I love using napkin decoupage! You get a totally new look for tired glass candle holders using a simple napkin. I’m not stealing this idea from anyone. It’s just the first time I’ve applied a patterned napkin to curved glass, and I’m excited about the final result! It was quite a challenge getting the look I wanted… allowing the design to shine, rather than slapping the napkin on any old way. I started with a plain trio of candle holders similar to the goblet below.
Yes, I lost all my photos in a computer crash last year because somebody didn’t do a backup!
How to Give New Life to Plain Glass Candle Holders
Before I go any further, I’m joining in the Monthly Craft Destash Challenge. That’s where we bloggers design a project we create from our craft stashes. Read more about that below.
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If you’d like to join in the Craft Room De-Stash Challenge, you can request to join our Facebook group here!
My challenge was in using some of the paper napkins I have stashed away, but I’m hardly making a dent in my pile. How many napkins does it take to do a project like this? Keep reading below for the answer.
I used a set of napkins like this…
Now I love the subtle colors and the delicate shades of pink, but to tell you the truth, I wasn’t totally crazy about these napkins at first. They grew on me.
Where to Find Pretty Napkins?
If you’re like me, the grocery store was the first place I looked, but they had only blah and boring.
Big birthday napkins with bold colors shouting “I’m ONE!”
A package of 500 white napkins that are strictly to wipe your mouth.
Nothing interesting.
I’ve found them at yard and estate sales, but when you’re looking for them, they won’t be within 300 miles.
Even Amazon and local craft stores didn’t have many choices I liked. I found the green ones on Amazon…the only choice I even remotely liked. This was one time Amazon didn’t have absolutely everything.
The best I’ve found are napkin dealers on Etsy. You can buy single napkins, or 2-3 napkins for a reasonable price, like the ones below.
A big thank you to TamarasPaperNapkins and NicsPrettyPapers for their gorgeous napkins!
How Many Napkins to Use
How many napkins did it take to do 3 glass candle holders? Before I bought them, I visualized that 20 napkins might do it, but it took only one dinner size! I was flabbergasted! Of course cheapskate picker is going to make sure she uses every last tidbit of the napkin. Nothing goes to waste!
Completing the Look
As you can see, I’m using one as a vase, and as a final touch, I covered the rim of the candle holders with a bit of jute string. This is not just for decoration folks…it’s effectively hiding my indecision as to how far to go over the rim with the napkin. Luckily string covers a wealth of mistakes!
And there’s a reason why I’m using it as a vase, which you’ll find out if you keep reading.
I’m really pleased with how these turned out! I worried they would look too blotchy and pieced together, but thankfully, it’s not a problem.
Basic Procedure of Using Napkins for Decoupage
Unfortunately no pictures of the process remain due to my computer crash.
- Most decorative napkins are 3-ply. Separate the 2 white back layers until you’re down to the last patterned layer. If you don’t have fingernails for this job, you’re out of luck.
- Depending on what you’re decoupaging, you may decide to use the whole sheet at once, or in my case, pick parts of the napkin you want to use.
- The creases in the napkin won’t be a problem, but if desired, you can iron them on a low setting. (no steam). Yes, you can iron paper!
- Tear napkin into pieces you want to use. You can tear them dry or wet. I’ve found it’s much easier to tear if you apply a wet bead with an eye dropper or paint brush along the border of the piece you want to tear off.
- Working in sections, apply Mod Podge to the candle holder (or whatever you’re using), not the napkin.
- I find it helpful to cover the newly decoupaged parts with clear plastic wrap. You can then use your finger to very gently dab wrinkles without touching the napkin itself, which easily tears.
- Continue covering your vessel with the napkin pieces until all is covered.
- Apply a final coat of Mod Podge over the whole object to seal it.
What I Learned from the Process
As said, these were harder and more tedious to do because I wanted them to look like the napkin, with the flower clusters scattered. Using a napkin with a uniform pattern would have been so much easier and quicker.
I saw napkin decoupage used years ago on someone’s blog, and fell in love with the look. She stressed painting the inside of the vessel first, and I’m not sure why. I did it, but wouldn’t do so again.
