How to decoupage a vase

Bird Napkin Decoupage Vase Makeover

You know how I love taking everyday things and giving them a little makeover. I can’t help myself — it’s just who I am. This time I wanted to try something new. I’ve always loved birds; they remind me of my grandfather, and anytime I see a pretty bird print, I’m instantly transported back to those memories.

So when I found these sweet bird napkins, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them. My plain‑Jane thrifted vase didn’t stand a chance.

Getting the Vase Ready

I started by giving the vase a quick clean so there were no fingerprints or dust. Nothing fancy — just enough so the Mod Podge would stick.

Then I separated the napkins. Most napkins have two or three layers, and you only want the top printed one. The thinner the better, because it melts right into the surface and looks almost hand‑painted.

Applying the Napkins

I brushed a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the vase and gently pressed the napkin down. Then I added another light coat over the top to seal it.

And then… the napkin started gathering on me.

You know that moment when you’re halfway through a project and you think, well, this might be a disaster? That was me. Sometimes my ideas work beautifully, and sometimes they flop — and I try to show both because life isn’t perfect.

I decided to walk away and let it dry instead of fussing with it and tearing the paper. Sometimes stepping away is the best tool in the toolbox.

The Finished Vase

Once it dried, I came back to it with fresh eyes. And you know what? It wasn’t perfect — but it was charming. For my first try at something like this, I’m calling it a win.

I gathered some flowers and gold beaded picks I already had and made a little arrangement. I love playing with flowers until they feel right. Peonies are my favorite, and I especially love them mixed with roses and hydrangeas — the perfect blend of shapes and textures.

Styling It in the Bathroom

Our bathroom needed something different, so this little vase found its new home there. It was an easy project, but you do need patience. I didn’t have much of that the night I made it — it was late, and I was getting cranky. A gal needs her sleep, and I don’t get much of that these days, so I take what I can get.

I may even tuck some twinkle lights inside the vase. Imagine that glow.

The vase was a thrifted find, and the napkins came from Amazon — $6.99 for a pack of 20. I only used three, so I still have plenty left for another project. I love how the colors pick up the blush tones in our bathroom tile.

And yes… the little tree‑shaped soap pump is still hanging around. I was hoping I’d run out of soap before I had to put it away for next year.

More Bathroom Ideas

If you’d like to see the before and after of our bathroom, you can click the link. Feathers have definitely made an appearance in this room before.

We also used a kitchen cabinet in our bathroom — and then it got a second makeover after.

If you want to see the ultimate makeup organizer, you can click the link to see how I organized all of my makeup and sprays.

And if you’re curious how I organize our bathroom closet, you can check out that post too.

A Little Note Before You Go

Every time I try a new project like this, I’m reminded that creativity doesn’t have to be perfect to be enjoyable. This little bird‑covered vase may have tested my patience, but it also made me smile — and it brought back memories of my grandfather, which makes it even sweeter. If you decide to try your own decoupage vase, I hope you have fun with it and give yourself plenty of grace along the way.

If you enjoy simple upcycles and cottage‑style projects, you’ll find more ideas below. I’m always tinkering with something around here, so you never quite know what you’ll stumble onto next.

Want to Make Your Own?

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• DIY decoupage projects

• Bathroom organizing ideas

• Upcycled home décor

You never know what you’ll find here next — or you can subscribe and get updates sent right to your inbox.

Ciao,

Cara