Host Renai Ellison shows how to decoupage or glue Chinese tea paper onto furniture to create a uniquely original element of home design.
Materials:
rolls of Chinese tea-paper wallpaper
cutting mat
flat latex paint in color(s) of choice
white craft or decoupage glue that dries clear
paintbrushes
scissors
ruler
craft knife
brayer or art-printing roller
clear acrylic sealer
Steps:
- Cut along the lines of the Chinese tea-paper wallpaper (which is available at wallpaper stores) into blocks of approximately six inches square.
- Paint furniture with an appealing background color (red or black works well). Be sure to remove any hardware that you do not want to be painted.
- Put on a thin layer of white decoupage glue on furniture.
- Place the first piece of cut paper, which will serve as the anchor for the rest (figure A).
- Add other pieces with slight spaces in between.
- Roll pieces down with a brayer to ensure good adhesion.
- Sand edges to give an aged look.
- Brush on a classic glaze of white craft glue and acrylic paint to knock down the brightness of the gold (burnt umber works well) and, again, contribute to the aged look (figure B).
- Allow to dry slightly, then blend with a cloth.
- Add a clear sealant to protect the final look. Re-attach any hardware that may have been removed from the furniture.
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