I have a thing for vintage water decals. Meyercord is a common maker and they come in a huge variety of styles. I found a big stash of them the other day at an estate sale. (I already had some, but now I have more!)
I realized that I have a few naked jars that needed a new look.
Vintage water decals can be tricky. To apply them you soak them in warm water for a minute or so and then they are supposed to slide off the cardboard backing onto the item the decal is going to be placed on. I often spray mine with varnish prior to soaking them in water. Let the varnish dry before soaking. I have had good luck with the varnish holding the decal together (most of the time).
This little lamb still came apart (his nose) when I applied him.
Luckily when you apply the decals you have a bit of flexiblity and can often slide the torn area into the correct position.
After the decal is in position I lightly dab away the excess water with a paper towel and make sure there are no air bubbles. You can use your fingers to smooth out the image. Let the decal air dry.
Here are a couple of tiny decals soaking in water waiting to be applied.
Ideally the decal will slide off the backing like this one is doing. I just need to slide the backing the rest of the way off and then smooth out the deer on the glass.
I have not found a test to see if a decal will stay together or not. Often the larger decals tend to break apart easier. This tiny decal simply disintegrated when I tried to remove her after soaking. I did not spray her first with varnish and that might have saved her.
For the most part they are fairly easy to work with. I have found that the coat of varnish makes the odds better in applying them.
These water decals are addictive! I want no more naked jars in my studio.
These darling images are just addictive.
Fun project. If blogland has any tidbits to add about applying water decals please let me know. I think I have more naked jars....
I have yet to discover any decals, but I appreciate your tips for their use. The bunny on the jar next to the tell a tale book was very similar to the one that was on my crib as a child. Happy Memory.
Sheryl
Posted by: Sheryl Remy | May 23, 2013 at 05:51 AM
Thanks for the great tips!! I have a stash of decals sitting around and a few "naked" jars too.Cute tutorial this morning :-) I love those vintage decals....they bring back happy memories for me also! I still have the big bunny one I got from you.I'm waiting to find the perfect place to put him.He's going to have to be on a piece of furniture or something.I remember that bunny being on my crib and they were also on a high chair.The jars turned out darling!!
I think I'm going to do some jar hunting this morning.
Thanks for the sharing and the smiles!
Posted by: Doreen | May 23, 2013 at 06:03 AM
I have always been afraid to buy them for the very reason of not knowing if they will still work...Thanks for the tip, I think I'll give it a try now!
Posted by: pam | May 23, 2013 at 06:48 AM
Absolutely Charming!
What is wrong with me? I don't remember my crib! -Judy A-
Posted by: Judy A | May 23, 2013 at 07:28 AM
Guess what Maddie & I are doing today? Dressing naked jars! I have several old jars around the house + lots of decals too! Easy project for a cold, rainy day. Thanks for the varnish tip. How sad would it be to lose some of those cute decals due to a lack of varnish?
:-)
Erica
Posted by: Erica | May 23, 2013 at 08:19 AM
Those tiny jars/decals are just so stinkin' cute!
Posted by: Lynne | May 23, 2013 at 09:53 AM
So cute!! The images are just the sweetest! xo Heather
Posted by: Heather | May 23, 2013 at 10:04 AM
I have the naked jars, now I just need to find some decals! These are so cute!
Posted by: Heidi@TheMerryMagpieVintage | May 23, 2013 at 12:47 PM
Oh, my gosh. Those are just adorable. I think I can do that and I have the supplies, except for the varnish. Varnish is now on my list. Thanks for the tutorial Miss Magpie!
Posted by: Annette | May 23, 2013 at 01:42 PM
My next obsession...vintage decals! Thanks for the tips!
Posted by: Kim K. | May 23, 2013 at 02:07 PM
I love the little jars...the donkey one is too cute..if you run out of naked (that's pronounced nek-ed) jars....i saw these vintage looking jars with red lids at World Market that would look adorable with your decals...hugs Patti M :)
Ps I just ordered one of your adorable girlies on your etsy site...I'm so excited for her to come beautifie my craft room :)
Posted by: Patti M | May 23, 2013 at 05:33 PM
Thanks for the tips! I have some jars and just a few floral decals so I think I need to give it a try. Now all I need is some spare time - haha!
Posted by: kathy | May 23, 2013 at 06:37 PM
When my sister still lived in Oregon, they cleaned out a foreclosed house. She called me and told me she found something I might like. When she moved here last Sept she brought them with her and you guessed it, it was a huge stack of vintage Meyercord decals! I sold a few of the big ones (flocked nursery ones, they bring a good chunk of change) but kept most for myself. I tried to use one and it fell apart so thanks for the varnish tip, will definitely be trying that.
Posted by: Marci | May 23, 2013 at 07:11 PM
Nothing beats Meyercord decals for adding vintage charm. I adore them, especially when you see them on aqua, pink, or red metal.
Posted by: Maria (Magia Mia) | May 23, 2013 at 07:45 PM
I've often wondered how people get those old decals to stay together. Great trick!
They look fantastic!
Posted by: Melissa | May 23, 2013 at 08:02 PM
all those decals are precious! make me want to find some to use!
Posted by: Melissa's Antiques | May 24, 2013 at 07:29 AM
Oh, I hate it when the decals fall apart. I now copy them before I try using them just in case. I thought decoupage would be the second best choice. I will now try the varnish trick.
Why haven't these been reproduced?
P.S. Just what you need... more cuteness in your craft room!!!!
Posted by: Janet Johnson | May 24, 2013 at 10:43 AM
I have some of those decals but NONE as adorable as yours. I love the way they look on your old jars! Thanks for the tips on how to apply them.
Posted by: Laurie | May 24, 2013 at 12:34 PM
Relieved your jars are properly covered. I adore decals, and yours in particular!
Posted by: barbara | May 24, 2013 at 06:46 PM
love them all! great idea Laurie. have a great weekend
xoxo
Posted by: vivian | May 25, 2013 at 05:18 AM
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!
Posted by: Jill | May 26, 2013 at 05:21 AM
These are so cute! What a great idea - and brilliant about spraying them first... I never would have thought they'd survive this long without totally disintegrating. Delightful!
Posted by: Maureen | May 26, 2013 at 12:32 PM
Varnish?! Brilliant!
I've failed at applying decals in the past and have been scared to lose another in an attempt to transfer. My studio and kitchen might see my stash of decals in place if I can pull it off. Thank you for the tip!
Posted by: Lisa | May 27, 2013 at 09:30 AM
You have the cutest jars in town !! I love the idea of using decals ..... thanks for sharing... clever you !!
Posted by: Lisa W. | May 27, 2013 at 12:08 PM
I ♥ Meyercord!
I have that teddy bear decal and was just thinking of using it recently!
Thanks for the varnish tip. I haven't used my vintage decals because I've been afraid of using them and having them fall apart but I have scanned them in hopes of making my own decals out of them some day. I've used the reproduced ones with great success. ♥
Posted by: Holly- Cutie Pie Cottage | May 28, 2013 at 09:32 AM
Laurie these are adorable! I have only a few of these and I am a little worried they will fall apart but I'll have to try the varnish method now!
Posted by: Rebecca | May 28, 2013 at 01:13 PM
They look great on the jars! Will keep your tip in mind too-- thanks!
Posted by: Diane | May 28, 2013 at 03:32 PM