Decoupage Paper Napkins on Pumpkins Using Plastic Wrap

There are lots of how-to decoupage pumpkins on the net, but a few years ago I read about a technique using plastic wrap to help smooth out the wrinkles.  I couldn't find the article I remembered but there is a wonderful video that shows how this is done.  I've never had much luck in not having wrinkles when I attempt to decoupage.  So I think using plastic wrap is a great technique that I need to try.

I have paper towels in my guest bathroom that I wanted to preserve by doing some sort of decoupage.  I also wanted to show the class I teach in my community clubhouse how to decoupage pumpkins, so I'm killing two things I need to do with one craft.

Paper napkin patterns are very delicate once the white backing layers are removed.  Using plastic wrap helps with the adherence and is less messy than the usual technique of applying mod podge first, and smoothing out the material  with a brush.


Since I had a pattern with a white background I needed to paint my orange pumpkins white.  I used chalk paint for this and it didn't take long to dry.

 

It's always best to tear away the edges of the design so that the napkin will blend in with the background instead of having a straight edge from using scissors.  I thought wetting the edge and pulling it gently away would be better but I had to wait for it to dry first before moving onto the next step (which I was too impatient to do), so I used my fingernails to tear the edge away.

 

After removing all the layers from the pattern, I decided where I wanted the design to go on the pumpkin.  Next, I placed the pattern face down on the plastic wrap. Making sure the plastic wrap is overlapping the napkin all around. Then I applied a light layer of mod podge, not too thick, painting it from the center out, pass the edges.  Making sure all areas of the napkin are covered.   

 

Once covered with mod podge, I picked up the top corners of the wrap (with napkin) and placed it on the pumpkin, smoothing out the napkin (center to edge) on the pumpkin, removing any air bubbles or wrinkles. Once satisfied with the look, removed the plastic wrap and let dry.

 

 

Smoothing the plastic wrap with my fingers was so much easier for me and it felt really good.  I could feel the ridges of the pumpkin while smoothing the napkin out.

I added additional napkin pieces using the same technique.

 

Finally, I applied decoupage glue over all the napkin patterns to seal and let dry.

 

Having a larger stem on the pumpkins adds a bit of whimsy to the overall look.

 

So I took a small piece of dampen brown bag paper, twisted into shape with one end open to fit around the small stem, coated it with white glue and allowed to dry.

Hot glued the twisted paper stem to the small pumpkin stems.

Looks much better, don't you think!

 

I painted the stems with dark brown acrylic paint to blend in better on top. 

 The smaller pumpkin is from the Dollar Tree . . . you can tell by the crease in the middle I couldn't get rid of.

I will definitely be using plastic wrap when I decoupage again.  
This is truly a great idea!

 

 

Take a little time to enjoy

and

Happy Crafting!

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