Use the FREE paper in this month's magazine and create a stunning decoupaged platter like this one or a host of other projects.

Give everyday items a new lease of life with decoupage. The romantic decoupage paper in the May 2001 issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine works equally well on timber, metal, terracotta, papier-mache and even glass. Look for the instructions for a wastepaper bin, firescreen, tray, book drawer, magazine holder, secretaire, glass tray, metal planter, even a dresser, chest of drawers AND MORE in the Better Homes and Gardens magazine with the cheesecake on the cover - out now!

You'll need:

Terracotta dishes, with no ridges or holes
Polyfilla
Tack rag and soft cloth
Acrylic paints and gold artist's acrylic
Sponge applicator
Soft paintbrushes and fine artist's brush
Pictures
PVA or wallpaper glue and super glue
Acrylic varnish
800-1200 wet and dry sandpaper
Small brass charms (optional)
Matt polyurethane varnish
Beeswax and fine steel wool

Here's how:

1 If the dish has lettering imprinted, fill with Polyfilla, allow to dry, then sand back gently and remove any other little bumps. Wipe the surface clean and run your fingers over it to check for smoothness. Sand again, clean with the sponge and wipe thoroughly with the tack rag.

2 Using a colour to complement the picture you've chosen, paint the sides and rim of the dish. Allow to dry completely and apply a light coat of gold over the base colour. While the gold paint is still wet, brush it lightly with a soft dry brush to create a dragged effect. Allow to dry completely.

3 Carefully cut the picture to fit the inside of the bottom of the dish. Check the fit.

4 Gently brush both sides of the picture with wallpaper glue or PVA diluted 2:1 with water. Position the picture onto the bottom of the dish, moving it about until you are happy with its placement. Then, using your fingers, a brush or sponge applicator, gently push out the air.

6 Paint a rim of gold around the edge of the picture with the artist's brush and leave to dry.

7 Wipe the dish carefully with the tack rag then, using a clean soft brush, apply a coat of acrylic varnish and allow to dry. Wipe the dish again with the tack rag and apply the next coat of varnish, at right angles to the first, and allow to dry. Wipe again, then apply another coat, again at right angles to the previous coat, and leave to dry.

8 After the third coat of varnish, gently sand back with wet sandpaper. Clean with the sponge, then wipe thoroughly with the tack rag and apply another coat of varnish. Sand back and wipe after each coat.

Traditionally 40 or 50 coats of varnish would be applied! This is rarely done these days for pieces such as this. About 10 coats is sufficient for a lovely lustrous finish.

9 Glue the brass charms onto the sides of the dish with super glue. When dry, apply one coat of varnish, ensuring that no drips occur beneath the charms. Allow this final coat of varnish to dry and polish with a soft cloth

Note: For a more aged, mellow look,. you can brush on a coat of matt polyurethane and allow to dry. Apply beeswax with a soft cloth or fine steel wool, allow to dry and buff to a soft sheen.