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Glass Cutting Board Makeover

September 14, 2018

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I bought at glass cutting board at the thrift store and gave it a crafty makeover for fall.

It was a super easy craft that will dress up your kitchen and decorate your table. Check out the tutorial. 

Glass Thrift Store Cutting Board

So last night I was crafting at 1:00 am again.

I was working in the kitchen, balancing a glass cutting board on my lap, decoupaging with a foam brush...and trying not to get it on my pjs.

I used to think I crafted this way because my kids were small and there wasn't any other time during the day to get it done.

But now that they're in college that explanation doesn't really hold water. Nope.

Turns out, I'm just crazy.

And a night owl.

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my pictures of our recent trip to Woodstock.

While most people would be excited to visit the music shops, mountains views and historic venues, I was pumped up to hit the local HomeGoods.

I know...more crazy.

Fun facts about me aside, I found the prettiest napkins and paper guest towels for fall. They were too lovely to pass up, so I grabbed them. You can find them here: Calabaza Napkins

Once home, I popped into my local thrift store, found a glass cutting board and I knew exactly what I was going to do.

Calabaza Cream Paper Goods

Of course, knowing what I wanted to do, being capable of doing it and doing it were all very different things.

Especially when it involved napkins and decoupage.

It's good in theory, but I've been down this road before and it didn't end well.

Surely, it was worth a second try though, right?

I mean it's been years since my last attempt. In that time, I've honed my skills, I've been nominated for Best Craft Blog- an International Award mind you - I've been featured in magazines and labeled an expert.

I could do this.

Right? Yeah...I wasn't so sure. So I put it off all week.

Then last night as the clock hands moved past midnight, I decided it was the optimal time to try. I have to say, I wasn't wrong.

I fell right back into the groove of crafting after dark and it wasn't scary at all.

Here is where I started. Cute, but not my style.

Glass Cutting Board

First, I removed  the little rubber feet on the back of the board.

Removing Rubber Feet From A Cutting Board

Then I carefully pulled the old pattern off the glass.

I started at the corner and began to peel it away.

I was prepared to soak it in warm water to loosen it up, but turns out it was a giant sticker.

Removing The A Sticker From Glass Cutting Board

I used a sharp razor blade in a holder to remove any of the leftover backing.

The fact that it was a sticker, made it easer to remove, however, once the picture was gone, there was a tacky residue left behind.

Using A Razor To Scrape Glass Cutting Board Sticker

Now a few months ago, I may have been bummed out, but having gone through every method known to man to make glass dishes shine again, I was confident that I could remove it.

I tried the easiest method first, a Brillo pad with soap and water...and it worked wonders. The icky sticky came right off and there wasn't a scratch anywhere on the glass. Fabulous.

Clean Glass Cutting board after sticker removal

The next part of the process was frightening. Decoupage. Yikes.

I never seem to get it right...too much or too little Mod Podge, my paper rips or I have bubbles ~ but I tried not to think about it too much and dove in.

I coated the back of the glass with decoupage using a foam brush.

I gave it an even coat all over and then placed my guest towel face down on top of it.

I used my hand to gently smooth out any bumps, lumps or air pockets.

Decoupaging a Napkin to glass

Then I flipped the board over and laid it flat on the table, pressing on the glass to set and smush the paper into place even more.

The back of the paper was dry so it didn't stick to anything.

Remove the excess text over napkin photo

After a few minutes, I flipped it back over and removed the second ply of the towel.

It wasn't glued on so it peeled right off. I used a scissor to trim the excess paper off.

Cleaning up edges of decoupaged napkin on glass

To anchor and seal the guest towel in place I went over the back of it with the same foam brush and more decoupage.

I also coated the edges to make sure they wouldn't fray moving forward.

Brushing on mod podge with a foam brush

A side note here: I didn't have the dishwasher safe Mod Podge on hand and I've actually never tried it, but I'm going to get some and give it a whirl, because I do want to be able to wash this. 

Here's a quick recap of the process:



When it was totally dry, for the second time, I added the little feet back on with some hot glue, set it aside for the evening to cure and went to bed.

Cutting Board Makeover with napkin

This morning when I woke up, I was greeted by my fall glass cutting board and I was thrilled.

It looked even better than I remember it last night.

Fall Kitchen Decor Glass Cutting Board Makeover Exquisitely Unremarkable

It's a stylish and useful addition to my fall kitchen.

AND since it's glass the thrift store germaphobe in me feels good about using it for food. That's something I wouldn't ordinarily do.

