How To Make A Distressed Napkin Decoupage Lamp

If you love the distressed blue and white vase trends this spring, I can’t wait for you to see how I made a napkin decoupage lamp that has a distressed look.

I’ve been seeing these vases everywhere including online at Magnolia. Since I love the look, I ordered some of these napkins to make my own version of these vases.

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However, before I could find the vases I wanted, I found this lamp at the Habitat ReStore for only $1.00.

I liked the shape and decided it would make a great napkin decoupage lamp.

Distressed Napkin Decoupage Lamp

The first thing is to prepare the lamp to assure the napkins would adhere to the lamp base.

Begin by taping the metal parts of the lamp that you don’t want to paint.

I recommend using a this textured spray paint to paint the entire ceramic base of the lamp.

Once the textured paint is dry, secondly, paint that same area with Old White Chalk paint.

In addition, you can paint the metal trim areas with an antique brass paint.

Add Napkin to Lamp

Next, you are ready to add the napkin to the lamp.

Begin by separating the layers of the napkin and then cut the top layer of the napkin into smaller sections using razor edge scissors.

This will allow the pieces to wrap around the curved edges of the lamp without folding.

Next begin adding napkin pieces randomly to the lamp base using Gloss Mod Podge.

Brush mod podge onto lamp with a paint brush in the areas you want the napkin to be applied.

Add the napkin to the top of the mod podge and then brush an additional layer over the top to adhere.

Continue until the lamp base is sufficiently covered.

Distress Lamp

Finally, to distress the lamp, use a mixture of black and brown craft paint and add distress marks to the base in random areas.

Apply some broken spots and some smudged areas as you can see in the photo below.

Finally, apply a mixture of 3 parts mod podge and to 1 part chalk paint over the entire surface of the napkin decoupage lamp base.

Note: Test a small are before covering completely to assure that the mixture isn’t to heavy. You are wanting a milky coverage not completely white.

Allow the mixture to cover heavier in some areas to lighten the pattern which will add to the distressed appearance.

Continue to Content

Yield: 1 Lamp

How To Make A Distressed Napkin Decoupage Lamp

Print

Easy way to transform a cheap thrifted lamp into a trending decor accessory.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Active Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost 8

Materials

• Blue & White Napkins
• Gloss Mod Podge
• Textured Spray Paint
• White Chalk Paint
• Antique Gold Craft Paint
• Black Craft Paint
• Brown Craft Paint
• Thrifted Lamp

Tools

• Razor Edge Scissors
• Paint Brush
• Painters Tape

Instructions

1. Use painters tape to cover any areas you don't wish to paint.
2. Spray the lamp base with textured spray paint to add a ruff surface.
3. Paint over the textured paint with white chalk paint
4. Then paint the metal areas with Antique Gold Paint
5. Separate layers of the napkins
6. Cut top layer of napkin into smaller pieces with razor edge scissors
7. Apply gloss mod podge to small sections of the lamp base.
8. Press the napkin sections onto the mod podge.
9. Then apply another layer of mod podge over the napkin to adhere.
10. After the entire lamp base is sufficiently covered, use the brown and black paint to add distress areas. Paint some cracked spots and add some smudged areas randomly on the napkins.
11. Finally, mix 1 part white chalk paint with 3 parts gloss mod podge and brush over the entire lamp base. Allow a heavier coverage in some areas to enhance the distressed look.
12. Note: Test a small are before covering completely to assure that the mixture isn't to heavy. You are wanting a milky coverage not completely white.
13. Add new lamp shade and ta da!

Notes

You can apply this same technique for vases or bowls

Choice of napkins and paint colors are optional

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Entertaining with Caspari Cocktail Napkin, Blue and White, Box of 40
• 
  Fiskars 190500 RazorEdge Micro-Tip Easy Action Shears, 5 Inch, Orange and Gray

Did you make this project?

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Finished Napkin Decoupaged Lamp

To finish the lamp, a new shade was added.

The lamp works perfectly with the other blue and white accessories added to the master bedroom last Spring. You can see how I updated the bedroom here.

Since I have napkins left over, I’m collecting some thrift store vases in similar shapes as the Magnolia versions. I can’t wait to use this technique to add napkins to them as well.

Did you know that this bedside table is a thrift store transformation? You can see how to transform a cheap chest into this industrial style versions on this post.

If you enjoyed this post, you will love the other repurposed lighting posts.

• Easy Thrifted Lamp Makeover
• What To Do With a Broken Light Fixture.
• Napkin Decoupage Lamp Makeover
• Coastal Lamp Makeover Ideas
• DIY Vintage Chandelier Makeover

Be Sure To Watch The Full Video Tutorial Here.

More Favorite DIY Projects

• Air Dry Clay Christmas Ornaments
• DIY Apothecary Cabinet IKEA HACK
• Over The Table Rod Stand Tutorial
• How to Make A DIY Potting Table from Old Windows
• Copper Hanging Pot Rack
• DIY Copper Spice Rack
• Nautical Rope Mirror Tutorial
• Easy Rustic Ladder Tutorial
• Distressed Decoupage Lamp Makeover
• Easy Thrifted Lamp DIY – Pottery Barn Hack
• Pottery Barn Leaf Napkin Ring Hack

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.

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