Are you looking for a unique, handmade gift to give to a special friend this Valentine’s Day? Why not try creating a one-of-a-kind decoupaged vase?
Decoupage is a craft technique that uses cutouts and glue to bring a unique design to an ordinary item, including a glass vase that you can buy at the dollar store.
With some simple materials and a little patience, you can create a pretty vase that will be cherished for years to come. This step-by-step guide will give all the techniques, tips, and advice you need to create a decoupaged vase for Valentine’s Day.
See also my tutorial for a DIY Dollar Store Candle Holder Using Molds.
How do you decoupage on glass?
Decoupage is a beautiful way to decorate glass pieces and give them a personalized look. To decoupage on glass, start by selecting the desired design you wish to place on the glass surface. Next, obtain the paper material that contains your chosen printed design or pattern and cut it into the desired shape. Apply a thin layer of decoupage glue (see here on how to make your own) onto the back of the paper or directly on the glass, then carefully press it to the glass and let dry completely. Seal the paper with several coats of clear sealant (or more Mod Podge).
See my tutorial on how to decoupage with fabric.
Glass vase (can also get at the dollar store)
Die cut, punch, Cricut
Glitter mod podge (optional)
Step 1 - Paint the vase
Use a metallic gloss or enamel acrylic paint to cover the vase. Just use 1 coat of paint so that it is still mostly see-through.
See my tutorial on how to spray paint wine bottles.
Step 2 - Cut out heart shapes
There are multiple ways you can cut out heart shapes
a paper punch
die cuts
a Cricut
or cut them out yourself
I used 3 different patterns of scrapbook paper, but you could also just use one.
Step 3 - Bend the hearts slightly
If you use heavier cardstock, bending the hearts in just slightly will make it easier for you to decoupage onto the vase.
Step 4 - Use a decoupage medium to attach to the glass
First, you put a layer of Mod Podge or another decoupage medium on the glass. And then, place the heart over it and paint another or two on top. Here is a post on how to make your own decoupage medium.
Decoupage the hearts in a random pattern or how you want them to look.
Step 5 - Add glitter medium to the hearts (optional)
To give the vase some sparkle, paint the hearts with glitter Mod Podge. You can also try using glitter paint. Test it out first so you can see how glitter paint would look with the paper you're using.
Step 6 - Outline the hearts with puffy paint
If you use a heavier card stock, you can tell after it's decoupaged because it sits higher than the glass. That's the reason I first thought of using puffy paints to outline them. I really like how it looks, also.
Step 7 - Fill in spaces around the hearts
You can add little dots in the spaces between the hearts with the same puffy paints.
Before starting this project, I looked at several heart patterns on Google images to give me ideas on how to make the pattern on my vase.
Step 8 - Cover with a gloss sealer
Use a heavy gloss acrylic sealer to completely seal the outside of your vase. I used Decoart triple thick gloss spray, and it looks really cool. It gives the whole vase a shiny, glassy look.
The last thing to do is put flowers in it and give your homemade vase and bouquet to someone you love!!
