DIY Tutorial: Decoupage your own Eyeshadow Palette

You've seen my Shiro Game of Thrones swatches (which you can buy from Shiro Cosmetics), and now I'm posting a DIY tutorial for all of you crafty folk who want to make your own personalized palette. 

For this tutorial you will need:

An empty palette

Paper, stickers, decals, or whatever you want to use as decoration

Mod Podge (I used glossy finish)

A paint brush or sponge brush 

Scissors

Step 1. Get your supplies together.  

I am using the 12 pan 26mm Palette from TKB Trading and you can find it here!

(This palette kit is wonderful because it comes with the palette, 12 tin pans, and a pressing tile so all you need is your binding agent, rubbing alcohol, and paper towel/ribbon and you're good to get pressing!)

I like the glossy finish Mod Podge because it dries quick and cures in a day.

As far as paper goes I find that thin scrapbook paper works very well. I used computer paper here because I wanted an imperfect finish. Some thick papers like heavy duty card stock take more work to use because they don't grip as well.

Note: If you are using a different palette or aluminum pans you may also need magnet sheets/stickers for your palette or metal stickers for the aluminum pans.

Also, if you have never decoupaged before and would like more information you can read more here

Step 2: Base Coat

Use your brush to spread a thin, even lay over the entire top of the palette. 

Work fast because you don't want it to dry. But try to keep it even because if you get puddles of Mod Podge your design will bubble a lot once it gets wet. 

The more it bubbles the more distressed it will look, which could be the effect you're going for.

Step 3: Apply your decoration

Take your time lining it up. You want to apply it with at least a 1mm edge all the way around so that you can make sure it's sealed all the way. 

Press it down firmly for at least 30 seconds until it sticks. If any edges peel up apply a tiny bit of Mod Podge and press until it's flush.

Step 4: First Top Coat

Use your brush and apply a very, very thin layer of Mod Podge. I dip my brush and scrape most of it off. You want it thin and even. 

Brush in one direct across the whole palette. If you're using thin paper like I did then you'll get bubbles and creases as the paper gets wet. 

Press them down with your paint brush or a popsicle stick. They'll go away a bit as it dries.

Now let it air dry for 15-20 minutes until it's no longer tacky.

Step Five: Second Top Coat

Apply your second thin top coat. Press those bubbles down! Let air dry another 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Third Top Coat

Now apply your third top coat. 

Since the paper's mostly coated now you can do a slightly thicker coat. Press those bubbles down, down, down! 

Then run your brush along the edges to make sure they're completely sealed, wiping away the excess with your brush.

Mine has a slightly textured finish which I like, but if you want it to be even you can keep applying coats and then use a fine grit sandpaper to even it out once it's cured.

Let dry 24 hours to cure, or how ever long your bottle says.

Step 7: It's cured!

Yay no more bubbles! Now that the palette is cured the bubbles have shrunk the rest of the way and it's dry to the touch. It will stick to things a little if you choose not to seal it. 

If you want to seal it you can apply 2 coats of clear acrylic spray paint for a glossy, smooth finish. 

I like mine textured and satin so I left it as is.

Step 8: Fill your palette with your pressed eyeshdows and enjoy!

Did you decoupage your own palette? Link the pic in the comments and show it off!