Decoupage is artistic sleight of hand. What appears to be a painted design is actually paper, glued in place. What looks like lacquer is just a few coats of clear varnish, and what begins as an unremarkable piece of furniture becomes a bold, modern design statement. We've gathered our best ideas for you to use in your home or to make as original, custom gifts for friends.

Use an unfinished wooden box, pearlized paint, silver paper, a utility knife, and white craft glue to make these stunning decoupaged boxes.

Use a basic decoupage process to add bright tissue-paper stripes to inexpensive wooden bracelets.

This colorful memory game made from decorative paper and wooden tiles is sure to keep the kids entertained for hours.

Selected flower- and bird-themed artwork can transform a variety of eggs -- from naturally deep-green emu eggs to tinted and undyed ostrich eggs to painted wooden orbs -- into instant collectibles.

These rectangular, fabric-covered glass candleholders call for a clear-drying glue sealant called Mod Podge; for outdoor use, use the weather-resistant Outdoor Mod Podge.

Brighten a clutch of undyed eggs with stylized patterns from paper napkins.

Don't discard candy wrappers -- use them to embellish switch plates.

What began as an unremarkable piece of furniture becomes a bold, modern design statement when adorned with leaves and vines.

You can appreciate vintage wallpaper without hanging it on your walls: Simply use scraps of your favorite paper to decorate glass coasters.

Cover a plain magnetic board with pretty paper and it becomes an organizer and work of art.

Use decorative paper (or wallpaper leftovers or samples) to brighten basic clipboards.

Add whimsy to a baby's room with decoupage designs.

These masks are perfect for adding a one-of-a-kind twist to any costume.

Wait -- don't toss that canceled postage into the trash; use it to hatch Easter decorations.

Mask run-of-the-mill storage with a little trompe l'oeil magic by painting it and decoupaging the front with blown-up clip art.

Tin paint buckets become something else entirely when they're decoupaged with candy wrappers -- especially older, prettier ones such as Mary Janes, which have a vintage charm.

Artfully adorned with acrylic paint and pretty pictures, these diminutive, decoupaged hangers make ideal gifts for baby showers or first birthdays.

Apply a botanical design to everyday surfaces for a custom, designer look.

Easter eggs adorned with whimsical patterns are easy to create using tissue paper and decoupage gel.

Make these adorable baby blocks for your child or as a thoughtful handmade gift.

Inspired by an easy Japanese technique, we've created these delightful decorations to enjoy this Easter and next.