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Napkins are great for collage, decoupage, junk journals, and embellishing paper crafts. They are one of the most common mixed media supply.
(napkin packs available to purchase)
I love crafting with napkins. They add an amazing texture and the transparency makes them one of my favorite things to cover book pages with to create a gorgeous collage without a huge effort.
Napkin Whites
Napkins come with white backings - usually two or three layers. They can be difficult to remove, however, a small piece of scotch tape can usually get them started.
Can you believe most people throw out their napkin backings?! Not me! If I'm not using them for tissues (allergies, ugh), then I'm adding them as a top layer to things.
This picture is a napkin white glued over a masterboard. It gives it a cloudy appearance and a nice texture.
The Glue
I use Elmer's Glue-All. (I am an Amazon Affiliate and earn a small commission from purchases made using my links) I buy it by the gallon. You don't have to water it down but you can. If you choose to water it down, I suggest using only 1/4 or less water.
Get your base good and wet with glue, then add the napkin and add another good layer of glue over that. I glue the napkin on little by little so I don't end up with tons of bubbles. A thicker layer of glue on top helps prevent tearing of the napkin. Yes, its delicate. Yes, you CAN avoid tearing it as long as you don't pull at it much.
Napkin Uses
*Backgrounds
*Decoupage
*Cut pieces out of napkin design for collage fodder
*Hiding imperfections (See Monopoly Journal Cover below)
Furniture
I think one of my favorite things to use napkins on is furniture. I got inspired many years ago when I saw someone decoupage napkin onto a coffee table. It was gorgeous! So, I found myself a free chest of drawers and I decoupaged on it
I sanded it, glued dictionary pages all over it then I glued the napkin pieces. I bought a gallon of inexpensive antique white paint and mixed little bits of pinks and blues. I painted it with a cotton rag (old t shirt). It took a few days but it was definitely worth it.
Where did I go wrong with it? Polyurethane. That's what left the yellowish tint. When I did this, there wasn't a very good clear paint-on sealer that I could find. I was pretty bummed when I saw the yellowing even though my husband said he liked it.
Napkin Conclusion
Head over and purchase a pack of 20. I also have fall and Christmas themed ones that come in packs of 10. Instead of purchasing a pack of 20 from the store and having 18-19 that you don't know what to do with, buy one of my packs so you get 10/20 different ones to use as you wish!
~M