Help with decoupage and paper mache box

[stampcrazygirl]

I have one of those kraft colored paper mache boxes that I would like to stamp. I'm thinking that decoupage is the best way to do this as it is a round box. I've never decoupaged anything before! I'm doing this for a gift and don't have much time for trial and error!

First of all...do I paint the box with a special paint first and then decoupage? It's brown, so stamped images won't show up very well. Second, do I stamp on tissue paper and then decopage this on the box? Or can I use card stock?

Any help would be very much appreciated. I didn't find much on other sites for stamped images...mostly wrapping paper. I just want to make sure my stamped image doesn't 'disappear' when I brush over it.

TIA

Michele

[MSBetsyZ]

Michele, unless you are doing a "vintage look" box, I would suggest base coating the box a light color. My collage boxes have always been a mix of decoupage and direct stamping. Tissue paper is the best weight for me although I have also used typing weight paper for images I've scanned and copied (old letters, etc.).

If you do base coat let the box dry thoroughly before beginning the next steps.

Most of all, RELAX and HAVE FUN!! You really can't make mistakes, you know. If you do something you don't like all you have to do is peel it back up or cover it up. Not a big thing at all.

Good luck, post a picture if you can!

Hugs,
Betsy