordinary picture collage into a work of art.

Things You'll Need

• Scrapbook paper
• Decoupage medium
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Tear strips of scrapbook paper or cut sections that you wish to decoupage. If you're decorating a keepsake box, certain expressions and pictures from the scrapbook paper should be cut first, and then torn around the edges, if you like, to preserve the image or wording intact. If you are making a collage on a poster, covering a planter or other object where the scrapbook paper is layered, leaving the edges jagged and torn may contribute to the overall look of your project.

2. Clean the surface of the object you wish to decoupage. Remove dust particles, grease or any other dirt or debris.

3. Apply a layer of decoupage medium, like Mod Podge, to the surface of the object with a sponge. Paintbrushes leave brush strokes in the thick glue surface. Mod Podge dries clear, but it is white and filmy during application. Lay the scrapbook paper on top of the glue, and then apply another layer of decoupage medium to smooth the paper in place. Work in small sections, applying glue then paper then glue, until you've covered the surface of your object. Let the decoupage medium dry.

4. Apply another layer of Mod Podge to the surface of the project. Let it dry. Repeat this step several more times until the finish is as shiny and thick as you like. You can apply the medium to your entire project, not just the section where you placed the scrapbook paper.

Tips & Warnings

• Select the level of sheen for your project by selecting a decoupage medium in either a matte or glossy finish. You can find scrapbook paper and decoupage medium at your local craft store.

• Apply decoupage medium in a well-ventilated area.

Resources

• Local Craft Store