But nothing can hide in glass.

I know.

More crazy.

Don't judge.

How are your decoupage skills?

Makeover a glass cutting board for fall with this easy DIY text over cutting board photo



Kim Signature


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  1. This is an amazing project!!! I love how it turned out and I had no idea about dishwasher safe lodge Podge!!!

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    1. Thanks Susan! I know...someone mentioned it recently and I'd like to try to on items I'd like to wash. I'll keep you posted.

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  2. I saw this done on clear glass plates at a arts fair and loved it! Of course I am too chicken to try it myself. You make it look easy. Love it!

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    1. Thanks AnnMarie! It's kind of nerve-racking, but it turned out ok. I definitely need more practice. ☺️

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  3. Decoupage skills always need improving. But this really came out pretty. So much nicer than the original image!! Happy Fall Kim!!

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    1. Thanks so much, Mary! And yes, I still need a lot of practice...I've had a total decoupage fail since. Ugh! 🙃

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  4. You are definitely the queen of crafts! I love decoupage. Probably one of my favorite crafts to do when I actually get around to it. I had to laugh when I read that you wanted to find the decoupage glue for dishwashers. I have never used the dishwasher in here and don't plan to. But I know people who always use the dishwasher can't imagine not having it. How about: Just wash it in the sink???
    Brenda

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    1. Thanks so much, Brenda! I don't always feel like the queen of crafts...especially with decoupage. It is rather unforgiving. And I'm with you, I don't really mind washing dishes. I think it's kind of a meditation. As far as the dishwasher decoupage goes, I think it's their fancy way of saying that it's waterproof, but after reading the reviews, I don't think it works very well. Boo.

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  5. I LOVE decoupage, Kim! I've done the drawers of two dressers and I'm currently working on a vanity...we should get together!

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    1. I would love that, Ann! I could use the tips. I’ve seen your dressers and they’re outstanding!

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  6. Your fall glass cutting board is beautiful. I love fall, and the crisp red and gold leaves, and lots of pumpkins and you've got it all right in front of you on the kitchen counter. You did a fabulous job. I may have to buy a glass cutting board just to try this!

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    1. Thanks so much, Barb! I fell in love with those napkins and I just had to find a way to use them. I got lucky at the thrift store, but I may have to purchase a few more glass boards, too. It's addictive!

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  7. Really pretty Kim, you've done it again! (I'm way too clumsy to work with a razor to try it myself)

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    1. Josie, you are too sweet!! Thank you so much for leaving a comment. ❤️ And trust me, razor blades are scary. I need supervision!

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  8. Kim,my dear, would you please stop sending so many cool and easy projects to my inbox?? I see them, think "I have all the stuff! I'll add it to the list!" but then it doesn't get any further than the list!
    A suggestion for working with glue and thin paper products: wear those cheap dollar tree plastic gloves that come in a pack of 10. The glue doesn't stick to them, so your fingers have less of a chance of tearing the paper. Yeah. BTDT. That's how I know!
    I need, need, need an easy project and do have all the stuff! It's time!
    (oh! I was thinking of my 2 glass cutting boards, but just realized that I have a long, narrow framed picture that I was going to cover to use as a centerpiece base on my table! PERFECT!! I will post a picture on your facebook page when I finish it. Promise. Hold me to it.
    We are SO perfect together! If you didn't live in the snow belt, I'd be tempted to move next door! Ha! You can come visit down south in the winter and we will craft at midnight!)

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    1. Nancy, you are too sweet! Thank you for the kind words. ☺️ I will try the glove trick, I'm in need of all the tips I can get! I love the decoupage results, I just don't do well with the process. And I get it with trying to find the time. Hence the after midnight sessions!!

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  9. Kim this is fabulous. I think this might be one of the best from your crafty self. Just beautiful. You should do these up and sell them. I did not know about mod poge you can wash. Hey I do my best creating after midnight too. It must be the quiet and peacefulness. This is fabulous girl. Love it.

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    1. Thank you, Kris. You're making me blush. I do like this one a lot though. I think both Mod Podge and Martha Stewart make a waterproof gel, but neither get great reviews. I want to try it myself...with a coupon! Enjoy the weekend!!

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    1. Thanks so much, Laura!! Lots of trial and error!

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  11. I love how that turned out. You picked a pretty napkin to use. My decoupage skills are poor.

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    1. wear plastic gloves (plastic, not rubber or latex) It helps keep the paper from sticking to your hands.

