Easy Decoupaged Glass Bowl

People often offer me old vases or various glass vessels to add to my craft stash. I find decoupage to be relaxing and I love to make one of a kind gifts for people especially around the holidays and that time is fast approaching. The materials I used to make this one of a kind vase are super easy to come by.

This is the glass container I used for this project. Almost any smooth glass surfaced container will work when doing a decoupage project. The key is to make sure if you’re getting it second hand make the surface isn’t chipped or damaged.

As luck would have it I saw a pack of napkins at my moms as I was walking out the door, with my assortment of glass containers, that I thought would fit the bowl and I really liked the picture. I usually use napkins for these projects. So it was a double score.

Most napkins I’ve come across have 2 more plies behind the picture. Make sure you separate both from the front piece before starting to glue it to whatever surface you will be using. If just one ply is left behind, your picture will be lumpy no matter how much you smooth it.

I separate the layers by dampening my thumb and index finger and tapping the corner of the napkin in between them. Eventually the layers will pull apart. I have yet to find an easier method.

To achieve the uneven borders I used water and a small paint brush. I wet the brush and run it around the picture, then gently tear the excess napkin away. Uneven borders blend well.

I painted the bowl with Kilz Chalk Paint. The color is call Platinum Ring and  was a close match to the grey around the edges of the picture.  I applied two coats.

I applied the picture using Mod Podge and a soft, flat craft brush.  I spread  a very thin layer of the glue over the area where the picture was to be placed.

When the picture was positioned where I wanted I smoothed it down starting at the center and working my way out to all the edges using a balled up wad of plastic wrap. This method prevents the thin tissue from ripping. I wanted the flowers all the way around this bowl and three images fit nicely without any crowding.

This is what all three sides looked like once applied. You can see why a similar background color helps to fade the image into the piece.

At this point I like to let the glue setup. I have had problems with the tissue wrinkling in the past if I start to add my other Mod Podge layers to soon after the initial application. I let this dry overnight.

To finish up the top coats of Mod Podge I put a second layer of Mod Podge all over the entire piece and let it dry completely. The I switched to dishwasher safe Mod Podge for my last layer. I know you can cure this in the oven to speed up the process. I wanted to be able to use this rather soon and it will probably be used as a vase so I wanted the layers to be hardened in case water was getting dripped on it.

TIP: To quickly cure the Mod Podge put the item in a a cold oven, I place it on parchment paper and a cookie sheet, then set the oven to the lowest setting. My oven goes down to 170 degrees. When the temperature reaches 170 degrees set the timer for one hour. After an hour shut the oven off and let the piece cool in there. It helps to level out the glue and harden the top coat.

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The baking not only cures my piece quickly but it does enhance shine.

So here is that shine:)

Here she is by herself and dressed up with flowers.

This started as a gift idea and know I’m not so sure I want to give it away:)

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Roni♥