Decoupage Tray Project

So, I mentioned in the last post that my creative energy has been a little "all of the place"...to say the least. I am happy to announce that I managed to find some productivity amongst the restlessness and assigned myself a little decoupage project. It's not completely finished but I wanted to share the process because- a. it was super easy

and

b. it was very therapeutic and satisfying (for me at least).

I had this old tray that I've had for years. It needed a little love and its style no longer really worked for me...

With all my lovely vintage papers spread on the floor I got to work figuring out a layout. I adore the look of these old documents full of beautiful script.

Once I had cut some border pieces and glued them down with a good dose of Mod Podge glue, I brushed more glue all over the center to place the main piece of paper.

When it comes to art I don't mind getting messy, so I went ahead and smoothed out the glue and paper with my fingers. (This is the tactile therapeutic part!)

I let this all dry overnight. Then, using lovely Peony napkins I scored at New Seasons, I separated the paper layers down to 1-ply, cut out the desired blooms and arranged them. Then very gently brushed more Mod-Podge over the paper. Using napkins at 1-ply lends a beautiful transparency to the image.

And voila, a new tray with the vintage, romantic look I love so much!

The little gold dragonfly was a last minute addition. He arrived in the form of a thank you card and now lives amongst my peony & vintage letter collage.

So, if you have a tray that needs some love, I encourage you to give this a go! This art form is a great way to reface everything from a plate to a dresser. Paper sources can come from magazines, old cards, catalogs, napkins, even fabric scraps! For more decoupage info check out this site.

Hope you are having a lovely week so far.

xo,

Ivy