DIY Paper Doilies Wall Art: A Budget-Friendly & Elegant Decoupage Project

Transforming a simple piece of wood into a stunning work of art doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re searching for unique, handmade wall decor that exudes charm and sophistication, our DIY Paper Doilies Wall Art project is the perfect creative endeavor for you. This engaging decoupage tutorial offers a fantastic opportunity to infuse your living space with personalized style, all while exploring the versatile and exciting world of Martha Stewart Crafts.

A few years ago, I embarked on a creative journey as part of the 12 Months of Martha campaign, a wonderful initiative that introduced me to an array of innovative crafting possibilities. One of the most exciting launches during this period was the comprehensive Martha Stewart Crafts decoupage line. With an impressive collection of over 57 items, this line promises endless potential for any project you can envision. My initial thought was to create wall art using traditional canvases, but the unexpected sticker shock—with canvases retailing for upwards of $20 each—quickly led me to rethink my approach. Embracing my inner thrifty crafter, I turned to our garage’s wood pile, discovering a forgotten piece of wood that would serve as the perfect, budget-friendly canvas. This project also provided the ideal opportunity to experiment with the brand-new Martha Stewart Crafts wood stain. The result? A remarkably simple creation with a vibrant, eye-catching color that I couldn’t be happier with!

Why Choose DIY Decoupage Wall Art?

Handmade wall art offers numerous advantages over mass-produced decor. Beyond the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands, this project stands out for several reasons:

Cost-Effective Elegance: By utilizing reclaimed wood or inexpensive plywood, you can craft high-end-looking decor without the hefty price tag associated with store-bought art.
Personalized Touch: Customize your art to perfectly match your home’s aesthetic. Choose stains, doily patterns, and arrangements that reflect your unique style.
Sustainable Crafting: Repurposing wood scraps not only saves money but also contributes to a more sustainable crafting practice, giving new life to materials that might otherwise be discarded.
Therapeutic & Rewarding: The process of decoupage is meditative and enjoyable, offering a wonderful way to unwind and express creativity. The final reveal of your finished piece is incredibly rewarding.
Versatile Decor: Paper doilies, often associated with vintage charm, can be styled in modern, rustic, or classic settings, making this art piece adaptable to various interior designs.

Diving Into Decoupage: The Martha Stewart Crafts Decoupage Line

The Martha Stewart Crafts decoupage line truly revolutionized the way crafters approach this timeless technique. Its expansive range means you have access to everything you need, from high-quality mediums to beautiful embellishments. The line features specialized tools and finishes designed to deliver professional-level results, making intricate projects accessible even for beginners. For this particular project, the Martha Stewart Crafts Decoupage Paper Doilies provide instant elegance, while the Decoupage Multi-Surface Finish ensures durability and a flawless, matte look. The brand’s commitment to quality ensures that your handmade art will stand the test of time, resisting wear and maintaining its beauty for years to come.

Materials You’ll Need for Your Paper Doily Wall Art

Gathering your supplies is the first exciting step in any DIY project. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need to create your stunning decoupage wall art:

11 x 11 piece of PureBond Hardwood Plywood: We chose PureBond plywood not only for its affordability but also for its eco-friendly construction. It’s formaldehyde-free and made from sustainably harvested timber, making it a responsible choice for your craft projects. Its smooth surface provides an excellent base for staining and decoupage.
Sander: A power sander (like an orbital sander) will make quick work of smoothing your wood, but a sanding block and sandpaper will also suffice for a smaller piece.
Veneer Real Wood Edging: This iron-on edging is perfect for giving your plywood a finished, professional look, concealing the raw edges and making it appear like a solid piece of wood.
Scissors: For cutting the veneer edging and, later, preparing your paper doilies.
Iron: A standard household iron is all you need to apply the veneer edging.
Towel: Essential for wiping away sawdust and excess stain.
Martha Stewart Crafts ® Wood Stain – Amaranth, 6oz: This particular shade of Amaranth offers a rich, deep color that truly makes the white doilies pop, creating a beautiful contrast and adding warmth to your art piece. The Martha Stewart line of stains is known for its vibrant pigments and ease of application.
Gloves: Protect your hands from stain and decoupage medium.
Respirator: Crucial for protecting your lungs from wood dust during sanding and fumes from wood stain, ensuring a safe crafting environment.
Cloth: Soft, lint-free cloths are best for applying and wiping off wood stain. Old t-shirts or microfiber cloths work well.
Martha Stewart Crafts ® Decoupage Paper Doilies – White: These pre-cut doilies save time and offer a consistent, delicate pattern that is perfect for decoupage. Their white color provides a beautiful contrast against the stained wood.
Martha Stewart Crafts ® Decoupage Brush Set: Having a dedicated set of brushes for decoupage ensures smooth, even application of the medium, free from streaks or brush marks.
Martha Stewart Crafts ® Decoupage Multi-Surface Finish – Durable Matte, 8oz: This all-in-one decoupage medium acts as an adhesive, sealer, and finish. The durable matte finish provides a non-glossy, protective layer that enhances the artwork’s refined appearance.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Decoupage Wood Art

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own beautiful paper doily wall art. Remember, patience is key to achieving a professional finish!

Preparing Your Wood Base: From Scrap to Canvas

The foundation of your decoupage art is the wood base. Taking the time to prepare it correctly will ensure a smooth, lasting finish.

