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How To Make A DIY Decorative Box with Napkin Decoupage

Want to create a unique decorative box? See this step-by-step tutorial for decoupage on wood. This simple napkin technique makes decorating a wooden box easy.

I recently saw a beautiful wooden box in a boutique gift shop and thought it would be great for storing TV remote controls. We had just remodeled our beach cottage, and the faded blue colors would be perfect. However, upon further inspection, I realized it was larger than the space I had in mind and was a little pricey for storing remote controls. LOL.

Inspiration Decorative Box for the Napkin Decoupage Project.

Then I saw some paper cocktail napkins with similar colors, and inspiration was sparked. The napkins were only $5.99, and I felt I could find a box for cheap at the thrift stores to complete the project. In addition, I had another napkin from Decoupage Lamp Project that I could combine with the new napkins to create the design I had in mind.

Napkins that will be used to duplicate the design on decorative box.

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How To Make DIY Decorative Box

Now that I have the napkins, I need to find a wooden box that would be appropriate for this project.

Shop Thrift Stores

With a new plan in mind, I measured the area where I wanted to use the box and scoured thrift stores for the perfect box.

Within a few days, I found a cute little cedar chest that had been reduced because of a damaged lid.

Since I planned to add the napkin decoupage technique to the box, repairing the damage with wood filler would be easy.

Gather Supplies

I began by repairing the damage with wood filler.

Then, I gathered my paintbrush, chalk paint, scissors, and Mod Podge.

In addition, I added a small jewelry drawer pull to lift the lid easily.

Attach new hardware to lift the lid on the decorative box.

Paint The Exterior of Wooden Box

Because the wooden box was made of cedar and the napkin had a white background, the box’s exterior had to be painted white.

I left the cedar interior untouched.

Decorating A Wooden Box

Next, it’s time to begin decorating the wooden box.

You can begin by separating the napkin layers. You only need the decorative top layer of the three-ply napkin.

Then, cut the napkin into pieces that will fit on the box.

Cut decorative napkins into pieces to add to the box.

It’s best to test the napkin pieces before beginning the application.

Test the napkin pieces to begin decorating a wooden box

How To Decoupage on Wood

How to decoupage on wood is basically the same technique as any other material.

However, you do want to seal the wood before applying the mod podge and napkin. Unfinished wood should be sealed with paint, stain, or clear sealer.

Follow your paint or sealer instructions for drying before beginning to decoupage on wood.

Apply Napkin Decoupage

Brush the area where the napkin will be applied with mod podge and carefully add the pieces.

How To decoupage on wood with napkin decoupage technique

Apply all pieces, including any decorative designs, to the wooden box. Brush a mod podge layer over each piece’s top to ensure it adheres.

decorating a wooden box with napkin decoupage

Sand Edges of Napkin

Once the napkin and mod podge is completely dry, you may find that the edges of the napkin are more visible than you prefer.

You can diminish the appearance of the napkin edges by using fine-grit sand paper and lightly sanding until the design looks painted onto the wooden box.

Wipe the box carefully to remove dust and check for loose napkins’ edges.

If you have any loose pieces, you can apply another coat of mod podge to secure.

Sand decorative box for decorating a wooden box with napkins

I added a clear wax to finish the box and create a smooth matte finish.

Just apply the wax over the entire surface of the decorative box and then buff until silky smooth.

Add a clear wax sealer to the wooden box.

Decorative Box with Napkin Decoupage

The box looks better than all those remote controls laying around the base of the TV.

Decorative Box Dupe.

There are so many possibilities when using napkins to create a decorative box. Any paper napkin can be turned into a work of art.

In addition, these type of boxes can be used to hold game cards, stationary, recipes, jewelry, or other trinkets.

How To decoupage on wood for a decorative wooden box to hold trinkets, remote controls, stationary

However, it works great for the remote controls as planned.

How To decoupage a Wooden Box that is Perfect size box for remote controls.
Yield: 1

How To Make A Decorative Box with Napkin Decoupage

How To Make A Decorative Box with Napkin Decoupage

Use a thrift store wooden box to make a decorative box dupe using the napkin decoupage technique.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Active Time 20 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost 10.00

Materials

  • Cocktails Napkins
  • Small Wooden box
  • White Paint
  • Jewelry Drawer Pull
  • Mod Podge
  • Clear Wax

Tools

  • Paint Brush
  • Sand Paper

Instructions

  1. Paint the wooden box white allow to dry
  2. Separate Napkin using only the decorative top layer
  3. Cut the napkin to fit the box design
  4. Apply napkin with mod podge allow to dry.
  5. Sand edges of the napkin with fine grit sandpaper
  6. Apply clear wax and buff until smooth.
  7. Add drawer pull.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Other Napkin Decoupage Projects

Thanks for stopping by.

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DIY Decorative Box with Napkin Decoupage
How To decoupage on Wood.  Make a Decorative Box with these techniques.

Cindy

Wednesday 1st of May 2024

This beautiful and you shared great tips

Rachel

Wednesday 1st of May 2024

Cindy, I appreciate this. Thanks for stopping by.

stacy

Sunday 16th of April 2023

What a cool idea! Love this one!

Rachel

Sunday 16th of April 2023

Stacy, I appreciate this.

Pat

Tuesday 11th of April 2023

Loved this idea. I think I will try it.

Rachel

Wednesday 12th of April 2023

Pat, Thank you and I can't wait to see or hear how your project turns out.

MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!)

Tuesday 11th of April 2023

Rachel, your box is so pretty! You are just one amazing lady with all your wonderful DIY's! Thanks for this great idea! I am going to do this for our remotes! I actually have a stash of blue and white napkins just waiting for a project so they will be put to good use! Have a great week!

Rachel

Tuesday 11th of April 2023

Mary Ann, I'm so glad you like this project and that you have napkins on hand to begin your own project. Thank you for stopping by.

Debbie

Tuesday 11th of April 2023

It looks fantastic! What a great idea!

Rachel

Tuesday 11th of April 2023

Debbie, I'm so glad you like this.

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