36: dahlia decoupage

I've mentioned that I've designed a playroom or general hanging out space for my nieces.

I'm still not done.

I'm wondering if I ever will be.

It's fun, but it's been going on a long time.  At least now it's to the point where they can use the room.

Anyway, I can't show you the whole thing, but I can show you one fun project:

a giant dahlia table.

The table is from IKEA.  

I used mod podge to make the dahlia out of pieces of fabric.

This is my first attempt at decoupage.  I'm pleased with the results, but it was definitely a learning process.  If I did it again I would fusible interface the back of the pieces for stability and so you don't end up seeing through them so much.

Does anyone who has done this kinda of thing before want to give me some pointers?  I got lots of bubbles.  Almost none were there to begin with.  I was really careful to smooth out each piece.  But they appeared later.  Some fabrics seemed to really be a problem.  The majority of them I was able to poke with an exacto and smooth flat, but some are there to stay.  I'm wondering if it's because the table is in the garage.  Could it be the heat/elements?

Hmmm...

JT

Comments

[Amy @ parkcitygirl]

The table is GREAT! I haven't done much decoupage so I don't have any tips - but I love the idea!

[amanda]

Holy. Crap. (Am I allowed to say that word on here?) That is amazing, bubbles or no bubbles.

[Amie Bringhurst]

I don't know from experience but I've heard a blow dryer can be used to smooth them out when the bubbles appear.

[Stacey]

Wow....that is awesome! You have some really great ideas. I only know about using a needle/exacto as you have already done...sorry I am not more help. :)

[Dawn]

Your table looks fab! There is a great fabric decoupage tutorial over at: http://www.jcarolinecreative.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=JC&Screen=NIGHTSTAND

She has some great tips!

[Sandy]

I am amazed! That is awesome, and a huge undertaking for your first decoupage piece. You should be really proud of yourself! And, I was excited about the drawer I did in my sewing room!

[Amy Hodge]

This is really adorable! I've never done decoupage before, but I'm willing to bet that little girls don't care too much about bubbles. :)

[Blakely]

What a great table! Amazing! I have done decoupaging once and I got bubbles too.

[Channing]

That is fantastic! What a lovely idea. I am new to modge podge but I had a lot fewer bubbles with outdoor modge podge than my indoor glitter stuff. It was thicker and went on more smoothly. Someday maybe I'll even finish my project and post pictures. I can't wait to see pictures of your whole room.

[liz]

wow! the table is BEAUTIFUL!

[Amber]

Wow - that table is amazing and looks like quite a lot of work! I think fabric is hard to decoupage but your table looks great.

[Terriaw]

I still haven't tried decoupage, but this table is so cute! Awesome for a play room.

[Kath]

That looks marvelous! I'd love to know what sort of fabrics you used. I have an old chair that would look great with a design like this on the seat, you've definitely inspired me!

[Mia]

So pretty & perfect for a little girl!

I've only ever decoupaged small things before so I don't have any good information to share, but I just wanted to let you know what a great table you've created!

[sandi a.]

I think I can help, Jess. I did my first decoupage projects in the 1970's. Ah, with age comes wisdom, I guess. :-) Anyway, I used a very fine pin to prick the bubble spots and then continued smoothing those areas. I had a roller I used that helped smooth out bubbles, plus I worked from the center to the outer edge of a project and that continues to move the little air bubbles to the edge and they disappear easily at the edge of whatever you are decoupaging. The table is absolutely cool!!! Makes me think I should give that old decoupage technique a try on a little table that I have that needs an "update". Considering how cool (that word alone tells you I was a young woman in the 70's) the table is, I can hardly wait to see pictures of the entire room!!!