If you’re wondering what surfaces you can apply Finnabair Fiber Decoupage Paper to, let me give you the answer right away. You really don’t need to worry about the base material. For instance, I created my project using a paper box for chocolate, and I have to tell you that applying this paper completely transformed it.
It features a warm, aged color palette with a vintage touch and full of texture. Paper with a delicate, antique-style print serves as the background for the entire composition. Layered over it are HDF elements, metal accents, Prima paper flowers, and small details that add depth to the piece.
The focal point of the composition is a dragonfly created using a Finnabair mould. You can find this and other moulds at the Mixed Media Place shop, of course. Its metallic, distressed finish harmonizes beautifully with shades of brown, copper, and muted gold.
It is precisely these details that give the box the look of an object discovered in an old workshop.
Have a nice day,
Kasia Salmanowicz
Finnabair products used - all the images linked to the Mixed Media Place online store:
Today I’m sharing an aged industrial-style sign filled with mechanical layers, copper, patina, and grungy details.
The image from the Decoupage Fiber Paper reminded me of an old chemical factory sign. I decided to reinterpret that industrial story through creative alchemy: somewhere between the rust, the layers, and the transformation, she found herself.
I covered the cork area with Decoupage Fiber Paper, then mounted the smaller Missouri Chemical Works sign onto cardboard painted with white gesso to keep the image clean and bright. Although the Soft Matte Gel already protected the paper, I added Clear Gesso to create a more porous surface for the following layers.
I also built a slightly raised frame around the small sign using strips of cardboard covered with Black Gesso and painted with metallic wax. This simple detail added depth and made the sign feel more realistic.
I also layered different mechanical elements beneath the sign to support the focal point and add dimension. Because they had mixed gold, silver, and copper finishes, I first unified them with White Gesso. My original plan was a soft, powdery finish in muted brown tones, but the project soon moved in another direction.
I began with a copper base and layered Blue and Green Patina Effect Pastes over it. At first, I covered too much of the copper, causing the mechanical elements to disappear into the dark background. The solution was to bring back more copper and apply the patina only in selected areas. This created stronger contrast and a more convincing aged-metal effect.
The finish finally came together with Umber, Deep Turquoise, and Carmine Liquid Acrylics. Their translucent color added depth, grime, and variation while allowing the copper and textured patina to remain visible underneath.
I finished the piece with Rich Copper Metallique Wax, tiny brads that mimic old nails, cabochons, and layers of colored splatters. A few tiny white splatters added just enough light, while the bright ephemera beneath the cabochons helped balance the luminous focal image.
This project did not come from following the original plan perfectly. It came from noticing what was not working, adjusting the contrast, and allowing each layer to guide the next decision.
I hope this project inspires you to experiment with copper and patina, embrace changes along the way, and let your materials reveal an unexpected story.
Happy creating! 💙
Priss
Finnabair products used - all the images linked to the Mixed Media Place online store:
Today I’m sharing a soft blue art journal page full of layered papers, stitched details, shimmer, and a dreamy focal point.
I started by cutting my main image from Decoupage Fiber Paper and mounting it onto a white gesso base, so the image would stay clean and bright. Then I prepared several tags from the Stargazer paper collection, testing lighter and darker options before choosing the darker ones for stronger contrast.
One of my favorite parts of this project was creating a custom blue spray to match the mood of the page. I mixed water, mica powder, a tiny touch of deep blue Liquid Acrylic, and a few drops of Liquid Fluid Medium to help bind the mica.
Creating my own spray allowed me to control the color intensity and repeat the same tone in different areas of the project. I used it on selected parts of the background and also to dye white silk ribbons, so the whole page would feel more connected.
To add more texture, I distressed the tag edges, added white stamping, and stitched over the printed stitched design with my sewing machine.
The background has soft pearl texture through a stencil, selected areas of blue spray, and dark blue stamping for extra depth. For the main composition, I layered tags, old book paper, lace, dyed ribbon, torn papers, and ephemera pieces.
At one point, I decided to trim the focal image and place it inside an ephemera frame. This helped the portrait feel more balanced and gave the page a clearer story.
The sentiment “Professional Dreamer” felt perfect for her: polished, ambitious, and full of dreams.
I finished the page with white splatters for light, movement, and balance.
I hope this project inspires you to look at your supplies in a more personal way. Sometimes a small custom color mix is enough to make all the layers feel like they truly belong together.
Happy creating! 💙
Priss
Finnabair products I have used - all the images linked to Mixed Media Place or online store:
