DLTK's Crafts for Kids
Exploring the World of Decoupage: Unleashing Creativity on Everyday Objects

decoupage tealight candle jar with SHINEWelcome to the exciting world of Decoupage Crafts! Here, you'll discover the boundless potential of decoupage, a simple yet transformative art form that can be applied to a vast array of objects, from rocks and pots to candles, jars, coasters, and journals.

Decoupage, the age-old craft of adorning an object by gluing colored paper cutouts onto it in combination with special paint effects, is not only fun, but also incredibly versatile. This technique opens up a world of creative possibilities and is an excellent way to give new life to everyday items or create unique, personalized pieces of art.

Whether you're a seasoned crafter looking to try something new, or a beginner looking for a creative outlet, decoupage offers a crafting experience that's both enjoyable and rewarding. In our collection of projects, we cover a wide range of items that can be transformed using decoupage.

Fancy creating a visually striking rock garden, or adding a personal touch to your pots? How about crafting unique candles and jars that double as eye-catching home décor? Or maybe you're interested in personalizing coasters and journals. Whichever direction your creativity leads, our Decoupage Crafts section has something for everyone!

So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive into the colorful, creative world of decoupage. Let's turn the ordinary into the extraordinary!

pressed flowers
Decoupage Candles and Candle Holders
pressed flower coasters
Decoupage Canada Day Pot

decoupage butterfly canvas
Decoupage Canvas
decoupage photo frame
Decoupage Picture Frame
decoupage terra cotta pots
Decoupage Terra Cotta Pots

Mom's Garden Rocks
pressed flower coasters
Pressed Flower Coasters
pressed flowers
Pressed Flower Journals

 

 

Decoupage Delights: Decoupage Idea for Preschool

Difficulty level: easy

Decoupage Paper Plate Craft

preschool decoupage paper plateThis craft uses paper plates, which are easier for little hands to handle, and school glue instead of Mod Podge.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Tear the napkins and tissue paper into small pieces. If the child is old enough to safely handle scissors, they can also cut the tissue paper into shapes.
  2. Spread a thin layer of school glue over a section of the paper plate using a paintbrush.
  3. Stick the pieces of tissue paper onto the glue, overlapping them until the entire paper plate is covered. The child can create a random pattern or a specific design like a rainbow or a smiley face.
  4. Let the paper plate dry completely. It can then be hung up as a decoration or used in imaginative play.

This craft is simple, colorful, and allows for plenty of creativity. Plus, it helps little ones practice their fine motor skills and color recognition. Make sure to supervise all crafting activities to ensure safety.

 

Decoupage Delights: Decoupage Idea for Kindergarten

Difficulty level: easy

Decoupage Cardboard Bookmark Craft

Kindergarten decoupage bookmarksThis craft project is great for kindergartners. They'll love creating a personal, artistic bookmark they can use when they're reading or looking at picture books.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Begin by cutting out pictures, patterns, or colorful sections from magazines or colored paper. The child can also draw their own pictures to cut out and use.
  2. Apply a thin layer of school glue or Mod Podge onto a small section of the bookmark.
  3. Arrange the cutouts on the glued section, smoothing them out to make sure there are no wrinkles or bubbles.
  4. Continue gluing and arranging cutouts until the entire front of the bookmark is covered.
  5. Let the bookmark dry completely.
  6. Once dry, apply another thin layer of school glue or Mod Podge over the entire front of the bookmark to seal it. Allow it to dry fully.
  7. If desired, punch a hole at the top of the bookmark and thread a piece of yarn or ribbon through it to create a tassel.

Remember, the goal is to have fun and be creative. Encourage children to make a design that is uniquely theirs! This activity not only allows kindergartners to create a functional piece of art but also encourages them to engage with books and reading.

 

Decoupage Delights: Exciting Decoupage Ideas for Gradeschool Kids

Difficulty level: intermediate

Decoupage is a fun and creative art technique that kids will love. It involves cutting out pictures, gluing them onto an object, and then covering them with several coats of varnish or lacquer. This method allows you to transform plain items into personalized works of art. While it may sound complicated, it's surprisingly easy and a great project for children of all ages. Below are some simple yet exciting decoupage ideas for kids.

 

Decoupage Photo Frames

A great place to start is by decorating a simple wooden photo frame. It’s a project that kids can easily handle and they’ll end up with a beautiful keepsake to display their favorite photos.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Start by selecting and cutting out your pictures or patterns.
  2. Spread a thin layer of Mod Podge or craft glue on a section of the frame.
  3. Place your cutouts onto the glue and smooth them out. Continue this process until the entire frame is covered.
  4. Once dry, apply another coat of Mod Podge over the entire frame to seal it. Allow it to dry completely.

 

Decoupage Storage Boxes

This project turns functional storage boxes into vibrant pieces of room decor. Kids can select a theme that matches their interests and room decor. They can choose from cartoon characters, animals, or their favorite sports.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Decoupage boxCut out images or patterns that match your chosen theme.
  2. Apply a layer of Mod Podge or craft glue onto the box.
  3. Place your cutouts onto the glue, ensuring you smooth out any bubbles or creases.
  4. Once you’ve covered the entire box and it's dry, seal it with another layer of Mod Podge. Allow it to dry fully.