Cut Your Wood: Begin by cutting your PureBond Hardwood Plywood to an 11 x 11-inch square. Precision here will result in a perfectly symmetrical piece of art.
Measure and Cut Veneer Edging: Carefully measure each edge of your newly cut wood square. Cut four strips of Veneer Real Wood Edging to match these measurements exactly.
Apply the Edging: Using a standard household iron, apply the veneer edging to each side of your plywood. The instructions on the veneer packaging will guide you, but generally, you’ll press the iron firmly over the veneer to activate the adhesive, then trim any excess with a sharp utility knife or carefully sand the edges. I actually learned this fantastic technique at the Haven Conference earlier this month, and it’s an absolute game-changer for finishing raw plywood edges!
Sand for Smoothness: With your sander, carefully sand all the edges and the entire face of the wood. The goal is to achieve a perfectly smooth surface where the veneer edging blends seamlessly with the plywood. This step is crucial for both aesthetic appeal and for ensuring proper adhesion of the stain and decoupage medium.
Clean Your Wood: Once sanding is complete, use a clean towel to meticulously wipe off all saw dust from the wood. Any lingering dust can interfere with stain absorption and decoupage adhesion, leading to an uneven finish.

Staining for Style: Adding Depth and Color

The stain provides the rich backdrop that will make your white doilies truly stand out. Safety is paramount during this step.

Safety First: Before opening your stain, put on your gloves and respirator. Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area to protect yourself from fumes.
Apply the Stain: Using a generous amount of Martha Stewart Crafts Wood Stain in Amaranth, apply it directly onto the wood surface. Do not be shy with the application.
Wipe Evenly: Immediately after applying, use a clean, lint-free cloth to evenly wipe the stain across the entire surface of the wood. Work in the direction of the wood grain for the best results.
Don’t Forget the Edges: Make sure you thoroughly wipe the edges of your wood as well, as these will be visible and contribute to the finished look of your art piece. A consistent stain application across all visible surfaces is key.
Allow to Dry: Let the stain dry completely overnight. This extended drying time ensures the stain has fully cured and won’t transfer or mix with the decoupage medium, guaranteeing a crisp, clean finish for the next step.

The Art of Decoupage: Applying Your Paper Doilies

Now for the creative part! This is where your unique design comes to life with the delicate paper doilies.

Prepare Your Doilies: The next day, with your stained wood fully dry, gather all your decoupage supplies. Begin by gently punching out the Martha Stewart Crafts Decoupage Paper Doilies. You’ll find there are tons of little intricate pieces, so take your time and handle them carefully.
First Decoupage Layer on Wood: Before placing any doilies, use a decoupage brush to apply a light, even coat of Martha Stewart Crafts Decoupage Multi-Surface Finish (Matte) all over the stained wood surface. This primes the wood and provides an initial adhesive layer. Allow this coat to dry for about an hour.
Position and Secure Doilies: Once the first layer on the wood is dry, you’re ready to place your doilies. Arrange them creatively across your wood panel. For each doily, place a small amount of the multi-surface decoupage medium on its back and carefully position it onto the wood.
Seal the Doilies: After all doilies are in place, use your decoupage brush to apply a light, even coat of the multi-surface decoupage medium over the top of each doily. This seals them, protects them, and creates a unified, smooth surface. Ensure there are no air bubbles trapped underneath; gently smooth them out from the center outwards if any appear.
Final Decoupage Coat: Once the doilies are secured and the top coat over them has dried to the touch, apply one more generous, even coat of decoupage medium over the entire surface of the wood and doilies. This final layer provides maximum durability and a cohesive, matte finish. Allow this final coat to dry completely, ideally overnight, before handling or displaying.

Final Touches and Display

Once your decoupage wall art is complete and fully cured, it’s time to find the perfect spot for it. Consider how it complements your existing decor.

In my own home, I decided to create a charming little vignette to accompany my new art piece. I wrapped chevron washi tape around simple mason jars and filled them with fresh flowers, placing them where my DIY paper doilies wall art would reside. This created a cohesive and inviting display that perfectly showcased the handmade artwork. You could also attach a sawtooth hanger to the back of the wood panel for easy wall mounting. Whether displayed on a shelf, mantelpiece, or hung on a wall, this unique piece is sure to draw admiration.

Pro Tips for Decoupage Success

Work in Thin Layers: Applying multiple thin coats of decoupage medium is always better than one thick coat. This prevents bubbles, ensures even drying, and creates a smoother finish.
Smooth Out Bubbles: If you see any air bubbles after applying the doilies, gently press them out with your fingers or a brayer (a small rubber roller) while the medium is still wet.
Clean Your Brushes Immediately: Decoupage medium can be difficult to remove once dry. Wash your brushes thoroughly with soap and water immediately after use.
Experiment with Arrangement: Before gluing, lay out your doilies on the wood to experiment with different patterns and compositions. Take a photo of your favorite arrangement to refer back to.
Patience is a Virtue: Allow ample drying time between each step. Rushing the process can lead to imperfections.
Ventilation is Key: Always work in a well-ventilated area, especially when using wood stains and sealants, to ensure proper air circulation and minimize fume inhalation.
Consider Other Finishes: While a matte finish was chosen for this project, Martha Stewart Crafts offers glossy and satin finishes too. Choose one that best suits your desired aesthetic.

So, what do you think of this transformation? Can you believe this elegant piece was once just a naked scrap of wood? This project beautifully demonstrates how a little creativity and the right tools can turn ordinary materials into extraordinary home decor. It’s an accessible and enjoyable craft that yields impressive results, proving that beautiful art doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. We encourage you to gather your supplies, embrace your creativity, and embark on your own decoupage journey!

Disclaimer: I received the products for free as part of the 12 Months of Martha Campaign. I was not compensated to publish this post. As always, all opinions are my own. There are affiliate links in this post.