Turn an antiqued map (or decorative paper) into a stylish tray with artist Ben Busko's easy decoupage method.
Tools and Materials
- Decoupage medium
- Antique Map, regular map, or decorative paper
- Paintbrush
- Glass tray
- Painter's spatula
- Craft knife
- White 28-pound paper
- White acrylic paint
- Black spray paint or black acrylic paint
- Silver paint pen
- Felt
- Spray-mount adhesive
Decoupage Map Tray How-To
1. Apply decoupage medium in even brushstrokes over back surface of glass tray. Lay map or paper face down onto prepared surface. Adhere map or paper to tray, pressing at center and working out towards edges; leave the corners for last. Use a painter's spatula to smooth out any air bubbles and creases. Let tray dry for 45 minutes.
2. Trim excess paper from edges with a craft knife. Let dry completely, then apply a second background layer of white paper with decoupage medium; let dry. Paint back of tray with white acrylic paint and then finish with a coat of black spray paint or black acrylic paint. Line the edge of the tray with a silver paint pen.
3. To make the tray safe for tabletops, cut a piece of felt slightly smaller than tray. Adhere felt to back of tray with spray-mount adhesive and smooth, working from center to edges.
Love the project, but I'm having trouble getting a good seal on the edges. Any advice?
I was wondering if anybody knows if Ben's Gardens is going to be selling those clear glass plates Martha and Ben used on the show? I had bought a decoupage project kit with the plates and that special 28lb paper around the holidays, but can't find it anymore on Ben's website... It was super and it would be the perfect gift for my best friend.
My Michael's store doesn't cover decoupage medium, but only modge podge. Is there a difference? Also, they didn't sell 28 pound paper. Where can this paper be purchased?
Just wanted to let interested parties know. Behrenberg Glass Co. sells glass trays used for decoupage. Many sizes.
Also looking for those glass trays....can't find anywhere. They are not on Ben's garden web site.
Can Martha's craft team help?
Does anyone know if we can use pictures instead of maps and/or paper? Or, what if we print pictures on some sort of paper?? Does the main image have to be on a certain paper? Is that what the 28-pound paper is for? I'm in the need for a fun, last minute Christmas gift! Thanks!
Way to go Ben!! I hope they work together again, it was nice to see something really interesting and funny!! I took a decoupage class Ben taught in the City last year- the best place I get my glass trays from is Ben's Garden. They're always square; the glass is clean of dirt and straight. Prices are reasonable. Does anybody know where can I get his decoupage medium, I know it's not just glue.
I'd also like to know a good source for the glass trays.
Hi! You can get the glass trays from Behrenberg Glass Company. They are a great company with high quality products. I have used them for 10 years. They have an online store: behrenbergglass.com
Please tell us where to get the glass trays!
Michael's for decoupage medium BUT I don't know where to get those trays?!
Where can you buy the glass trays and decoupage medium??