Can I brag just a little bit? I think this bowl looks good enough for a designer’s studio. And it’s not hard to do. In fact, it’s a fun process and definitely something anyone can pull off.
Here’s a couple of pictures of the paper I choose. The first one I used to cut out the shapes. I have a lot left over since I only used about a dozen ‘leaves’. I also think a nice idea would be to use skeleton leaves. I used those a while ago for a tray and you can see that project here.
This is the one I used a lot of as the base of the bowl. It has gold pieces that are quite pretty close up and is very translucent, which is perfect for this project.
I’m lucky enough to have a great source for handmade papers nearby, but if you don’t you can just google ‘handmade paper’ and you’ll get tons of resources.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Glass or ceramic bowl in size of choice
- Plastic Wrap
- Modge Podge or Wallpaper Paste and Brush
- Textured paper that is thin enough to let the leaves show through.
- Dried leaves/flowers (I used handmade paper as shown below and cut out the shapes)
- Cover your surface. I used an old shower curtain liner but anything will do; newspaper, towels, etc.
- Cover the outside of the bowl with plastic wrap.
- Tear the thin handmade paper into strips.
- Using your brush, place a generous amount of Modge Podge on the strips one at a time and place on the bowl. Repeat until the bowl is covered. Let dry.
- When the paper is dry, place some Modge Podge on the leaves/flowers and position them where you want them one at a time, and apply a second layer of paper that has been treated with Modge Podge over the top to hold them in place. Let dry.
- Add more layers of paper until you are satisfied with the look and thickness.
- When completely dry, separate the paper from the bowl by very gently easing it off the plastic wrap. You will most likely get some splits in the paper. Don’t worry. Patch them with some more paper.
Here’s the bowl just before I separated it from the plastic wrap.
It brings a nice pop of brightness to this space that I really like! What do you think? Will you give this a try? Oh, and you can find out about this table here. It was an awesome deal!
*TIPS*
The more Modge Podge or paste you use, the longer it will take to dry, but the end result will be stronger. To speed the drying process along, use a hairdryer.
It will be a lot easier to separate the plastic wrap from the bowl if the opening of the bowl is wide rather than narrow.
This bowl is strictly for decorative purposes only. You can put some things inside if you want, but keep in mind it is not very sturdy and should be handled minimally.
Sharing At:
Throwback Thursday
Baye says
I love this! I haven’t made paper in a long time, but shall for this project. Thanks for the inspiration.
Angela says
This is so cool! I love it! I’ve never tried anything like this before but I’d love to try! I’m in search of handmade paper now! Great job!!~~Ang
Denise says
Your creative ideas are endless! Just beautiful. xxD
Cindy Eikenberg says
Doreen, this is just beautiful!!! I LOVE it! Isn’t Mod Podge just the best thing since sliced bread? Pinning and sharing this on my FB page tomorrow!
debra@ HOMESPUN says
This is really stunning! So yeah…you can brag 🙂
Doreen Sargente says
Thanks Debra! I appreciate your kind words!
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Wow! The bowl came out beautiful. You’re very creative. Love it!
Paula@SweetPea says
This is so pretty! I love the paper you chose for your bowl and how the light shines through the finished product. Thanks so much for sharing with this week’s Throwback Thursday party.
I’m sharing your project on my FB page this morning if you’d like to take a look.
https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaSweetPeaBlog
Christina says
This is really lovely!- great tutorial also!
Greg Mancini says
I just found your project, and it looks beautiful. However, in case people want to make it and are looking for the product, the correct name is Mod Podge rather than Modge Podge.
Doreen@househoneys says
Thank you so much Greg! I don’t know how I didn’t realize that, or how no one brought it to my attention. I’m going to change the title of this post right away, and the featured pic as soon as I’m able.
Glad you stopped by!