Paper Roses Decoupaged Vase

Last updated on April 15th, 2024 at 12:11 am

Decoupage a glass vase with paper napkin roses and a crackle finish.

This is an easy decoupage DIY with surprisingly good results. Although we used rose motif paper napkins, you can use the same technique with any paper napkin design that you like.

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Craft Project Instructions:

Wash the vase thoroughly. With a clean cloth, wipe the outside of the vase with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar to remove any remaining oil deposits that are left behind on the glass from your fingers.

Paint the outside of the vase with white paint and allow it to dry. Several coats of paint may be required. I applied three coats of paint to mine. Be sure to allow each coat of paint to dry thoroughly before applying the next. Once you have finished painting, if required, follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions for heat setting the paint. Heat setting the paint at this point will prevent damage to the paint finish with the next step.

Use a paint brush to apply glue. Now that the paint is heat set and there is no risk of it rubbing off when wet, apply glue to the entire outside surface of your vase. Separate the layers of your napkins, as shown in photo, at right.

Separate the paper napkin layers and apply the rose motif. Most napkins are two or three ply (two or three layers) but you will only need the top layer with the pattern printed on it. First apply a cut-out from your napkin (I cut out the rose section of my napkin), by placing the cut-out on the wet glue then, with your finger or a paint brush, add a little more glue to cover the entire cut-out top. I applied a rose pattern to the front and back of this vase.

Fill in the gaps. Now with clear (white) sections from your napkin, tear out pieces and glue them to any exposed paint areas of the vase. You will end up with the entire outside of the vase covered with torn pieces of the paper napkin. If your napkin is not white, paint the vase with paint that is as close as possible to the napkin colour.

Don’t try to smooth out the napkin sections; it is almost impossible and wrinkles add a nice affect to the finished vase. Once you have the entire vase covered with napkin pieces, allow the glue to dry. Apply a crackle medium of choice, following the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Allow the medium to dry completely.

Apply at least three coats (six to seven is recommended) of polyurethane (following the manufacturer’s instructions). This gives you needed protection against any water spills when using your vase. Although the vase can’t be submerged in water, it can be wiped gently if you apply several coats of polyurethane for protection.

Decoupage Hints and Tips:

These decoupaged vases with antique crackle finish are really pretty and, if you only want your vase for decorative purposes, you could use clay instead of glass. Or try decoupaging plastic pot sleeves and set your flower pot inside the sleeve.

Another idea for clay or plaster vases is placing fresh flowers into a water-filled vase then placing the whole vase inside your decoupaged container. And we also have this reverse decoupage vase free project for a variation on a theme.

Either way you choose, I hope you enjoy your flowers!

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