How to Decoupage with Handmade Paper
- Jo Phillips
- Sep 7, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 30, 2025
Decoupage: Transform Everyday Objects with Paper
Decoupage is a creative technique that has been loved for centuries. With just scissors, glue, and a beautiful sheet of paper, you can breathe new life into old objects, turning them into something extraordinary. Whether you want to refresh a small trinket box, decorate a vase, or transform a piece of furniture, decoupage is an accessible way to add colour, texture, and personality to your surroundings.
What is Decoupage?
The word decoupage comes from the French word découper, meaning “to cut out.” The technique involves cutting shapes or patterns from paper, gluing them to a surface, and sealing them with layers of varnish or adhesive. It is sometimes called “painting with paper,” because instead of brushstrokes you are building designs with textures, colours, and layers.
People love decoupage because it is:
● Simple and beginner-friendly
● Adaptable to almost any surface
● A way to create unique results every time
● Relaxing, mindful, and endlessly creative
Materials You'll Need
Getting started doesn’t require specialist tools. A few essentials are all you need:
Handmade or marbled paper (mulberry, tissue, or digital prints)
A surface such as wood, glass, ceramic, or cardboard
Scissors or a craft knife
Glue such as PVA, Mod Podge, or decoupage medium
A soft brush or sponge for spreading adhesive
Varnish or sealant for a protective finish
Optional extras include sandpaper for smoothing wood, acrylic paint to prime a base, or metallic leaf for extra glamour.
Step-by-Step Guide
The process is straightforward, but breaking it into steps makes it easy to follow:
1.
Prepare the surface
sand wood,
wash ceramics or glass,
and ensure everything is clean and dry.
2.
Tear/Cut your paper
choose designs,
motifs, or torn shapes
and arrange them before gluing.
3.
Apply adhesive
brush glue evenly,
place the paper carefully,
and smooth out any bubbles.
4.
Layer the design
build up more cut-outs gradually,
overlapping to create depth.
5.
Seal and finish
apply 2–3 coats of glue or varnish,
letting each coat dry fully.
Creative Project Ideas
The joy of decoupage lies in its versatility. You can:
Upcycle furniture such as chairs, tables, or drawer fronts
Personalise home décor items like trays, vases, and plant pots
Transform stationery, journals, or sketchbooks into keepsakes
Create thoughtful handmade gifts or boxes
Combine it with painting or stamping for mixed media artwork
Each project can be as simple or as elaborate as you want, making decoupage perfect for both beginners and experienced crafters.
Why Handmade Papers Work Best
Paperly’s handmade papers bring something special to decoupage projects. The visible mulberry fibres blend beautifully into surfaces, creating a seamless finish. Marbled sheets add drama and movement, while natural inclusions such as petals or grasses give an earthy, organic quality. No two sheets are ever the same, with deckle edges and textures that make each project unique. This individuality is what sets handmade paper apart from mass-produced alternatives.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results, keep these simple tips in mind:
Use thin layers of glue to avoid wrinkles
Be gentle when the paper is wet as it tears easily
Work in good lighting so you can spot bubbles early
Seal well if the object will be handled often
Don’t be afraid to experiment – sometimes the unexpected looks best
The Joy of Decoupage
Decoupage is not just a technique; it is a way of seeing the beauty in everyday objects and giving them new life. With Paperly’s handmade mulberry, marbled, and natural inclusion papers, you can turn even the simplest project into something extraordinary.
Ready to begin? Explore our handmade paper collection and find the perfect sheets for your next creation.
Credit: Rachael Beattie
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