This trunk was great for storage, but terrible to look at. With just a few supplies, I was able to give it an upgrade. Now, I don’t need to hide it in the corner anymore! Since I already had the trunk and the wrapping paper, this only cost me about $20. Way less than buying something new!
Maybe you’ve got a similar trunk or storage container that has also seen better days. If it still works for you but is just old looking, decoupaging is a great option. This project is best for adults but, if you have a smaller container such as a cookie tin, your tween and teenaged kids could certainly work alongside you. You doing the larger project, them on the smaller one. (Especially with Christmas coming up, they could turn an ordinary box or tin into a beautiful container for holding a gift.)
For supplies here’s what you’ll need:
- The item you want to re-purpose
- Enough wrapping paper to cover it
- Scissors, ruler or yardstick, pen or pencil
- Hard Finish style Mod Podge
- Paint brushes in various sizes
- Trim: In my project, metallic spray paint was used, but you can also use ribbon, craft paint, washi tape or many other ideas.
- If you are using spray paint, and applying it with a brush as I did, you will also need mineral spirits or acetone to clean the brushes after you are done. (These cleaners are NOT kid friendly.) Have ready a little disposable cup. If you are applying spray paint the normal way, you’ll need painters tape to mask off any places that you don’t want getting painted.
- Work apron and plastic tarp to protect your clothing and workspace
The steps:
- Make sure the container is clean and dry.
- Measure out and cut the wrapping paper to the size/sizes you will need to cover the container. If your wrapping paper has a pattern where it matters which way us up, make sure your pictures will not end up “upside down”. (I made this very mistake!)
- Decoupage the paper on, using the instructions on the Mod Podge bottle. Thinner coats are advisable and use a small brush to get around any fancy edging you have on your container. Start in the middle and spread out from there. This will help you be able to press out wrinkles and bubbles as you go rather than having them get trapped in a section. (FYI, don’t expect perfection. It will never be as perfectly aligned, flat and smooth as something made in a factory!)
- Apply multiple layers so the item will be durable. The Hard Finish Mod Podge recommends 5 coats. Let each coat dry before applying the next one.
- Paint or glue on the trim. For my project, I wanted to brighten up the metal studs and brackets plus make their color more uniform. To do this, I got spray paint and sprayed it into a little disposable cup. From there, I could dip my paint brush and apply the paint to the metal portions of the trunk. I opted for this technique because it would have been too hard to tape off the little brass tacks with painters tape. Depending on your project, you might find it easier use painters tape to help guide any painting you do, or to paint FIRST and THEN apply the decoupage paper over it for a nice clean look.
How I fit this into a busy schedule:
- I did the paper cutting one weekend
- I did a layer of Mod Podge each night during that week
- The following weekend, I painted the metal parts
Spreading the project out over a week made it doable and all those layers of Mod Podge and paint needed time to dry between coats anyways!
A few other notes:
Mod Podge comes in different sizes and styles and can be found at Michaels. They almost always have coupons for rewards members, so use that to bring down the cost of any of the supplies you may need to purchase. Hobby Lobby is another good resource for Mod Podge. Mod Podge cleans easily from hands and brushes with soap and water but try not to get it on your clothing.
I hope you have the chance to give something older (but still useful) in your home a whole new look!
