Faux Mother-of-Pearl

Create the look of mother-of-pearl inlay on a papier-mache vase using unexpected items.

aluminum foil
vellum sheets (a brown and semi-sheer piece)
various paper punches
decorative scissors
double-sided adhesive
decorative metallic paper
black paint
high-gloss sealer
papier-mache vase or box

Steps:

1. Paint the vase and let it dry. Apply two coats of sealer, allowing it to dry between layers.

2. Apply double-sided adhesive to the metallic paper and brown vellum. Punch/cut desired designs; remove the adhesive backing, and then attach them to the vase as desired.

3. Wrinkle the aluminum foil and spread it somewhat flat. Remove the backing from a piece of double-sided adhesive and attach it to the shiny side of the foil.

4. Remove the top backing paper from the adhesive and lay a piece of semi-sheer /cloudy vellum on top of the foil for a mother-of-pearl look. Apply another piece of adhesive to the back of the foil.

5. Punch designs from the foil/vellum as desired; remove adhesive backing, and arrange/layer the pieces on the vase to complete the design.

6. Apply two more thick coats of sealer to create a lacquered look.