How To Decoupage Glass Into A Pretty Paperweight

As I am redoing my studioffice, I still need to work in the room and keep things organized. I realize that even in all the mess, I am a pile-er not a file-er when it comes to organizing my papers.  I have tried to change my ways as every organizing guru will tell you to file properly. My mind just doesn’t work that way.  I know if I label my piles I can keep things organized enough until I can file or toss.  I eventually get them filed, but have a hard time keeping track of what pile is what.  I have tried writing the name of the pile on a sticky note to differentiate them, but they have a tendency of  sticking to the back of a paper and then there goes my pile name.

I have been trying to come up with a better plan, not to change my ways, but to find a way that works for me.  So I made these decoupage glass labeled paperweights using a thrift store light fixture.  They seem to be working!

At the end of the post is the link for the free printable for you to download.

When I went to NYC in December to do the video taping for House Beautiful magazine and Glidden, I as most people who get into the city for the day – went shopping.  One of my favorite places to browse – never buy – way out of my price range, but just for inspiration is Bergdorf Goodman  – the 7th floor is where the Home section is.  Lots to swoon over.

I saw these pretty paperweights.  The price tag was  – $100 – yes!!! For a glass paperweight.  They are  beautiful and I wanted to take all of them home.  They are made by John Derian Co.  Of course my mind when into creative overdrive thinking of how I could make something like them to help me label my piles.  Especially when summer comes around as I don’t want a breeze to blow my papers all over the room, which has happened in the past.

After I got home I kept the paperweight idea in the back of my mind and then inspiration struck after reading a project post that Brittany at Pretty Handy Girl did on how she made photo Christmas ornaments. She used beveled glass from a thrift store light fixture. I went to my local Restore and had no trouble finding one. It was $2.00.  The glass box in the photo below is my own, but has the same beveled glass – just in a smaller size. *I later tried Tiny Prints Glass Prints which worked very well.

The light was already broken and coming apart, so removing the glass was not hard. I used tin snips and wire cutters to grab and carefully pull away the metal strips from the glass. Wear gloves and eye protection.

This is what it looked like after I took all the flat pieces of glass out. I did save the angled glass, but don’t have any ideas for re-purposing it yet.   I washed each piece of glass in hot soapy water and used a razor blade to get the caked-on gunk off.

How To Decoupage Paper Onto Glass

supplies needed:

• Beveled glass
• Mod Podge
• Spray Bottle of water
• Paint brush
• Computer print outs with your words or images on them ( print out a day before to make sure ink is dry)
• Scraps of gift wrap or scrapbook paper
• Felt
• X-Acto knife
• Marking pen

 

You can decoupage any type of paper to the back of the glass. Gift wrap, tissue paper, napkins, scrapbook  paper.  Instead of a word – decoupage your initials, monogram, or favorite quote onto a piece of glass to personalize your paperweight.

My first attempt at this was a total failure.  There was streaking under the glass and shiny spots showing up even when it was dry.  I finally figured out a way to lessen or eliminate the spots. If there is a John Derian Co. secret anyone wants to share, please do so.  :)  I brushed it, rolled it thin and thick on the paper first, and vice-versa.  I finally figured what worked.  Any failed attempt can just be placed into a sink filled with water for a few minutes and the paper will come off so you can reuse the glass.

1. Brush on an even thick coat of Mod Podge on top of your printout.  Don’t move the brush around too much as you don’t want to smear the ink.  Let it dry thoroughly on a flat surface. When it is dry it will be clear and shiny.

2.  Add a second even coat of Mod Podge over your print-out and then spray it lightly with water.  Roll or brush a thin even coat of Mod Podge on the back side of the glass.   Place print face down on the back of the glass. You will have a few minutes before it dries to get it into position.  Use a wet finger to gently go over the back of the paper to get rid of any air bubbles and creases.  Keep your finger wet and your touch light so you don’t rip the paper.

3.  Apply another coat of Mod Podge to the back of the print. Using the brush to continue getting creases and air bubbles out.   Let it dry overnight.  The Mod Podge will appear white.  It will dry clear so don’t worry.  Some spots may stay whiter longer, but they will all dry clear.

4. Once it is completely dry, use an X-Acto knife to trim all the edges by running the knife along each edge.  Use glass cleaner to remove any Mod Podge that may have gotten on the top and edges of the glass.

5. Cut a piece of felt to the size of your glass and use Mod Podge to attach it to the back.  Trim with scissors if necessary.

I used scraps of gift wrap from a previous project to make a border around the “To Do” paperweight.  I created it first on paper. Glued it down and let it dry.  Once it was dry, I applied it to the glass the same way I did for the FILE paperweight above.  The Typeography giftwrap can be found at Luxe Paperie.

My paper scrap file.  Comes in pretty handy when I am creating small projects.

Now my” To Do” and “File” piles are neat, look pretty, and hopefully will keep me organized.

Free Printables

Download here:

Image:  FILE

Image:  To Do

For more ideas on how to use Mod Podge check out my posts below:

Custom Fabric Rug     Birdhouse     Gift Wrap Dresser     Updated Table