How to Use Paper Napkins to Decoupage a Frame

Decoupage is an inexpensive way to dress up plain picture frames.

Use paper napkins to decoupage a frame to match your decor. Decoupage means to decorate an item by applying paper then coating it with a finish. Most commonly, decoupage glue is used, which resembles glue but also includes a sealer and finish in one medium. Paper napkins come in all sorts of designs such as stripes, flowers, butterflies, cherubs, holiday themes, cartoons, baby shoes and chili peppers. Unlike some other papers, paper napkins are inexpensive making them a good choice for decoupage.

Things You'll Need

• Frame
• Cloth
• Plastic place mat or tablecloth
• Paper napkins
• Scissors
• Decoupage glue
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. 

   Choose a frame.

   Wipe the frame with a damp cloth to remove any debris, then remove the back and the glass from the frame. Set the frame on a plastic place mat or tablecloth to protect the table. Plastic is better than a layer of newspaper because the decoupage glue sticks to newspaper, which will become decoupaged to the frame.

2. 

   Use a holiday theme napkin for decoupage.

   Decide what design you want to decoupage on the frame. If you want part of the frame to show through as a background component, find designs from the paper napkins and cut them out to decoupage to the frame to create a simple cutout design. If you want to cover the frame entirely, tear the paper napkins into small pieces or cut out specific designs with scissors. If the paper napkins have more than one layer, use only the top layer for the decoupage project.

3. 

   Apply decoupage glue with a paintbrush.

   Apply decoupage glue directly to a small area of the frame. Carefully place each piece of paper napkin to the glued portion of the frame, taking care not to tear the thin paper. Continue adding glue and paper in small increments until the frame is covered in a design of your liking.

4. Paint a coat of decoupage glue on top of the paper napkins. The glue goes on white but dries clear. Apply several layers to protect the napkin design.

Tips & Warnings

• Layer paper napkin designs over one another for a collage look.

• Paper napkins are very thin and fragile and they may wrinkle, so apply them slowly to the frame.

References

• KraftyKid: Decoupage Frame Craft
• Decoromana: My Technique, Napkin Decoupage, Pros and Cons