You can make a clear glass plate into a personalized decoupage plate:
This is a very nice decoupage video showing you how to decoupage on a clear glass plate:
https://vimeo.com/7685071
Here is a link to Martha Stewart showing how to decoupage. They are using clear glass trays from Behrenberg Glass Co. in this video:
Gold Foil Glass Trinket Tray tutorial from Earnest Home Co.
Reverse Decoupage Jewelry Tray from Little Yellow Couch
DIY Fathers Day Gifts You Can Make in an Afternoon from Real Simple
Step-by-Step
Behrenberg Glass Co. supplies beautiful pieces of quality clear glass plates, paperweights, and blanks, that are perfect for decoupage and the decoupeur. Allow your imagination to take over. You can find interesting art in old books, gift-wrapping paper, candy papers, one-ply napkins, greeting cards, magazines, or actual decoupage paper. If the paper of your choice is thin, there is a risk that the advertising on the opposite side will show through once the art has been dampened with glue or decoupage medium. You may want to copy your artwork on a laser printer. This will also help the design ink not run.
- Make sure the clear glass decoupage blank is clean and dry. Place your paper cutouts over the clear glass piece to be sure you have enough, and to give you an idea of how you want to arrange them.
- If using white glue with water (three parts glue to one part water) in a small container. Alternatively, use the decoupage medium as instructed on the label.
- Let your paper cutout soak in water for a couple of minutes. This will keep the paper from curling when the glue is applied.
- Working with one paper cutout at a time, spread a thin coat of glue mixture onto the clear glass piece and then onto the back of the paper cutout, using a sponge paintbrush. Carefully place the paper cutout onto the glued surface, and gently press it flat with your hands. Work out any air bubbles or folds in the paper by smoothing your hand over the paper cutout, being careful not to tear the paper.
- Continue adding glue mixture and paper cutouts until the entire glass piece is covered, overlapping the cutouts to create a pleasing appearance. Allow your piece of glass to dry completely before moving onto the next step.
- Now you will cover the entire Behrenberg Glass piece with several coats of the glue mixture or decoupage medium. Use a small bristle paintbrush for this step. Apply the first coat gently, being careful not to lift the edges of the cutouts as you brush. Let the project dry between coats and keep applying more coats until you get the overall look you want. The artwork on thin paper is preferable here; if you use a thick picture, you will have to build up quite a number of layers of glue mixture or decoupage medium before you can achieve a smooth, shiny surface with no visible bumps. At least three coats are advised.
- Add beads, feathers, ribbons, buttons, and trim with a hot glue gun, if desired. This works best on decorative items like Behrenberg Glass Co. clocks, ornaments, and paperweights. Allow your piece of glass to dry completely before the next step.
- Once your Behrenberg Glass Co. piece is completely dry, apply a coat (or two or three) of spray acrylic sealant to give it a shiny finish. After the sealant is completely dry, you will have the perfect piece to add to your collection.
Step-by-step instructions for reverse decoupage on glass plates
Behrenberg Glass Co. supplies beautiful pieces of quality clear glass plates, paperweights, and blanks, that are perfect for decoupage and the decoupeur. Allow your imagination to take over. You can find interesting art in old storybooks, gift-wrapping paper, candy papers, greeting cards, one-ply napkins, scrapbook paper, magazines, or actual decoupage paper. If the paper of your choice is thin like magazines, there is a risk that the advertising on the opposite side will show through once the art has been dampened with glue or decoupage medium.
- Wash your Behrenberg Glass Co. plate(s) with soap and hot water. Dry thoroughly.
- Apply the decoupage medium of your choice in even brushstrokes over the back surface of your Behrenberg Glass piece.
- Lay decorative paper face down onto your surface. Turn the plate over to see if you need to reposition paper, moving gently.
- Adhere paper to the tray by pressing gently at the center and working out towards the edges; leave the corners for last. Use a squeegee or your fingers to smooth out any air bubbles and creases. If you can’t seem to get the bubbles out, put a coat of decoupage medium over the back and work more at sliding those bubbles towards the edge of the glass piece. Be careful not to tear the paper.
- Let your plate dry completely.
- Apply a second coat of decoupage medium.
- After everything is dry, trim excess paper from edges with a sharp craft knife or razor blade.
- Paint the back of the tray with a white or light color acrylic paint to keep the original look to your artwork. A dark color may darken your image.
- After the paint is dry, then finish with a coat of acrylic paint, your choice of color.
- You may line the edge of the plate with a paint pen.
- Don’t forget to sign and date your artwork.
- Once your Behrenberg Glass Co. piece is completely dry, apply a coat (or two or three) of spray acrylic sealant to give it a shiny finish. After the sealant is completely dry, you will have the perfect piece to add to your collection.
- You may also want to add a piece of felt to the back of your item to make sure the back won’t get marked up.
** All of the instructions and advice above are from our experience. There are many ways to decoupage, many decoupage mediums that work differently. Have fun experimenting and finding your way of making your special art projects.
Common problems and solutions:
Q. Why am I getting shiny spots and streaks between the paper and the glass?
A. You may need more or less glue between the paper and glass. Try to get an even layer between. Do not try to remove all the glue between the paper and glass.
Q. Why is the ink on my image running?
A. Try spraying the image with clear acrylic. It may take 2 or 3 coats to seal the image to keep the ink from running, copy your image with a laser copier or print the image from a laser printer.
Q. Why are there are shiny spots on my decoupage piece?
A. Sometimes, the shiny spots are places where the glue is too thick.