Decorate a trinket box with découpage

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This is an ideal first project for a beginner to tackle.

First, paint the box with a coat of primer, then one or two coats of emulsion - you could use a test pot of paint for this. Cut out a flower motif for the lid and smaller motifs for the base. Attach and finish with several coats of clear varnish.

To varnish, use clear gloss varnish as it won't go cloudy, even with many coats. You can use matt varnish for the final coat, if required. For a really smooth, professional finish, you may need up to 15 coats of varnish, depending on the thickness of the paper used and the durability required.

Allow to dry between coats and sand lightly after about five coats for a smooth finish. You can get away with fewer coats of varnish if a durable finish is not needed.

Box, £1.49, Hobbycraft, (01202 596100). Gift wrap, £1.75 a sheet, Cath Kidston (0845 026 2440)

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