::Decoupage::

I had several composition books and a binder sitting around looking bla and plain so last weekend I spruced them up in my spare time:) 

Decoupaging is so simple but can totally transform so much! 

Here's how to try your hand at it:

Supplies: Elmer's glue | an old craft paint brush | some form of paper {I've used newspaper, wrapping paper, cut-outs from magazines and scrapbook paper. I also want to try using maps. So get creative... there's lots you can use!} | something to decoupage! {notebook, small box, something wooden... there's all sorts of possibilities. My next step is to try it on glass and see how that works}

1) Prepare your space by laying down newsprint:) 

2) Dilute your glue {roughly a tablespoon of water to a 1/4 cup of glue. You don't want it too runny so add a small about of water at a time} and be sure you have your paper or cut-outs prepared (torn, cut, etc.).

3)Brush a coat of glue onto the item you are decoupaging then place your paper on, one piece at a time, brushing another coat of glue on top as you go. If you are working with torn pieces, (as I did on the notebooks below) be sure to layer well and cover all the cracks. Be careful not to apply an excess of glue, you just want a light layer.

4) Brush a final coat of glue over the entire piece (or one side at a time) once you're finished applying paper/pieces.

5) Let dry in a well ventilated place (or in front of a fan) for at least 24 hours.

Tips:

-As you go, rub out wrinkles and bubbles gently. Especially if you are laying on large pieces at once. Work from one edge to the next or from the middle out.

-The decoupage process tends to make paper more transparent so keep that in mind. If you aren't layering torn pieces but want to make sure the color of the notebook doesn't bleed through, consider first decoupaging a layer of white paper (or if you can, a deeper color) before you do your other design.

-Definitely make sure that as you're working, the side that is laying on the newsprint or drying place stays dry and uncoated by wet glue. You don't want to have it all pull off when you pick it up!

-Often times you have to work in sections... doing one side, letting it dry completely, then moving on to the next side.

-Get hands on and use your fingers to apply the glue! It turns out better because you're able to apply pressure to "squeeze" excess glue from under the paper.

Let me know if you have questions!

  

My American Lit binder needed a fresh look:)

Newsprint covered composition book. When I have time I'm going to decorate/personalize it for a gift.

Front of Lab book  {I layered torn pieces of scrapbook paper}

back of Lab book

Yet to be completed, I used torn pieces of wrapping paper on this book.