Got to love Decoupage!

de·cou·page

the art or craft of decorating objects with paper cut-outs

If you have never tried doing this we highly recommend this for first time crafters. It is the easiest way to customize your home decor or furnitures.

Since we did our glass etching project we wanted to continue with the theme on adding more conversational pieces in the dinner table. We made this menu board for the buffet table and trivet for the serving dishes. I have to say we turned this dull and ordinary accessories to something that now pops out on our buffet table.

Here is how we did this project. You will need these very simple materials...
1) a wooden frame and trivets
2) paint brush
3) glue - we recommend decoupage glue but if you do not have access to one alternately you can just use Elmer's glue and mix 3 parts of this white glue with 1 part water (just make sure to mix well)
4) ready bought decoupage paper cut-outs (this is available at Oh Joy & Co.)
5) Clear color acrylic spray (gloss or matte, any will work) (you can get this is Wilcon or Ace hardware)

Step 1 - Choose the paper cut-outs you would like to use to match your accessories. We chose this wood in-lay like  floral design to match the texture of our accessories.

Step 2 - Before applying anything make sure to wipe your base accessories clean from oils or dirt. Apply a thin layer of glue using a medium size brush on the area you plan to stick the paper cut out. This will help hold your paper down as you continue to work with the other cut outs. If you need to adjust the cut-outs you would want to do it at this stage.

Step 3- Ones the paper cut-out is place in position, apply a thin layer of glue on top of the paper cut out.  Then slowly apply to the whole surface of your trivet. When applying the glue on the surface of the paper cut out, ensure that all areas are covered and that the paper has slowly absorb the glue. Let each layer of glue dry completely before applying the next layer of glue. Keep apply a thin layer slowly. Make sure that all edges of the paper cut and the trivet is also covered with that layer of the glue. The more layers you apply it will make your project more durable.

Step 4- Repeat the same step for the other paper cut outs. Remember to let it fully dry before applying the next.

Final Step - Seal this with your acrylic spray (we use a matted finished for our project). Make sure when you spray do this in a well ventilated room.

Check out the different decoupage we did for each trivet.

We turned the dull and none interesting trivet it to something unique and charming.

We did not get to show you the wooden frame. But as long as you follow the same steps it should come out the same way!

All photos are copyrights of Oh Joy and Co.