If you love the charm of aged metal decor but want to add your own creative twist, this project is the perfect blend of rustic and refined. Using Whimsykel’s Timeworn Elegance Decoupage Paper, Kellie Morgan of Spring Street Style reimagined a set of faux-rust metal stars—proving that even store-bought decor can tell a new story with a little creativity.
This simple, eye-catching makeover shows how using different base colors can completely change the look and feel of your finished piece. If you prefer to watch the video you can find it here.
🛠️ Materials You’ll Need
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Faux-rust metal stars (or any metal decor you’d like to refinish)
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Paintbrush
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Mod Podge or decoupage medium
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White and black paint (chalk, mineral, or acrylic all work)
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Sanding block or fine-grit sandpaper
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Optional: Clear coat or sealer
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Surface
If your stars were purchased with a faux-rust finish, simply wipe them down to remove any dust or debris.
If you’re using genuine rusty metal, lightly sand to remove any loose rust flakes, then apply a clear sealer to prevent bleed-through under your paint and paper—unless you want that organic, rustic texture to peek through for added charm.
Step 2: Paint Your Base
Kellie painted one star white and the other black before applying the paper to demonstrate how different base colors create different moods.
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A white base brightens the paper and brings out the delicate vintage details.
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A black base deepens the tones and gives a more dramatic, timeworn look.
Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on.
Step 3: Tear and Plan Your Paper
Instead of cutting the Timeworn Elegance paper, Kellie gently tore the edges by hand. This creates soft, organic borders that blend beautifully into the surface once applied.
Lay the torn pieces across each star to plan your placement and ensure the design flows naturally. The distressed pattern of Timeworn Elegance pairs perfectly with the rustic finish underneath.
Step 4: Apply Your Decoupage Medium
Brush a thin, even layer of Mod Podge or your chosen decoupage medium over one section at a time. Working in smaller areas helps maintain control and prevents the adhesive from drying too quickly.
Step 5: Place and Smooth the Paper
Gently position the torn paper onto the surface, smoothing from the center outward to remove air bubbles or wrinkles. The lightweight tissue paper makes it easy to contour around edges and curves.
Step 6: Seal and Sand the Edges
Once dry, lightly sand along the edges with a fine-grit sanding block. This softens any overlap and gives a natural, blended look. Add a thin top coat of Mod Podge to seal the design and protect the finish.
Step 7: Optional — Add a Final Seal
If your stars will be displayed outdoors or handled frequently, apply a clear protective topcoat in matte or satin for extra durability.
The Finished Look
The results speak for themselves. The white-based star reveals the delicate, faded patterns of Timeworn Elegance with a light, airy finish, while the black-based star turns the same design into a bold, dramatic piece with antique character.
Both showcase how a simple shift in base color can transform the mood of a project—proof that there’s no one right way to create beautiful, timeless art. This technique also works well using scrap decoupage papers for a more colorful
Ready to Create Your Own Rustic Elegant Star?
Whether you’re refreshing old decor, reviving a furniture piece, or experimenting with new textures, Timeworn Elegance Decoupage Paper helps you create pieces that look effortlessly vintage and uniquely yours.
👉 Shop Timeworn Elegance Now and start transforming your decor with creativity and charm.