How about creating a magnificent family heirloom? A technique that has been around for a very long time, namely “poor man’s work ”, is ideal for this purpose. Decoupage is an affordable craft for achieving long lasting results.

Materials: 

• Dala Craft Paint (100ml)
• Dala Podge (500ml)
• Dala Acrylic Matte Glaze Medium or Dala Deco Varnish
• Dala Powder Glue
• Dala Craft Glue (optional)
• Giftwrap

Equipment: 

• Small pair sharp scissors 
• Small square sponge
• Broad paint brush
• Matt Polyurethane varnish
• Turpentine
• Newspaper
• Waterproof paper (800 and 400 grit)
• White furniture polish
• Soft cloth

Procedure:

1. 
   Prepare the gift-wrap:
   • Line working area with old newspaper.
   • Using the sponge apply two coats of Podge onto the gift-wrap.
   • Allow Podge to dry between coats (it goes milky and dries clear).
     
     Tip: Podging the giftwrap prevents the printer’s ink from being rubbed off and reinforces the paper for cutting and gluing.
     
     
   • Cut out the paper designs using a small, sharp pair of scissors.
     
     
2. 
   Prepare the toy-box:
   • Paint the wash onto the toy-box and allow to dry.
   • Sand the entire box with water and 400-grit waterpaper. 
   • Allow to dry and apply another coat of wash to the toy-box. 
   • Once the wash is dry, you might want to waterpaper (sand) the toy-box again – allow to dry.
     
     Tip: To make a “paint wash“, dilute craft paint with water (50%) and add ± 10% matt acrylic glaze medium. Warning: If making a dark colour wash use deco varnish instead of the matt medium.
     
     
3. 
   Gluing:
   • Apply the glue to the back of the giftwrap and on the toy-box where you want to apply the design (this will allow you to change your mind about the positioning of the design).
   • Use your finger to secure the centre of the design, work out toward the edge, allowing air bubbles to escape with the excess glue.
   • Use a damp cloth to remove the excess glue.
     
     Tip: Mix powder glue as per instruction with 20% craft glue. This mixture has an extended drying time, allowing for the design to be moved.
     
     
4. Finishing the toy-box:
   • Once all the designs have been glued and allowed to dry, apply six thick coats of podge with the sponge. (Allow to dry clear between coats.)
   • Sand the entire box with water and 400-grit waterpaper. Be careful not to sand too much along the ridges of the design.
   • Wipe the excess water with a damp cloth.
   • Apply two coats acrylic matt glaze medium, allow to dry clear between coats.
   • Water sand lightly with 800-grit waterproof paper for a smooth finish. (Wipe off sanding residue with a damp cloth.)
   • Apply two coats polyurethane varnish (allow 12 hours between coats) 
     
     Tip: For a super fine finish, waterpaper (sand) one last time using 800-grit waterproof paper. Apply white furniture polish; allow to dry before buffing to a fine sheen.
     
     
5. Antique crackling:
   • (Optional) before applying the polyurethane varnish antique crackling may be applied to create an aged effect.
   • With a broad paintbrush, apply a thick even coat of antique crackle.