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Decoupage under Glass

Create a Museum Quality Glass Plate

Make a decoupage glass plate that looks like it came from a museum store.

This project was one of those wonderful serendipities that happen from time to time. A reader asked me how to create a textured surface on a decoupage project and said someone told her salt would do the job. So I set about experimenting.

Salt is not the answer. It dries white so you can’t place it on top of the design.

I tried brushing and rinsing the salt off after the Mod Podge had dried but it didn’t leave enough of an impression in the Mod Podge to create the pebbly texture I wanted.

Then I tried putting the salt on the back of the plate. The pebbly texture doesn’t show through.

However, I liked the feel and look of the plate with the textured back. It transforms a cheap dollar store plate into one that looks like it came from a fine store.

You Will Need

• Clear glass plate
• Mod Podge decoupage medium
• Glycerin (optional)
• Gift wrap tissue with design of your choice
• Sea salt (coarse grain salt)
• Krylon Crystal Clear Spray
• Mona Lisa Gold Leafing Kit (optional)

Decoupage Directions

Clean the plate well, making sure there are no fingerprints on the back.

Position the plate over the decorative gift wrap to center your design.

Draw a circle three or four inches larger than the plate to allow for the plate’s curvature. Freehand is fine because you will trim the paper after gluing it down.

Lay the plate upside down on a wide-mouth round object like a cookie tin or bowl. This makes it easier to work on as well as allows you to wipe off excess Mod Podge from the edge as it dries.

Mix about a quarter cup of Mod Podge with a couple drops of glycerin in a bowl. The glycerin makes the Mod Podge easier to spread and extends the drying time, which can be helpful in decoupage projects.

Take a handful of the mixture and smear it liberally across the plate’s surface. Using your hand is so much faster than a brush. And it’s easier to wash your hand than a brush!

Carefully lay the tissue paper upside down onto the Mod Podge and center your design. Smooth out wrinkles and bubbles. I love using gift wrap tissue paper for decoupage because the Mod Podge sucks it down as if it were a magnet. It’s very easy to smooth and bubbles are practically nonexistent.

Before the Mod Podge has a chance to soak and soften the edges, carefully trim off the excess paper with a small sharp scissors.

Sprinkle an even layer of sea salt over the Mod Podge. Try to make it a single layer but don’t worry too much about it. The excess is easily tapped off after the Mod Podge dries.

Wipe any Mod Podge drips from around the plate’s edge with a damp paper towel. Repeat after a few minutes as needed.

Allow to dry thoroughly. Lift the plate. Tap and rub off excess salt.

Put on a second layer of Mod Podge to glue the salt firmly I place.

Let dry.

Spray the back of the plate with Krylon Crystal Clear Spray to seal the Mod Podge.

I think the gold leaf really adds a lot to this project.

Follow the Mona Lisa Gold Leafing Kit package directions to leaf the edges. Don’t worry about being too precise.

The leaf actually looks prettier if you leave little gaps and have a bit of gold overlapping onto the front of the plate.

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Recommended Reading

These books are excellent resources for decoupeurs. Not only do you get tips and techniques, but also artwork that you can use in your own projects.

New Decoupage: Transforming Your Home With Paper, Glue, and Scissors By: Durwin Rice The Victorian Scrap Gallery: A Collection of over 500 Full-Color Victorian-Era Images By: Dee Davis Absolute Beginner's Decoupage: The Simple Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Beautiful Decoupage By: Alison Jenkins Collage Discovery Workshop: Make Your Own Collage Creations Using Vintage Photos, Found Objects and Ephemera By: Claudine Hellmuth 930 Matchbook Advertising Cuts of the Twenties and Thirties (Pictorial Archive Series) By: Trina Robbins Decoupage: A Practical Guide to the Art of Decorating Surfaces with Paper Cutouts By: Dee Davis

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