How to decoupage with tissue paper

31st March 2023 Share:

Looking for an easy and beautiful craft project? Welcome to decoupage! Once you’ve perfected the technique there are endless projects you can undertake which are fantastic for thoughtful gifts, things to decorate your home and all sorts!

What is decoupage?

Decoupage is a really simple technique using cut-out pieces of paper, gluing them onto objects and then sealing them with varnish. Any paper will work, from newspaper to wrapping paper. Here, I've used Rex London's tissue paper. Read on for a step-by-step tutorial to create your very own gifts and decor. You can even get the kids involved, too!

Decoupage vase

These vases have a lovely worn vintage feel. For a brighter aesthetic you could use a gloss finish rather than the matt that we used here.

Three glass bottles decorated with decoupage

To make a beautiful vintage look decoupage stem vase you will need

Tissue Paper (I used the Wild Flowers design)
Mod Podge (we used the matt finish) - this is readily available from most craft shops.
Scissors
Brushes - you’ll need two, one so you can glue and another to smooth the tissue down.
Glass bottles, vases or jars

Step 1

First, carefully cut out the shapes you’d like to use from the tissue paper.

Wild Flowers tissue paper and a pair of scissors

Step 2

Ensure the surface of the item you’re using is clean and dry, and then apply a layer of Mod Podge onto the glass.

A glass bottle being painted with a layer of glue

Step 3

Place the tissue shape onto the bottle, smoothing over if needed with the clean brush, or your hand. Then apply a layer of Mod Podge on top to seal it. Leave to dry to finish.

Decoupage pen pot

For a different look, try painting the glass with an opaque paint first. I did this to create a pen pot using an old glass jar and Top Banana tissue paper.

Simply apply some paint onto the clean glass jar, then repeat the process as above. It’s a really fun project for tweens and teens, as they can personalise anything they have to hand. Exercise books, folders and little trinket boxes would all work brilliantly.

A painted jar decorated with decoupage, filled with colouring pens

Decoupage plant pots

Plant pots are also a fantastic project and beautiful gift - they make a super cute gift for teachers! The Prehistoric Land tissue paper works particularly well for decoupage as it’s so easy to cut out the little rectangles and glue them on. These would look really fun in a child’s bedroom or playroom - to ensure the decoupage lasts, keep these pots for indoor plants only.