I’m all about the this faux leather, raw hide texture made with tissue paper and decoupage. I’ve just finished another group of lidded storage boxes for my linen closet update and I’m thinkin’ that they are lookin’ pretty worn and weathered… like raw hide!
And to think anyone can get this textured look with decoupage, tissue paper and craft paint, ha! I was surprised at how well it turned out.
A few months ago, when I started on the linen closet update, I made some faux tin ceiling storage boxes. I have one more set of boxes left to decorate, (hopefully sooner than later,) but for the moment, this set of storage boxes is complete. Kaboom!
How to get a raw hide, faux leather textured look
with tissue paper and decoupage:
Supplies
Card board storage box with lid – or a piece of furniture, photo frame, etc..
Tissue paper
Decoupage (I used Mod Podge Matte)
Craft paint – I used light brown, dark brown, and darker brown
Sponge craft brush
Sponge roller
Several clean cloths and some water on the side
I used this technique on several card board lidded storage boxes that I made myself. Click here to see directions on how to make your own storage box with lid. Make sure to attach the corners using hot glue, rather than tape, like in this picture. It will make the whole process much, much easier.
Rip the tissue paper into pieces, about the size of your palm. Rip a few on the smaller side as well.
If applying to a lidded storage box, start by applying decoupage to the corners on the inside of the lid with the craft sponge brush.
Then work your way toward the center of each side of the inside of the lid, making sure to only apply the paper on the inside part. leaving part of the tissue paper piece unattached.
Next apply decoupage and then wrap the unattached piece of the tissue paper down and adhere to the outside of the lid.
Next, apply strips of the tissue paper to the rest of the outside of the lid by applying a layer of decoupage, then laying down strips of tissue paper, and then applying more decoupage, and then filling in the empty spaces with more tissue paper. Repeat this process until the whole outside of the lid is covered. Let dry.
Repeat the same steps for the box bottom as was done for the box lid. Let dry.
Mix a teaspoon or so of water and decoupage together, apply another coat of this mixture over the lid and box, and rub down with dampened fingers to create wrinkles and creases. The more wrinkles, the better! Let dry.
Using the sponge roller, apply a coat of your lightest color paint to the portion just inside your lid and box, then the edge of the lid and box, and then the entire outside of your lid and box. Let dry.
Repeat the same steps as above with your next darkest color. Let dry for a few minutes, and then rub some off with a damp, clean cloth. Let dry.
Repeat the same steps as above with your next darkest color.
In addition, I applied a fourth coat using Martha Stewart’s Metallic Glaze in color: Coffee.
Final step: Apply a 2 coats of sealer. I used Mod Podge Clear Acrylic to reduce the tackiness.
Faux leather storage box with lid
Other ideas: Use opposing paint colors; try going darker to lighter; use another color palette altogether.
Sample on a scarp piece of card board to get the colors you want.
Apply the tissue paper decoupage technique to create a faux raw hide look to furniture and other decor items.
It is no secret that the faux leather raw hide technique with tissue paper and decoupage has been around for a while, but for me it is an very inexpensive way to get a rustic, weathered leather look and I quite like it!
As I bounce between my kitchen and linen closet updates, all bets are on as to which one I’ll complete first. Thanks for stopping by, have a great day!!
Linking up to:
Anne says
Absolutely gorgeous! What a smart idea!!
Amy says
Funny what a little tissue paper and decoupage can do. Thanks, Anne!!
Shanna Gilbert says
So creative Amy! I have never seen this technique before. It looks amazing!
Amy says
Thank you, Shanna, you know how I love my textures:)
Danni@SiloHillFarm says
Amy those are awesome!!! They really do look like aged leather! You are so clever! Very well done!
Amy says
Thank you, Danni! Do you think I should try it on a couch? LOL
Bliss says
They did turn out great, why have regular cardboard when you can have faux leather!
Amy says
That’s what I always say. Faux leather tops good old card board anyday!
heather f says
Wow!!! I am thinking those turned out great. They really do look like leather.
Amy says
Heather, it’s probably the closest I’m getting to the real deal for a while, thank you:)
Mel says
Beautiful Amy, that’s amazing, great idea
Amy says
Thank you, Mel!!
Sharleen says
Great Amy, they really look like leather and love the colours. Too. Can ya do hand bags ! 🙂
Amy says
If only, Sharleen!! Thank you ~ Amy
Mary Beth @ Cupcakes and Crinoline says
I absolutely love these, Amy!!! I have plans to redo my 2 younger son’s bedroom and this will be the perfect addition for storage without cost….yowza! Perfect. Pinning
Amy says
I’m looking forward to seeing how you fix up your boys’ room!! Thanks, Mary Beth 🙂
Jenna says
Wow! Can’t believe you did this! It looks so good!
Amy says
Thank you, Jenna 😛
Ann Martin says
Most impressive – definitely looks like leather to me!
Amy says
Thank you for stopping by, Ann!!
Allison says
Those are wonderful! Did you make the other boxes in the picture, and if so, how? If not, where did you find them?
Tori says
I am wondering the same thing–am really digging those, too, particularly if the pattern is raised. Please, do tell!
Amy says
Hi Tori, Yes, I made those, too. They are the “Faux Tin Ceiling Storage Boxes. You can also find this link in the first paragraph of this post.
Ann says
Amy, how clever you are! I LOVE the aged leather look you’ve given your boxes. I use this same technique just to add texture to my projects but never thought to go the faux leather way. Most recently I used tissue and a crackle technique to age my books. I think I’m going to do this to some cheap hardback books to make them look like vintage editions. Add some hot glue spines and a bit of gold paint and they could look awesome! Of course, I’m also going to make some of your lidded boxes, you clever woman.