DIY: Dragonfly Themed Decoupage Dresser

This dragonfly themed decoupage dresser is the perfect way to turn something trashy into something chic! The paint and decoupage design hide years of scars to an old dresser, and adds a unique focal point to any room. Due to the length of time it takes glue to dry, this project will take just over a day to complete.

For this project, you will need:

- A tall dresser, any drawer amount

- Cream colored, latex based paint

- "Indian Dragonfly" decoupage paper (available online here at Phoenix Art Supplies)

- Polyurethane sealer

- Decoupage medium

- Damp sponge

- Razor knife

- Scissors

- Sponge brushes

- Medium grit sand paper

- Tack cloth

- Glass pull knobs

You will want the dresser to be unstained, unpainted wood prior to beginning this project. If the dresser does have paint or stain, use a bit of paint stripper (available at your local home improvement store) according to manufacturer directions.

Start by lightly sanding down the dresser with medium grit sandpaper. Once the entire dresser has been lightly sanded, remove all dust with a tack cloth. (It is important that there is no excess sanding dust on the bookshelf before painting, or it can interfere with the paint.) Remove any pull knobs from the drawers, and leave the drawers in the main cabinet.

Paint the entire dresser with the cream colored latex paint. Allow the paint to dry, which should take no more than approximately two hours. Apply a second coat and allow that coat to dry. (When painting, take care in areas where drawer pull screw holes go and assure they do not get clogged with paint.)

Cut the printed paper one inch larger than each drawer front all around. Apply decoupage medium to the drawer fronts directly and attach the paper pieces. (Make sure to leave holes for the pulls.) Fold the excess edge over the drawer to neatly "tuck" the paper, and cut off any excess with the razor.

When the decoupage medium has dried, add three to four coats of polyurethane sealant. When the sealant has dried, reattach the drawer knobs directly to the dresser.