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    2. You can also use plastic (Saran) wrap to smooth a damp decoupaged napkin or paper out on your project. Either lay a piece of plastic wrap flat on top and press from the center outwards, or ball the plastic wrap up and gently pounce the air bubbles out. It's easy to go overboard with a medium like mod podge, so try to use it sparingly on that first coat. I'm still learning the craft, but those are some pointers I've picked up along the way. Thanks for sharing this project. I want to try it with one of those glass cutting boards from DT.

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    3. Great tip! Thank you so much for sharing it. I'm still learning, too. Someone suggested using a the plastic wrap to me recently and I've been trying it. Sometimes I just stick my hand in a small plastic zippy. It works, too. It really does make a huge difference. I've never heard of balling it up though. That's great!! I should up update that post. I'm sure it would help others too! If you do make the project, I hope you'll let me know!! And thanks again for sharing!!

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  12. Thank you so much, Teri! It was such a pretty guest towel, I just had to find a way to use them. Happy weekend to you, too!! Hugs!

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  13. You really rocked this little makeover. Decoupage makes me cringe. You’ve inspired me to try again.

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    1. Thanks Lisa...and yup, totally cringeworthy craft. For some reason it seemed less scary after dark! Ha!

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  14. What a great makeover! And perfect for fall. I can't wait for fall weather. :)

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    1. Thank you, Lisa! I am still holding on to summer here. I know you guys have had it with the hot weather by now, but I'm not quite ready to let go just yet. Fall is lovely, but that means snow and zero degrees temps are not far behind. I'm not really to put shoes on just yet! 😉

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  15. Hi Kim, oh I love how your cutting board came out. This looks easy enough that I think I could even attempt to make one!
    Enjoy the week
    Julie xo

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    1. Thanks Julie! Let me know if you try it. It really does make a nice accent piece. Have a great week! :)

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  16. Kim, I knew you could do it. I had no doubts and it turned out beautifully. I bet that looks pretty on your counter and adds a great fall touch. I did do something on a glass dish once, but really had a hard time getting it smooth and ended up with a bunch of wrinkles all over the dish..xxoJudy

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    1. Thanks Judy! The pattern was so pretty, I couldn't resist, but yes, those wrinkles are not easy to smooth away. I have a few...I'm calling them "rustic charm"...good thing the distressed look is in right now!! 😉 xo

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  17. This is such a cute project, Kim. You did a great job, and the tutorial is very helpful.

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    1. Thanks Ricki! I was a little hesitant to try it, but in the end it worked out well.

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  18. That looks so pretty Kim! Love the Fall look for your kitchen, and it sounds like the napkin decoupage was a success this time!

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    1. Thanks so much, Florence! Great to hear from you. I got lucky this time....

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  19. Decoupage is finicky on a good day in my opinion. When approaching a project I cross my fingers and hope the planets have aligned "just so," ANYTHING to help keep the paper or napkin straight. You ROCKED this project! Great find on those napkins. Its so pretty! Perfect for Fall.

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    1. Thanks Audra and I totally agree!! Finicky is a great word for decoupage. Haha! Keeping the napkin straight, getting the bubbles and wrinkles out without tearing….sometimes it’s all too much!

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  20. LOVE . . . love it . . .
    Enough that I might even give it a try . . .
    Perfect fall picture/cutting board . . .
    It has a watercolor feel . . .
    Wonderful!

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    1. Thanks Lynne! With your talents, I bet you could paint your own fabulous fall watercolor to decoupage!

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  21. What a great DIY project Kim! And crafting at night is certainly something I enjoy as well. No phone calls/texts/emails... just quiet! This turned out SO pretty! Glad you had such a lovely getaway to Woodstock too :) Summer passed way too fast, lol! I've been out of the blogging loop for most of the summer, weather has turned fallish here, loving it, and now I must see what I could decoupage here... thanks for the inspiration!!! :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Marilyn! I fell out of blogging for most of the summer, as well. We hit the road a few times and when we were home, the weather was way too nice to be sitting in front of a screen. Fall hasn't really settled in here, yet. It's still hot and humid most days...although I know it's coming. Enjoy your cooler temps!!

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  22. I like your kinda crazy Kim and yes decoupaging things suck, a lot. Especially when its napkins. I've never got it right :D

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    1. It's definitely not my traditional easy DIY, Michelle! Maybe I'll get the hang of it one day!

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  23. You are so creative.

    And like you, I am a night owl. I sometimes don't even get an idea until 10 pm, but that doesn't stop me from getting right to it.

