If you’ve never decoupaged before you need to know the basics that go before the actual creation of a project. Here’s a link to that information: DECOUPAGING BASICS
While I was exploring what all can be decoupaged I learned about “reverse decoupaging.” I found a wonderful video that taught me so much about a technique called “decoupage iron on.” When I first started I didn’t know about that technique and had really wrinkly, bubbly tiles that needed 10 layers of polyurethane to look even halfway decent. Then I found the polyurethane turned yellow very quickly. So you can see why I was very happy to learn about doing it the way she explains in the video.
I’ve realized that throughout this blog post I call the glass several different things. Just know that each name for this glass means the same thing.
That video shows you pretty much exactly how to do reverse decoupaging on a Dollar Tree “cutting board.” I am going to share some of the ones I’ve made so you can get some ideas! These are what the glass trivets look like before transforming them into something beautiful!
You can adjust the steps and what you use to suit your budget, and just how you feel like doing it. The following are ways that I do this that are different than the video.
- I found the small cricuit iron at Walmart for $50 and said woooooo noooooo! I found a different one for $12 also at Walmart. This is it and it sits on a small ceramic tile that’s covered with a regular napkin’s top layer and a few coats of polycrylic.
This is the Polycrylic that I now use instead of polyurethane. It isn’t as shiny a finish but for reverse decoupaging, that doesn’t matter. 
- I use parchment paper but not above and below the napkin/glass trivet. In the picture below you can see that I use a square piece of parchment paper an inch or two wider than glass trivet just laid on top. I can use that same square of parchment over and over and over. I also
- I try to do nice things cheaply so I use Mod Podge regular that is available at Dollar Tree or the larger size at Walmart. The custom glitters ones are more expensive. I made one with glitter for my granddaughter but used glitter glue which is cheap instead of the more expensive products she uses.
Like she does, I use nail files to rub off the extra napkins. I found them at Dollar Tree, four for $1.
- Before even thinking of painting it, which is covered next —always and I mean always seal it with either two coats of mod podge or two coasts of polycrylic sealer before putting any paint on it. This is so important I put it in bold to draw your attention. The three trivets in the photo below were mistakes of mine where I painted before it was completely sealed, letting each coat of mod podge or polycrylic to dry completely. Paint soaked through the napkin causing white spots on the finished project. I prefer to use polycrylic for my sealer but the video says to use mod podge. Both probably work just as well.
- In the video, she shows two options, one with white paint and one without. After doing a couple without paint, I decided I didn’t like how they came out without the paint. They are so very much more vibrant with the paint. So I always apply two layers of paint on each one. I use either white or cream-colored paint depending on the napkin. I finish it off with two coats of polycrylic allowing the first to dry before applying the second coat.
- I reuse the four little tabs I remove from the glass board backside, putting them back on the glass trivets. Haven’t had one come off yet and I’ve made a dozen or so of these glass boards. If you really want to be sure they don’t come off put a dab of glue under each.
- Joan Marie wasn’t sure of the ability for the finished glass board to handle hot pots. I’ve had three in my kitchen that I use as test ones by putting hot pots on them.
- They work fine with every hot pot I’ve put on them. My husband Roy said that using glass as a cutting board would ruin the sharpness of a cutting knife so I do not use them as cutting boards like she and Dollar Tree do.
I recommend using the finished product in one of two ways
1) a decorative item sitting up on the small display easels also available at Dollar Tree. When they have them they are on a small shelf in front of photo frames. They are not easy to find but they look great and are just $1!! I bought 10 when I found them. I use an easel with decorative glass in our bedroom and living room. I will swap out the usual ones I use when there is a holiday like Christmas that I decorate for.
These are the ones I use as decoration. I plan to make one for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
2) The other use is as either a spoon rest or trivet.
Do not cover them in water or every layer will peel off. I clean the front with soapy water and just wipe off the back which isn’t really dirty anyway.
One last thing is to scrape off the paint, mod podge and clear spray or polycrylic that has accumulated on the four edges on the square ones and all around the edge on the round ones. It gives a crisp finish to the project.
Here are some more of my little glass creations. This obviously is my favorite of the different types of decoupaging. The first photo below is a square glass with the same napkin seen above on a round glass.
This one is tissue paper
This one is from a napkin from my friend Cindy LeBlanc’s (who got me into this in the first place!!!) retirement party.
I’ve used pieces of this napkin on rocks and here on a round glass trivet.
This is from wrapping paper. I have this design in green and red. I plan to make those two to use at Christmas time!
One of my new favorites is a napkin from Tuesday Morning in the photo below.
I hope you can see how wonderful these creations are. For $1 you get the glass, another $1 for the easel and a few cents for the napkin, mod podge, polycrylic and paint. I can’t imagine anything else that I am capable of creating that is this beautiful for so cheap!
I’ve attempted doing reverse decoupaging with fabric and was only partially successful. Joan Marie did a video on how she does it so I’m including the link to that here if you are interested!
This is one of the only successful attempts at reverse decoupaging with fabric. It was from a scarf I got from Dollar Tree. 
That’s as much info as I have to share about this! Next time I’m going to combine reverse decoupaging on glass dinner/luncheon plates with Health Care Hero rocks and flower rocks.
It’s taking me longer than usual to create blog posts. If something doesn’t sound right, I’m sorry! I’ll publish next our monthly Chauvin Produce Company update!
Ya’ll have a great weekend!
BECAUSE HE LIVES 