Luminous roses

I love decoupage! It’s fast, easy and fun! And it’s also a wonderful way to recycle objects that are lying around the house, making them look prettier than ever in just a few minutes, with very little effort and money.

I had this old lamp in my bedroom. Its shade was dirty and dull, and I really wanted to revamp it. I have recently renewed my room, and as I wanted it to match its new atmosphere, I chose a design full of delicate pink roses.

Materials:

• lamp-shade (preferably white)
• paper napkin for decoupage
• white glue
• small brush
• varnish (I recommend water soluble ones)

Procedure:

1. If the shade is dirty, clean it, wash it, and, if necessary, paint it. I applied two coats of acrylic white paint. Let it dry for 24 hours.

 

2. Cut out the designs you’ll need from the napkin. You can leave a narrow border if the design is too complicated or has narrow areas that could get torn. Remember paper napkins are very delicate, so be careful when handling them. Don’t remove the layers yet. They’re a lot easier to cut with all layers.

3. Once the shapes are cut, you can separate all the layers. You’ll notice every napkin has three layers, two are white and one (the upper payer) has the drawing printed on it. This upper layer is the only one you’ll need.

 

4. Dilute some white glue with water. Use a 1 to 1 proportion (one measure of water for each measure of white glue).

5. Apply the diluted glue on the area where you’ll put your first shape using a small brush. It’s important to cover all the area where the shape will be. However, it’s not necessary to cover the entire shade.

6. Gently place the shape on the spot you just covered with glue. First press its center against the shade, and then, very slowly, glue the rest of the shape, using the brush. Move the brush from the center of the figure to the borders, until all its surface is attached to the shade.

7. Repeat the last two steps until all your figures are glued.

8. Let it dry for 5 hours.

9. Dilute the varnish with water, in a 1 to 1 proportion.

10. Apply the diluted varnish to the entire surface of the lamp-shade. Be especially cautious when you’re applying it over the figures.   

11. Let it dry for 5 hours before assembling it to your lamp.

12. Enjoy your new lamp!      

If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate and drop a line.

Sugary hugs!