Are you wondering how to decoupage napkins on canvas? Learn how to do it with this emoji canvas project. Such a fun idea and very easy!
Skills Required: Intermediate. Napkins are thin and challenging to work with. I recommend having some experience with Mod Podge before you try this project.
![decoupage napkins on canvas](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/decoupage-napkins-on-canvas.jpg.webp)
Did you know you can decoupage napkins on canvas and make wall art? I know . . . now I’m just “talking crazy talk.” Napkins are flimsy and used for parties – you might not consider them to be art materials, especially for decoupage projects.
However, they are! I haven’t done much decoupage with napkins so I decided I’d give it a try. When I found some round canvases AND some cute round emoji napkins – I knew it was a marriage that was meant to be.
These Mod Podge canvases would make a perfect decoration for a kid or teen’s room. Here’s how I made this canvas idea!
Decoupage Napkins on Canvas
Gather These Supplies
- Round canvases – 4
- Mod Podge Gloss
- Round napkins of your choice – or you can cut your napkin design round
- Acrylic paint – coordinating
- Paintbrushes
- Plastic wrap (optional; see the steps with the napkins to learn why)
You’re going to need canvases for this project. I decided to go with round canvases that I found at Target. I always work with rectangular canvas so this was a welcome change!
![Set of four round canvases](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/IMG_0265.jpg.webp)
Then I found round napkins at Hobby Lobby. Aren’t they fun? And cute?
![Round emoji napkins](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Emoji-napkins.jpg.webp)
Separate the Napkin
The first thing you’re going to do is pull the back off of the napkin. Did you know you were supposed to do this? Yes – every time you decoupage napkins, you should pull the back off. Slowly and carefully (and at the very end you can trim with scissors if you need).
![Separating the napkin bottom layer from the top](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/IMG_0264.jpg.webp)
Add Mod Podge to the Canvas
Place decoupage medium down on the canvas and spread it around. Spread a medium layer.
![Applying Mod Podge to a canvas with a paintbrush](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/IMG_0267.jpg.webp)
Place Down Napkins and Smooth
Place the napkin down and smooth – but before you do that – read these tips. This is what I learned while Mod Podging napkins:
- Don’t try to peel the napkin up once it’s down unless you want to start over. You’ll rip it.
- The easiest way to spread the napkin around and smooth it out is to place a piece of plastic wrap on top as a barrier between your fingers and the napkin. This is one of the most invaluable tips I’ve ever been given! It’s not going to stick, I promise.
- SLOWLY manipulate the napkin with your fingers. You can’t be rough with napkins or they’ll tear. Work out as many of the wrinkles as you can.
- If you want to flip the canvas over and smooth from the back, make sure the plastic wrap is still on top of the napkin, between the napkin and the surface.
- Peel off the plastic wrap when you turn it over and let dry. Embrace the wrinkles if there are any. You’ll get better as you practice!
![Mod Podging over the top of an emoji napkin on canvas](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/IMG_0268.jpg.webp)
Some of the wrinkles went bye-bye as I smoothed out the napkins. There are still a few, but they are hardly noticeable in my opinion. Let dry.
Paint the Canvas
Paint around the edge of the canvas with the acrylic paint color of your choice. The reason I didn’t paint the entire canvas is because napkins are VERY thin . . . so if you decoupage napkins to canvas that has been painted underneath, you will see the paint colors through.
![Painting the edges of the canvas with black acrylic paint](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/IMG_0269.jpg.webp)
Repeat with the other canvases, let dry, and then hang!! This is the cutest little quartet of decoupage canvases I’ve ever made . . . and I can’t believe those are napkins!
![Mod Podge napkins on canvas](https://modpodgerocksblog.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/IMG_0874.jpg.webp)
Do you want to try decoupage with napkins? Let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out these projects:
Linda
Saturday 9th of July 2022
I love those,their cute..
Amy
Saturday 9th of July 2022
Thank you so much!
S
Saturday 11th of March 2017
Did you put the modpogde over the napkin too? I see a pic you are doing it, but not read it? Am i missing sth here? Great idea! Thanks
Pat Blaine
Friday 10th of March 2017
I finally found a true and triedvway to decoupage napkins on canvas without a ten-minute talkathon about how to do it. Thank you.