Decoupage A Llama Dresser

A recycled child jewelry box, saved from the dump.
       Broken jewelry boxes make excellent doll furnishings when they have been upcycled with a bit of sandpaper, fabric and glue. I purchased this one from a local Goodwill for $3.00. Then I took a trip to a sewing shop down the street to select a fabric to use for both decoupage and sewing our doll's bedding. Repeating the prints and colors of the same items within your doll house rooms will help these spaces look professionally designed.

Supply List:
  • recycled child jewelry box
  • sandpaper
  • Mod Podge
  • coordinating paint, fabric and paper
  • beads for knobs
  • spray paint in the color of your choice
  • ruler and paper for making simple patterns
  • hot glue gun and glue
Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Scrub the jewelry box with soap and water. 
  2. Use sandpaper to smooth out the finishes and prep these for new applications.
  3. Spray paint the new doll dresser in the color of your choice. Use plenty of newspapers or cardboard boxes to spray paint with so that the working surfaces don't get paint on them. It is best to spray paint outdoors so that you don't breath in so many fumes!
  4. Measure carefully the sides and drawer fronts of each part of the former jewelry box that you intend to cover with fabric or paper.
  5. Cut out the papers and fabric for the decoupage process. 
  6. Brush Mod Podge directly onto the surfaces that you have cut coordinating fabrics and papers for. Stick on the papers or fabrics, positioning these carefully. 
  7. Now Coat that applied layer of fabric and or paper with a finishing coat of more Mod Podge.
  8. Hot glue small beads to the dresser drawers and swinging cupboard door if these need new handles.
  9. After everything dries, your doll will have a lovely dresser to store her clothing in.
I chose to decoupage my doll's dresser with blue llama fabric and plaid paper.
I used a orange spray paint to contrast with the blue fabrics and paper.
This feisty llama is a "watchdog" for a Missouri farmer. My great grandfather actually had a few of these on his farm back in 1910!  He also had an ostrich and prize winning burros that he took to the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. Visit the website celebrating St. Louis past and present surrounding the World's Fair history and people.

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