Homemade Decoupage Glue

Decoupage is basically the art of taking a bunch of paper and placing it like puzzle pieces over a solid surface, say, a coffee table top or a picture frame. Decoupage is a great way to get rid of old magazines, books, postcards, pictures, stamps, what-have-you, and if you have a great sealing spray (like an acrylic spray) to set the whole creation, you basically have everything else you need as well. Learn how to make your own homemade decoupage glue so you can decoupage to your heart's desire!

Homemade decoupage glue is shockingly simple- it's Elmers glue (r any basic white glue) and water. 3 parts glue to 1 part water, to be exact, and if the glue appears too thick to smear, just add a bit more water. The goal is a glue that is about as thick as syrup rather than honey. Now you have the decoupage glue you need to make your own decoupage creation!

Place the pictures or magazine pieces (you want to use shiny print, not original print from say your printer as it will run), or even your postcard pieces, stamps, or other flat items (including thick ribbon for texture) on the surface you want to decoupage until you have the design you want. Apply glue to the back of the pieces and then reapply them until they stick, using the homemade decoupage glue and a wide paint brush.

Follow up with coats of the decoupage glue (allow each layer to dry completely before adding another- up to 3 coats is usually necessary), until you get a solid smooth surface. When the whole thing is dry, spray with acrylic spray to set the whole thing, then you are done!

For step stools, especially for children, I suggest sprinkling a fine layer of clear sand (art sand) over the last drying layer of decoupage glue for sturdiness and grip when using. Then spray with the acrylic spray to set the whole creation. Glitter is a fine way to add texture to any decoupage creation, as are skeleton leaves, dried flowers, rice and mulberry paper, and thick wide ribbon.

Source:

personal use and crafting