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  24. That is really cute, Kim! I haven't done any decoupage in awhile.

    Are you in the path of Florence as it moves north? All my best to you if you are.

    Hugs,
    Carol

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    1. Thanks so much, Carol. So far I haven’t heard any whisperings about Florence coming our way, but it’s always a possibility I suppose. I feel terrible for the in the path now. Just awful...

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  25. Your glass board turned out beautiful. I love the look of fall. You have conquered this quest. Maybe working after midnight did the trick! Happy Tuesday.

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    1. Thanks Linda! I do think that the midnight magic helped!

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  26. Soooooo cute, Kim!!! I'm guessing you were in MY Home Goods - which is pretty funny because I haven't been there in eons, but I had a doc's appt nearby so I headed in and gave myself a budget of $20 (I know, crazy, right????????) I really wanted to get some nice fall dishtowels, but I didn't love any of them....but I got fall cocktail napkins, which make me happy! Molly got two birthday presents also....and I got my Skinny Syrups for my ice coffee, which I was out of. Total spent? $18.75 - can you believe it? :)

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    1. I WAS in your HomeGoods!! It’s a lovely store. It’s always fun to peek at someone’s else shop. The grass is always greener! Your purchases sound perfect and right under budget. I love it. I got out under $20 bucks. I found a pretty lazy Susan in the clearance aisle and I am loving it!!

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  27. Very pretty, Kim! Hope you got some sleep that night!

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    1. Thanks Melanie! Eventually I did...but late nights seem to be a thing lately. Have to try to change that!

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  28. Wow you made this look so pretty! I can see that it will be very handy!

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    1. Thanks Maria, so far I've been using it every day.

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  29. I stay up late all the time working on projects (and the blog). I, too, hav older kids now and they're no longer an excuse:) This turned out fabulous. I never heard of DW safe Mod Podge, will have to try it. We'd love it if you could share this wonderful repurpose over at Vintage Charm Party #151. It's open till early Sunday morning. Here's the link: http://www.ourhopefulhome.com/2018/09/vintage-charm-party-151.html
    Hope you have a great weekend! xoKathleen

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    1. I guess old habits just die hard, don't they. That's ok, I think crafting late at night is a pretty tame as bad habits, go. Don't you?! 😊And thanks for the invite.

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  30. really cool idea. did you know you can buy a glass cutting board that doesn't have any picture on it so you can skip that whole part about removing the existing image?

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    1. Thanks! I actually didn't realize this until after I remade mine. Now, I have them listed in my shop for people who don't want to have to strip them....

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  31. Thank you for sharing, I love this.

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    1. Thanks Jodie! It was fun to make and looks great on my counter...

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  32. I have 3 glass boards, the sticker peeled off one of them and the other two have boring designs. I have napkins for Christmas saved. I am going pick up a couple other napkin designs today. Thanks for the great idea!

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    1. Oh, I'm excited that you found something inspiring here! This is exactly why I share. I have a facebook page for the blog, if you like, I'd love you to share your pretty makeovers with us! Have fun!!

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  33. What a clever idea! I never thought of removing the backing of a cutting board. Your new cutting board turned out so pretty! Pinning!

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    1. Thanks so much, Linda! I really do love it...even in summer!

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  34. I'm really thrilled with this idea! Pinned for later. Thanks for sharing this awesomeness at Everything Fall 2020. COME BACK... link up again until October 3oth... Linda at Crafts a la mode

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  35. Hi Kim,
    I don’t know if I could ever pull this off as beautifully as you did but, like you, my late night crafts are always some of my best work! No excuse here either. Thank you for sharing it with us at Everything Fall 2020 party, you are my Friday Favorite feature this week! Congratulations and please link up more of your wonderful Fall projects! Happy Weekend! Feel free to pop on over and get your Feature button!
    Hugs,
    Theresa.
    https://www.shoestringeleganceblog.com/2020/10/fridays-favorite-from-everything-fall_16.html?m=1

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    1. Thank you Theresa! I am so excited and I bet you could make one easily. There are some sticky fingers involved, but other than that, it's an easy DIY! Happy weekend!

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  36. I went looking for a refurbished glass cutting board and found your post first. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Oh, I'm so excited that you found it helpful!! If you ever want to show us what you made, please tag me on Instagram or post it on The Exquisitely Unremarkable Facebook page. Good luck!!

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  37. What a wonderful idea! I have two boards that need love.

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    1. Thanks Maria! I have some new napkins and now I'm on the lookout for some more glass boards, too.

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