Using Paper Napkin Decoupage to Make a Marimekko Bench
How do you transform a grotty old garden bench? How about some cool decoupage with designer paper napkins and transform it into a Marimekko bench.
I am a huge Marimekko fan, I just love their fabrics and Scandi/Nordic style. For those of you who don’t know Marimekko is a Finnish home furnishings and textile company.
I wanted some of that Marimekko style in my garden. Therefore, instead of just painting a neglected bench in my garden that was in dire need of cosmetic attention, I decided to Marimekko it!
I got the idea from some Marimekko shoes I’d made a few months ago. I still had some *Unikko napkins left over from the shoe revamp, so I decided to use these to upcycle and pimp my bench.
(*Unikko is probably Marimekko’s most iconic print it was actually first designed in the 1950’s, very mid-century modern)
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What you need to make a Marimekko Bench
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- Old wooden bench
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- White wood paint
- Sander
- Paint and glue brushes
- Marimekko Napkins – I used Unikko blue ones, 1 packet was enough for my bench
- PVA Glue / Mod Podge – or other white glue suitable for use with paper
- Crystal clear yacht (or outdoor) varnish
How to Decoupage a Marimekko a bench.
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- First thing I did was to prepare the bench by sanding it and then giving it a coat of white paint. One coat of white paint will be enough as this is not the finished look.
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- Next I prepared my Marimekko napkins by separating them so that only the top printed ply was used (most napkins are 3 ply). Then I tore flowers out. It helps if you wet the napkin where you tear. It is better to tear rather than cut the napkins as you get a feathered edge which blends in better.
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- When I had cut out all my napkin flowers I then spread the glue on the bench and placed the napkin flowers on top. The napkins are too delicate to apply the glue directly to. I gently brushed out the napkins as you lay them on the bench.
- I carried on until the whole bench was covered in Marimekko Unikko flowers. Once it was dry I applied two coats of crystal clear outdoor/yacht varnish. This varnish should protect the decoupaged Marimekko bench from the elements.
I told you it was easy, and I now have a bench to match my shoes!
If you’re not a huge Marimekko fan, you can of course use this method to upcycle a bench with the napkins of your choice.
Here are a few more of my Marimekko posts you may want to check out.
DIY Marimekko Shoes
Marimekko Stair Transformation
12 Marimekko Crafts
Giant Paper Mache Cactus
You will find more unique upcycled garden ideas here.
Maria
What a great job and so colorful.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much Maria it does brighten up the garden.
Roy Altis
Love it and I have many questions
I have a garden bench and I thought maybe I could cheat and use those Dollar Store jumbo butterfly peel and stick stickers. And maybe coat it with mod podge and then use that marine crystal clear varnish. How bad does this sound???
Claire Armstrong
Thank you. You could give it a go I’m sure that would work too.
Gail
so it is okay to have it look a little wrinkled, will the varnish help to smooth that look out?
Claire Armstrong
Yes, the wrinkled look isn’t so obvious once the bench has dried. It’s hard to avoid wrinkles totally but if you smooth the tissue paper down with crinkled up cling film (saran wrap) as you stick it down this will reduce wrinkles.
Diane
Adorable bench! I have an old flea market chair that’s been waiting for a makeover. I feel inspired now! Thanks for a great post!
And I completely understand your fascination with Marimekko! I fell in love with the prints early on—my mom had plates, sheets, and fabrics in our home. And now I’m adding it to my own home via a bathroom renovation completely centered around a Marimekko shower curtain!
Claire Armstrong
Wow! That sounds fabulous a Marimekko shower curtain. Thank you.
nancy
Absolutely love this idea. Would love to do this to two benches on my deck. Question: I wondered how well this process weathers over time? I leave my benches out,but covered, over the winter months. I live in a mild but rainy climate. usually does not go below 20’s in the winter.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, make sure you use an outdoor varnish like a marine varnish. Also, make sure it says crystal clear on the tin not just clear as the clear varnish often dries with a yellow tint,
Mary
Love the tennis shoes and bench to match!!!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you. I never thought I’d have a matching bench and shoes!
Kimberly
That is FANTASTIC!I never would have thought of useing napkins ! Adore the look and it is sure to last , thank u so much for shareing ! Creative & functional win win !
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much. Paper napkins are great for so many decoupage projects.
Jen
Wow. That turned out great. Love the colors and giving a new life to an old bench. Thanks for linking up with Be Clean Be Green With Kids http://www.honestlymodern.com/category/blog-101/be-clean-be-green-with-kids-link-up/
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much!
Jennifer Perkins
Now I’m going through all my paper napkins wondering what I can decoupage! The bench looks adorable.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, paper napkins are fun to craft with.
Amber Harrop
Wow your Bench looks amazing I would have never thought of decoupage but it looks stunning Claire
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much Amber.
STEPHANIE ABBOTT
You have fantastic style and ideas. The bench is adorable. Scheduled to our Pinterest boards. Thanks for sharing at To Grandma’s House We Go.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing.
Leanna
This bench is so bright and cheerful. It is a wonderful piece for your garden. Great work.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much!
Brenda Young
A beautiful, fun makeover Claire! I never would have thought of using yacht varnish as a topcoat for an outdoor piece, just brilliant! Thanks for sharing your project at #FridaysFurnitureFix hope to see you at the party for the giveaway on the 22nd!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much, it does brighten up the garden.
Brenda Young (@UniqueJunktique)
Hi Claire just popping in to let you know your project is tonight’s feature at Fridays Furniture Fix, I love the bold , fun decoupage design, and your tutorial too!
Claire Armstrong
That’s awesome I look forward to seeing it.
Katy SkipTheBag
What a beautiful bench! I love it and the color is my favorite! Thanks for sharing on the #WasteLessWednesday blog hop!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you and mine too!
Kimm at Reinvented
What a great make over. Such a cute bench. Love the pooch too!
Thanks for sharing at Waste Not Wednesday.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, and he’s our beloved Foxy Russell TOBY.
Gentle Joy Photography
Wow… it looks like a lot of work… but you have a very bright and fun-looking bench. 🙂
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, it is a lot easier than it looks!
Cathy Lawdanski
So clever and creative and the end result is just gorgeous! Good job!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much ?