How to Decoupage a Beautiful Napkin to a Gourd explains a fun and easy project for beginning gourd artists. If you are not great at drawing and painting, this may be a great answer for you as you are learning.
The wonderful thing about gourds is the variety of techniques that work on the round gourd surface. Mastering some of our tools and acquiring skills takes extra effort until you find one you enjoy. Maybe your confidence in your drawing skills is a dilemma for you. Today I share a shortcut to help you get started creating gourd art.
I would like you to start by searching the Internet for “decoupage paper napkins.”
These are typically three-ply or two-ply, meaning they have 2 or 3 layers. You will use only the top layer where the image is. You can find a variety of beautiful decoupage napkins at the Dollar Store, on Amazon, and on Etsy. Our video artist, Judy West, suggests Ninnysnapkin.com
Look for Designs you can Cut out Easily
“Cute” always sells!!! Also, look at the holiday topics you could create a gourd around. Keep your ideas flowing as you look at what’s available! If you are looking for a small gourd gift to sell or give, this method is relatively quick and still can be impressive as a giftY
Notice that some have images scattered over the surface that you can cut out. In contrast, other designs combine ideas that will also work. As you look around, consider topics you enjoy or know are good sellers. Maybe a subject people want to collect, like butterflies or hummingbirds.
Your Choice of Glue to Decoupage a Beautiful Napkin to a Gourd
Most will recommend Modge Podge. Yes, they do make one for a napkin! The most popular is the Deco Art brand which you can buy at Michael’s for about $11.
If you talk to an experienced artist, they may share that the decoupage glue is smelly and sometimes too thick. Many suggest a bond made only in Europe. Viva Decor Napkin Glue & Varnish
But it can be ordered at
Cutting tools to help you Decoupage a Beautiful Napkin to a Gourd
You don’t want to cut the image with scissors. Instead, you will be tearing the paper after creating a wet line. You want a ragged edge around the image to help it fade into the glue. A small soft art brush dipped in water, or a Q-tip will work. Or a better choice is an Aqua pen brush.
Author tip: I like to use them when I use alcohol dyes to help blend my colors! They are worth having a few around!
Base Paint Colors to help you Decoupage a Beautiful Napkin to a Gourd
Our video artist uses chalk paint which covers well, but any gesso or acrylic paint will work.
The 2-inch foam roller is helpful. Also, pick up some sea sponges for this process.
Steps in the Process
Start will take a well-sanded smooth gourd! Have all your napkin pieces cut and ready to go. Be sure to attach a wire for a handle for hanging the gourd to dry.
Our video demo uses this kitten napkin on a surface of a pot. But you can see the steps will also work on a gourd.
Step 1. Start by ensuring the surface you will be decoupaging is white or light-colored. Because the napkin is thin, the background will show through. You can apply the napkin to an unpainted gourd when you get better at this.
Step 2. Next, you’ll want to separate your napkin into one ply. You’ll only be using the top ply, the printed part of the top of the napkin.
Step 3. Outline the image you want using a wet paint brush dipped in water. This step makes it easier to tear the napkin without ruining the image. As in this example, you can use one large image or smaller napkin pieces to create your design.
Step 4. Slowly tear the napkin along the outline you just made. Let the napkin dry completely.
Step 5. The Wet” Method”
Prepare a piece of plastic by spraying it with water. (Try a cover sheet for print paper.) Then lay your image on the plastic.
Step 6.Cover the napkin surface with more water ensuring it is saturated.
Step 7. To help keep the edges from folding, release the border from the plastic with a toothpick and gently pull out the paper and straighten.
Step 8. Drain off any excess water, then carefully lift the plastic, and place the napkin on the gourd. Press it in place with your finger or a soft brush. Now slowly pull off the plastic.
Step 9. Next, use your brush to smooth out the edges and any dried spots.
Step 10. Our artist then thins the glue with water and carefully covers the napkin. You might want to use two coats here; This will help seal it.
Step 11.The final finish can be gloss or matte. If it will be outside, choose the proper sealant. Use two coats with a light spray.
Watch our artist Judy West – The Painting Nan
from the United Kingdom, demonstrate her “wet method” on a pot.
A Word of Advice
This technique can become an endless addiction. You can look at some examples I found online for additional ideas. You can even cover the inside of your gourd! Here are some examples to help inspire you.
Napkin designs are a great embellishment for gourd art. The process is easy and you can always use other things like stencils and stamps over the napkin design once it drys. This would also be a great project for a group of gourd artists.
Please, share your thoughts here in the comment box or share them with all the gourd artists on our Facebook Group Page.
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