It’s Baaaaaack: A Dozen Modern Decoupage DIY Projects

While decoupage has some less-than-pleasant associations for me—the browned, peeling masking tape-decoupaged vases at my favorite Mexican restaurant, the sticky and stained tabletops at a diner I used to frequent—it is a fantastic technique that can easily transform boring or beat-up globes, shoes, balloons, and recyclables into something truly special.

This clever tutorial uses traditional decoupage methods to make abstract art—rather than adhering tissue paper to 3-D objects, you simply decoupage it to a piece of paper and frame it up!

This DIY was inspired by a sold-out $198 Anthropologie globe and makes excellent use of a cheap globe (I would use an out-of-date thrift store globe) and some Rifle Paper Co wrapping paper. Most decoupage projects use tissue paper, so the notion of using wrapping paper opens up all sorts of possibilities

I love this use of decoupage—it enables us to have appropriate balloons for every possible party theme! This project does require an inkjet printer—and the nerve-racking task of printing on tissue paper—so perhaps I’ll finally buy a printer.

I think of tables as the classic decoupage format, but this to-die-for faux malachite table is totally modern. The stunning fabric is from Spoonflower, which has some fantastic marble prints.

So cute! I love trays and it can be difficult to find cool ones, so I appreciate that this DIY makes it possible to transform boring dollar store/thrift store trays with poppy tissue paper shapes in the perfect colors to match your decor.

I thought this was simply a cute floral upgrade on a boring old thrift store purse—but then I spotted the TIE Fighters! Adorn a dull purse with the geekiest fabric you can find and prepare to be complimented constantly.

An empty jug was plucked from the recycling bin and upgraded with opalescent decoupage and free printable flowers. Note: this tutorial requires three different shades of pink paint, but that seems completely unnecessary!

If, like me, you can’t resist buying gorgeous origami paper, this project will allow you to put it to use in such a way that you can admire it every day. Make your own dishes out of Sculpy, or just glam up some little ones you already have.

Speaking of great ways to put origami paper on display, these decoupaged string lights are a charming way to use a bunch of different patterns.

If you didn’t get your Marimekko fix at Target, spruce up a pair of plain canvas shoes with a pack of paper napkins, either some from the Finnish design great or perhaps the Liberty of London or superhero napkins from Oh Happy Day?

And now for the big finish! Every home needs a giant papier mâché cactus, right? Use the Marimekko napkins left over from your shoe project to create a fantastical addition to your home.