Decoupage with Napkins for Beginners - Glass Bottle

If you're looking for a simple yet rewarding DIY project, decoupaging a glass bottle might be just the artistic endeavor you need. This is a really great project for those just diving into the world of decoupage, since glass bottles are readily available and very affordable (if not free!) 

In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of decoupaging, helping you unleash your creativity and transform ordinary bottles into unique, eye-catching décor.

Materials You'll Need:

1. Clean glass bottle 
2. sponge dauber/pouncer
3. White chalk type paint
4. Liner Brush
5. glass or dish of water
6. Polyvine Decorator's Varnish in desired finish
7. Soft, good quality paint brush (we love this one)
8. Decorative napkins

Step 1: Prepare Your Bottle Start by ensuring that your glass bottle is clean and dry. Remove any labels or adhesive residue using warm, soapy water or a mixture of water and vinegar. Once clean, let the bottle dry completely.

Step 2: Paint Your Bottle Apply two coats of white chalk type paint (we use Country Chic All in One Decor Paints) using your sponge dauber. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly. While not completely necessary, you will get the best results if you leave the paint to dry overnight. 

Step 3: Select Your Napkin Choose your napkin. Any design could work, but for this beginners project we prefer to choose one with a white background, and smaller images. As you improve your decoupage skills, you can move onto larger, more complex images. 

Step 4: Separate the Printed Layer Most napkins have 2 or 3 total plies or layers. All napkins from Ninny's have 3 layers; the top printed layer, and 2 white backing layers. We only want to use the top printed layer so the additional layers need to be removed. Licking your fingers or using a piece of painters tape may help to separate the layers. 

Step 5: Water Cut Using your liner brush and water, trace around the image you want to use and gently pull apart. Unlike cutting with scissors, water cutting gives the napkin a feathered edge, which helps the napkin blend seamlessly onto the bottle with no harsh lines. 

Step 6: Apply Polyvine Using a soft, flat paintbrush, apply a thin layer of Polyvine Decorators Varnish (other Polyvine Varnishes may work as well) onto the area of the glass where you want to place your first piece of napkin. Be sure to work in small sections to prevent the Polyvine from drying too quickly.

Step 7: Place and Smooth the Paper Carefully place your cut or torn paper onto the Polyvine-coated area, and then smooth it out with the same soft brush you used to apply the Polyvine. Resist the urge to touch the napkin with your fingers.  Continue this process over the entire bottle until you are happy with the look. 

Step 8: Seal the Deal To protect your decoupaged masterpiece, continue to apply layers of Polyvine over the entire bottle, allowing at least an hours dry time between each coat. This will protect your project from dirt, fingerprints, moisture and fading caused by UV. If you use Satin or Gloss, it will also create a polished finish look. 

Conclusion: Congratulations! You've successfully decoupaged a glass bottle and turned it into a unique work of art. Whether you choose to display flowers, use it as a decorative centerpiece, or gift it to a friend, your decoupaged bottle is a testament to your creativity and craftsmanship. Enjoy the process and let your imagination run wild as you explore the world of decoupage!