Decoupage Under Glass

This decoupage-under-glass technique really is easy -- and a great way to express your artistic talents. This example uses pages copied from an old book. Any book more than 75 years old makes a good source for material because the copyright has expired. But consider other sources as well: old family photographs, children's artwork, sheet music, and special letters.

Enjoy the finished table.

1. Make photocopies. Enlarge and reduce to vary the size.

2. Plan the layout. Cut and position the photocopies on a work surface. Play around with the shapes until you're happy with the layout. Then, lay your glass table round on top of the layout. Using a grease pencil, sketch the location of each piece on the front of the glass.

Experiment with colors.

3. Tint the trimmed photocopies as desired with a wash of water-thinned acrylic paint. Experiment with combinations of colors and the opacity of the wash. Let dry. Or, consider using color photocopies.

Glue images to glass.

4. Glue photocopies in place on the underside of the glass using a PVA adhesive available at art supply stores. Use your grease pencil marks as placement guides. Brush glue on the front of the photocopies, place on glass, and secure by rubbing with a smooth, round object. Complete the tabletop, then let glue dry.

Trim edges.

5. After all photocopies are in place, turn glass over. Trim excess pieces of photocopies along the glass edge using a crafts knife.

Add the final touches.

6. Secure masking tape to the edge of the glass table. Spray the back of the glass with white spray paint. Let dry. Brush on a coat of polyurethane. Remove masking tape. Let dry for several days before using.