If you’re using them for candle holders, you can barely see the glow of the candle through the paint layer, and the decoupage. Of course, if you’re using these for vases, it wouldn’t matter.
Creating a Centerpiece with Candle Holders
You can see how I’m using them below in a shabby chic Easter centerpiece. Nobody taught me how to arrange a centerpiece. Anything goes if you like it! I used 10 thrifted and estate sale finds to style an old mirror tray.
Just a bit of pink Easter basket grass on top of the tray to conceal the mirror.
A metal cage to the left is filled with white tulle and mini lights.
A bird’s nest with eggs imparts a hint of Spring, capped with a faux pink hydrangea bloom.
Finishing out the look are bits of an arrangement from last year…bunnies, eggs, and a bunny napkin ring.
Finds from this year I liked…hen and chick treat baskets, and a large ceramic Easter bunny
My 3 candle holders. Use whatever you have on hand to create a centerpiece that pleases you.
You can see below, I didn’t spend much money on this:
1-Large ceramic rabbit-$2.50
2-3 candle holders-free
3-Faux hydrangea bloom-$3
4-Small cage-$2
5-white tulle-free
6-Easter grass-50¢
7-Vintage mirror tray-$2
8-Bird’s nest with eggs-free
9-Small hen and chick treat baskets-25¢ each
10-Bunny napkin ring-25¢
Final Cost-$10.50
I’m really enjoying the centerpiece and my napkin candle holders! They’re very versatile and can be used in any setting.
I had so much fun with this, I know I’m going to become a napkin decoupage fiend queen, so look out!
Have you done any napkin decoupage projects? Have tips to share?
Sharing with these link parties…
And now be sure to visit my blogging buddies below to see their destash projects for the month!
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Florence
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Absolutely beautiful. Great job
Thank you Deborah!
The store, Tuesday Morning, always has some beautiful napkins. Maybe you can find something there. Is there one close to you?
Yes I have a Tuesday Morning, but don’t go there much. Glad to know there’s another source for pretty napkins though. Thanks for the tip!
Very nice Florence! I love the tip about the plastic wrap. And, those napkins. Gorgeous!
Thanks Maureen! So glad you like them! And found a tip you can use.
Florence, I love how this turned out. And as it turns out, you can make a gazillion more as this craft uses up so little napkin, lol. I’ve never tried my hand in decoupage, so I am quite excited that you shared this tutorial. You make it look very simple. Thank you!
Thanks Habiba! You’re so right…not many napkins are used, so I’ll have to look for more projects to do!
Florence the result is absolutely gorgeous. I really like the soft greenish-blue colors of the napkins you chose, even if you thought they were blah! They are perfect for spring and Easter decorating. See I’ve been going in a softer direction lately away from too much color. Btw, you did a great job with the decoupage, I know it is harder than it looks.
Yes it is harder than it looks! Thank you. I’m glad you like them! The napkins have really grown on me a lot. I like them now. I guess I wished for more pink because I love pink!
Wow! Your candle holders turned out beautifully. I’ve never tried decoupaging napkins but I’ve seen some incredible results Great de-stash project.
Thanks Sharon! I appreciate your comment & thanks for dropping by.
Wow! You are super crafty! I have done this on plates, but never on a candle holder. I love your plastic wrap hint Florence, I have to remember that one. Thanks!
Thanks Mary! Glad you liked it and found a tip.
They turned out beautiful Florence, and look really nice in your centerpiece. Decoupaging napkins are a little harder then you would think. At least to me they are. They want to wrinkle and tear so easy.
Thanks so much Linda! Yes they are more of a challenge than they look. Yes they do want to wrinkle and tear. But you can usually hide those spots. I had them too.
Ooh! Those are so pretty Florence!
Tania
Thanks Tania!
Florence, your napkin decoupaged candle holders are so beautiful. The design on the napkins you chose is really lovely. Do you have any left?? Just teasing! I actually like your project best of any and am inspired to try doing some napkin decoupage myself. Great job!
Thanks so much Naomi! Actually I have a lot of these left, LOL. I’m glad I’ve inspired you to do your own project!