 

Decoupage Personalized Notebooks

This project can get kids excited about school. By personalizing their notebooks, they can express their creativity and make their school supplies truly unique.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Select and cut out your images or patterns.
  2. Apply a layer of Mod Podge or craft glue onto the notebook cover.
  3. Arrange your cutouts onto the glue, smoothing out any bubbles or creases.
  4. Once you’ve covered the cover and it's dry, apply another layer of Mod Podge to seal it. Let it dry fully.

 

Decoupage Delights: Decoupage Project for Pre-teens and Teens

Difficulty level: advanced

Curved objects like jars and pots are a bit more challenging to decoupage than flat objects. Provide plenty of optional supplies and let the kids get creative. You might just end up with a finished craft that even the most artistic adult will envy!

Decoupage Mason Jars

Decoupaging mason jars can turn a simple jar into a beautiful candle holder, a creative container, or a unique piece of home decor.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Begin by selecting and cutting out your images or patterns.
  2. Spread a thin layer of Mod Podge or craft glue on a section of the jar.
  3. Stick your cutouts onto the glue and smooth them out.
  4. Continue this process until the entire jar is covered.
  5. After it's dry, apply another coat of Mod Podge over the entire jar to seal it.
  6. Let it dry fully.

 

Decoupage Flower Pots

Turn a basic flower pot into a work of art! This project is a fun way for kids to contribute to the family garden or create a unique gift for a teacher or friend.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Select and cut out your images or patterns.
  2. Apply Mod Podge or craft glue onto the pot.
  3. Position your cutouts onto the glue, smoothing them out as you go.
  4. Once you’ve covered the pot and it's dry, apply a final layer of Mod Podge for sealing. Allow it to dry.

 

Decoupage Delights: Decoupage Projects for Teens and Adults

Difficulty level: expert

Decoupage Collage Canvas Art

Create a beautiful piece of wall art using Mod Podge and a collection of images, patterns, or cut-outs that reflect your style. The end result is a personalized piece of decor that can add character to your room.

Materials:

Decoupage Phone Case

Customize your phone case using Mod Podge. This is a great way to constantly change the look of your phone case based on your mood, the season, or current trends.

Materials:

Decoupage Wooden Pendant Jewelry Craft

Creating a decoupage pendant is a perfect craft for teens. They'll enjoy the opportunity to express their personal style, and they'll also have a unique piece of jewelry to wear or give as a gift.

Materials:

 

Tips to make your decoupage projects successful and safe:

    1. Use safe materials: For younger kids, use non-toxic school glue instead of Mod Podge. It may not be as durable, but it's much safer for small hands.
    2. Supervise closely: Always supervise children while they're crafting, especially when they're using scissors to cut out patterns. Consider using safety scissors for younger children.
    3. Keep it simple: Start with simple projects. Decoupaging a flat surface, like a photo frame or a notebook cover, can be easier for beginners than a round object like a jar or a flower pot.
    4. Practice patience: Decoupage requires a bit of patience. Make sure the glue is completely dry before adding the next layer. Rushing this process can lead to bubbles or wrinkles in the finished product.
    5. Encourage creativity: There's no right or wrong way to decoupage. Allow kids to express their creativity by choosing their own pictures or patterns to decoupage with.
    6. Teach clean-up: Crafting can be messy! Teach children to clean up their crafting area once they're done. This includes safely disposing of any used sharp items like scissors or any leftover glue.
    7. Seal properly: For projects that might be exposed to water, like flower pots, you might want to consider sealing the final product with a clear acrylic sealer. Remember, this step should be done by an adult as most sealers are not child-friendly.
    8. Safe Display: For projects involving candles, like decoupage mason jars, always use battery-operated tealights, especially when displaying in a child's room for safety.

Decoupage with school glue is generally safe and appropriate for children as young as 3 to 4 years old. However, this depends on the child's individual development and fine motor skills, as well as their ability to understand and follow instructions. At this age, children can enjoy pasting cutouts onto objects and can handle basic safety rules with supervision.

Mod Podge, on the other hand, is a stronger adhesive and sealer that's generally suitable for older children, starting around 8 to 10 years old. This is because Mod Podge is slightly more difficult to work with, can be messier, and requires a greater level of precision and patience. Additionally, while Mod Podge is non-toxic, it's still a good idea to ensure older children understand they should not ingest it and they should wash their hands after using it.

Remember, these are just guidelines and the appropriate age can vary from child to child. It's essential to supervise children during these activities to ensure their safety and to guide them through the process.

 

Decoupage is a versatile and simple craft that allows children to create personalized items while honing their artistic skills. It's an activity that encourages creativity, concentration, and fine motor skills. With a few basic materials and their boundless imagination, kids can transform everyday objects into unique pieces of art.

Remember, the primary goal is to have fun! Allow children to select their themes, images, or patterns. It's all about expressing themselves and letting their creativity shine.

Happy decoupaging!
Leanne

Leanne enjoying candlelight