Fun With Paper

Sometimes in my paintings I like to use scrapbook paper or other paper embellishments. This is often hard to describe via email to customers, so when I stumbled upon this picture I just had to post about it. Not only is it adorable, but they used only paper to create the image and its a great example of what I do on my paintings.

For this tree, I used 3 different papers to mimic the look of the Pottery Barn Brooke quilt in the room. Its a cool effect that you just can't get from painting.

I used decoupage, or Mod Podge, to apply the paper. It can be kinda tricky to make sure it doesn't bubble up but once you get the hang of it you will be applying paper to everything!

This same technique would be great on a children's table and chair set. Unfinished pieces are often less expensive and it is easy to dress them up and personalize them. You can cut out fun shapes with craft paper, wrapping paper or even wall paper and fabric samples. If you are not going to cover the entire surface, you will still want to put a coat of the decoupage (or Mod Podge) over the entire surface of the table so that you can't see where you stopped with the top coat on your papers.

For more tips, check out this article and example from ohdeedoh.com. How cute is that little end table? Plus, the art above could be make using the same technique and is so inexpensive to make.

You can use decoupage on almost anything in the house, it doesn't have to be just for the kids. Make a cute jewelry box with copies of your favorite photos, cover an old jar with fabric to keep your makeup brushes standing straight up in, the possibilities are endless!