I love this! I am going to get into decoupage one of these days. I see it alot.
Maria
You should Maria! It’s a really fun look! You can do a lot with it.
I like the blue floral napkins and I’m not usually one to purchase anything with floral pattern. I think the vases are really pretty and you should be proud of them. Good luck finding more sources for napkins. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Donna! I appreciate it & thanks for stopping by.
Beautiful transformation Florence! Love how you just used a napkin to give it a whole new look. So fun!
Thanks Kristi! Thanks for coming by!
Love pattern on your paper napkins. Michaels and Joanns used to have pretty paper napkins in their $ bins but they stopped. I would treat myself to a set now and then not knowing what would use them for but at $1 or $2 thought something would come up.
I saw a demo on a video last week putting napkins on a bottle, she used a small piece of plastic wrap bunched up to smooth the wrinkles.
Love how your candleholders look with napkins decoupaged on them, can use for vases or whatever needed. Your vignette is so pretty and seasonal. I have subscribed after seeing your posts for long time.
Look forward to seeing what you do.
Happy Spring and Easter
Thanks JaneEllen! You’ve just made my day with your sweet comments! Glad you’ve found the blog enjoyable! I was surprised I didn’t find the pretty napkins at Michaels, Joann’s, or Hobby Lobby that I was expecting. Good to know the tip about bunched up plastic wrap to smooth out wrinkles. It really does help to use something else to touch it.
These are so pretty!
Thanks Roseann! Thanks for stopping by.
These are so pretty! There are so many beautiful napkins out there
Thanks Emily! Yes there are some pretty napkins out there.
They turned out beautiful! And I love your Easter center piece too.
Thanks so much Super Mom!
I always see pretty napkins at TJMaxx and Home Goods. I’ll have to remember to pick some up the next time I visit and give decoupaging on glass a try. Pinned.
Thanks for the tip Erlene! Glad to know where I can find more pretty napkins! I hope you do try a little decoupage. I think you’ll like it.
This is a beautiful project. There are so many pretty napkins out there to make all sorts of candle holders and vases. You have a lovely table setting with your project as the star.
Thanks Debra! I appreciate your comment.
Those turned out so beautiful!
Thank you Deborah!
I have some napkins from IKEA I bought with the idea of decoupaging the to…something. They remain a part of my stash, but after seeing your project I might have to work them into an upcoming Destash! I love the look of the three candle holders together. Very Spring like.
Thanks so much Lydia! I’m glad I was able to inspire you.
They’re beautiful Florence, I never would have believed they were covered with napkins! Great choice of paper, so pretty
Thanks so much Linda! I appreciate it.
Florence, I just love what you did with these candle holders! The placement of the napkin pattern is perfect. I’m going to remember this awesome idea because I have a stash of napkins in a file cabinet waiting to be decoupaged onto something.
Marie, I’m glad you like it. I’ve seen you do so many wonderful things with paper!
Wow, Florence when I saw the piccy of the three vases I actually thought it was an exquisite vintage find that you pick up on your thrifting travels. How incredibly beautiful. Modging napkins takes a lot of patience but you went the extra mile and lined up the flowers to really make it look a handcrafted masterpiece. Really beautiful
Aww, thanks Michelle! I appreciate that!
Wow, very beautiful napkins. I am glad you took the extra time to cut out the motifs and put them the way you did. The extra time it took shows in your finished craft.
I can always come to Vintage Southern picks for thrift store upcycle ideas, you really are gifted at it. And at finding deals.
Thanks Leanna! I appreciate your sweet comments so much!
I have always wanted to try this! Your project turned out great. I really love your napkin choice, the floral pattern is beautiful. I even love the shape of the glasses you used! Thanks so much for sharing at Vintage Charm! xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home
Thanks Kathleen! The process of the project was tedious, but I’m glad I did it now. Thank you for your kind comments!
Beautiful Florence! I love using napkins to decoupage with . I often find pretty ones unopened at our local thrift. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Thanks so much Jann!
Those are so pretty! I love giving old things a new look. Pinned.
Thank you so much Joanne! I appreciate it!