DIY Blue Toile Christmas Santa

Written By Callie

With a little decoupage, paint, and sparkle, you can turn an ordinary Santa into an elegant holiday statement piece.

Santa doesn’t always have to be red! This Blue Toile Santa makeover was part of our Christmas in September special in 2023, and he quickly became a favorite. Whether you love blue and white toile, or you just want to create your own custom look, these steps will show you exactly how to transform a simple Santa figurine into something magical.

Santa Makeover Supplies

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Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Santa

  • If your Santa isn’t already white, spray him with Rustoleum 2X Matte Primer or give him a base coat of white chalk paint.

  • Make sure he’s fully dry before moving on.

2. Choose & Prep Your Napkin

  • Pick a toile napkin you love (blue is classic, but any pattern works!).

  • Separate the layers of the napkin until you’re left with just the printed ply.

  • Tear the edges instead of cutting to help them blend better on curves.

3. Apply the Napkin

  • Brush on a thin layer of Makers Magic or DIY Liquid Patina in small sections.

  • Gently press the napkin into place using your fingers or a soft brush.

  • Work slowly around details like folds and sleeves. Avoid wrinkles by smoothing as you go.

4. Paint the Details

  • Skin: Mix DecoArt Warm Beige with Fawn Tan. Add a touch of white if needed. For rosy cheeks, blend a little Folk Art Wild Rose into your skin tone.

  • Bag: Paint with DecoArt Milk Chocolate and add Lamp Black in the creases for depth.

  • Belt & Boots: DecoArt Lamp Black. Add Plaid Liquid Leaf Classic Gold for the buckle.

  • Beard & Hair: Start with Grey Sky, then blend in white for soft highlights.

  • Hat (optional): Add blue and white checks using Royal Navy, Dioxazine Purple, and white.

5. Add Sparkle

  • Brush on Liquitex High Gloss Varnish over the decoupaged areas.

  • While it’s still wet, sprinkle Diamond Dust for that magical, icy sparkle.

  • Let dry completely before handling.

6. Finish with Trim & Bling

  • Hot glue feather boa trim around Santa’s coat and hat for a luxe touch.

  • Add rhinestones, beads, or jewelry pieces from ilfaitjourshop.com for extra glam.

Display Ideas

  • Place him on a mantel with greenery and twinkle lights.

  • Use as a centerpiece with coordinating blue and white dishes.

  • Create a whole toile-themed vignette with nutcrackers, ornaments, and stockings.

Want More Holiday Inspiration?

This Santa is just one of hundreds of projects waiting for you inside our Check Savvy Sisterhood. With hundreds of timeless tutorials on demand, you’ll have endless inspiration for gifts, décor, and holiday magic. Membership is just $25/month, cancel anytime — and it also includes:

  • Access to a private group where Debi teaches live 3x a week

  • Quarterly project auctions

  • A fabulous, supportive community of creative women

👉 Join here: studiomdaz.com/sisterhood

Callie

Marketing strategist and founder of Xeno Marketing, I empower small businesses to unlock their potential with practical, accessible marketing tools and insights. With years of experience in SEO, website design, and digital strategy, I’m dedicated to helping entrepreneurs confidently navigate the world of marketing and grow their online presence.

https://www.xenomarketing.com
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Whimsical Lamp Makeover