It seemed only sensible to create a full papier-mâché object – after all decoupage is just one last layer of the process. I chose to make a coin tray using the Modern Floral decoupage paper. The matt adhesive says on the bottle that it will stick to almost any surface… I can attest to that as even cling film was grabbed firmly making one of the usual steps in moulding the papier-mâché a little tricky. Again, I rushed the process (which I have corrected in the list below) which probably made things more difficult for myself. Drying overnight has left the tray very rigid and I’m sure it will hold up in use. Having used the glue, I think it would probably stick firmly enough to the microwave meal tray itself if you didn’t want to do papier-mâché.
used to make this coin tray
- First Edition Deco Maché decoupage paper: Modern Floral
- First Edition Deco Maché decoupage glue: Matt
- First Edition Craft Deco Maché brush set
- A4 copy paper
- Cling film
First Edition Deco Maché decoupage papers are available at CraftStash and will be in-store at The Range in the next few weeks.
Wrap a microwave meal tray in cling film.
Start layering paper using the decoupage glue. I used 2 sheets of A4 copy paper as I wanted a white surface to glue the final layer on. If you want less obvious overlaps in the final layer, then a dark next-to-last layer may be better. If you use newsprint, then some of the lettering may show through the decoupage layer which may add a nice touch. Allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next.
After two layers of support paper, add the final decoupage layer.
Once all the layers are completely dry, prise out the microwave tray. Peel away as much of the cling film as you can. Trim the edge with scissors or a knife for a level and clean edge. Finish with a decoupage layer for the inside. I used just over one sheet of paper in the project.
Add a couple more coats of varnish, drying between layers, and allow to dry overnight before use.