As a family, we love spending quality time together. One of our favorite weekend pastimes is watching DVD's while munching popcorn. Using decoupage techniques to make a popcorn bowl can add some additional fun to family time.
Approximate Time: 4 hours
Supplies:
- photo editing program
I used PhotoScape version 3.5, which can be downloaded free of charge from http://www.photoscape.org/.
- bamboo fiber bowl
- 10/32" paint brush
- fan-shaped paint brush
- white water-based primer
- Paper Seal
- Deco Art glue
- Modge Podge
- water-based varnish
- hairdryer
- acrylic paint in the following two colors: true red and old gold
- 8 photos of old movie stars
I searched on the internet for photos that are in the public domain, and used photos of stars like James Dean, Vivien Leigh, Charlie Chaplin, etc.
- a sheet of movie-related words, like Oscar, critic, script, movies, film review, etc.
- pair of standard scissors
- a few sheets of old newspapers to protect the working area
- an old cloth
Instructions:
- With a slightly wet 10/32 inch brush, paint a thin layer of the white water-based primer over the outside of the bowl and dry it thoroughly with a hairdryer. Please note: Do not paint the inside of the bowl at all.
- Next, using the same paint brush, add a thin layer of red-colored acrylic paint to the outside of the bowl and dry the bowl thoroughly with the hairdryer.
- With the PhotoScape program, turn the color of all the photos into sepia. This will give the photos an aged look.
- From the different frames that could be added to the photos, choose the Stamp02 frame and set the width at 150%.
- Save the adjusted photos onto your computer. Then, print all the photos via PhotoScape, using the 3 x 4 inches size option.
- On the computer, type a sheet of movie-related words, using different types of fonts, and print the sheet with words.
- With the 10/32" brush, paint a thin layer of Paper Seal over the sheet with words and over all the pictures of the movie stars. The Paper Seal will protect the ink from running and will make it easier to cut out the words and pictures without tearing them.
- Dry the sheet with words and the pictures thoroughly with the hairdryer.
- Cut out the pictures and decide how they will be placed on the outside of the bowl. Also cut words from the sheet with words.
- With the 10/32 inch brush, paint a substantial amount of Deco Art glue to the back of the first picture. Turn the picture around and put it in position on the outside of the bowl, but do not press it down.
- With the brush, spread glue to the front of the picture, lightly applying pressure so that it will stick to the bowl.
- Working from the middle of the picture, and from inside towards the outside, rub out all the air bubbles and excess glue from the back of the picture. Use an old cloth to clear any excess glue from the bowl.
- Use the hairdryer to dry the picture thoroughly.
- Repeat steps 10-13 with the other pictures and with the words.
- Using the fan-shaped paint brush, give the outside of the bowl a wash with the old gold-colored acrylic paint. Remember not to use too much paint when using a fan-shaped brush, as this will lose the fan-shaped effect. Remove excess paint by dabbing it onto a sheet of newspaper before starting to paint.
- Dry the bowl thoroughly with the hairdryer.
- With the 10/32 inch brush, paint a thin layer of Modge Podge over the outside of the bowl. The Modge Podge will protect the pictures and give the product a smoother finish.
- Dry the bowl thoroughly with the hairdryer.
- Repeat steps 17-18; you need to apply at least 8 coats of Modge Podge, but remember that with every layer, the direction in which the Modge Podge is applied, must be changed from horizontal to vertical to horizontal, etc. Also, remember that after every layer of Modge Podge, the bowl must first be dried thoroughly with the hairdryer.
- With the 10/32" brush, add a layer of water-based varnish to the outside of the bowl and dry with the hairdryer.
Tips: To clean, wipe gently with a wet cloth and do not use strong detergents. Not dishwasher safe. When doing decoupage, do not use the highest heat setting on the hairdryer.
By Benetta from Pretoria, Gauteng
