How To Decoupage

Decoupage = To cut out

It's difficult to determine where this art form actually started from, but it is believed that this form of practice started in Eastern Siberia, where nomadic ethnic groups cut fabric figures to decorate items in the tombs of their ancestors. Those tombs date as far back as before Christ. However, it was in China in the 12^th century that this art form first was historical mentioned. Chinese peasants appeared to have used colored paper cutouts for decorating lanterns, gift boxes and their windows, among other things. It is known that many of their cutouts had inscriptions for health and well-being.

It was not until the 17^th century that it would reach Italy (Venice) and France, thence became immensely popular, especially after the import from the Far East of oriental decoupaged and lacquered furniture. The Asian lacquered items became so popular in Europe at the time, that the demand exceeded the supply, which resulted that the depentore "Venetian cabinet makers and lacquers" started to produce fake lacquer work to keep up with the growing demand. This work, recognized as "lacca contrafatta-counterfeit lacquer."

Historical people like Madame de Pompadour, Marie Antoinette and Lord Byron loved this hobby, that was considered to be a pleasurable pastime of the aristocracy.

More resent artists of the 20^th century are Anri Matisse and Pablo Picasso who used decoupage in their works. I guess one of the best known examples of this art form is the “Blue Nude” of Matisse.

Decoupage has never lost its popularity, and is now bigger than ever. In the 12^th century, there was no need to give much thought to the environment, like we do in today's world. And since decoupage is an art form that reuse and recycle old items more than any other hobby, it is very environmentally friendly. You can say that yesterday's art form turns out to be today's recycling! This art form is indeed a hobby just right for today and for the future.

So next time you're thinking to throw away something, take a second look, it may look great with some glue and paper, and you will spare our landfills from more trash.

You can recycle furniture, paper, books, plastic, glass, fabric, wrapping paper, old stamps, boxes, metal, plastic jars, lampshades, picture frames, ceramics, wood, paint buckets, plates, milk cartons, wine bottles . . .well, I could go on and on.

I recommend the best way to learn decoupage is to start practicing on simple projects like a shoebox, matchbox or an inexpensive plate. The more competent you get, you can work yourself up to more complex pieces, such as a coffee table or a bed board. Don't worry if you make a mistake. You can simply start over or recycle it until you'll get it right.

Before you start on your project, it is always good to lay out the design the way you have pictured it. This helps you to make sure you'll have enough paper, and where exactly the cut out pieces will go. You can overlap the images if you like, or create some sort of collage.

This is a very inexpensive hobby and its so easy to learn and do. There is only a few supplies you need to get started:

First of all you need glue. You can use standard white glue such as Elmer's and dilute it with water. However, you get best result with decoupage medium, which is very inexpensive anyway.

Invest in a good pair of craft scissors with long, thin tips that makes it easier to reach into small, difficult angles and corners.

You need something to spread the decoupage medium or the glue. A small paintbrush is great as well as foam brushes. Cotton swabs, works fine for very small images. I found that using your finger to spread the glue is also a great tool. To spread the glue on larger projects, I believe brayers are best (it is a tool like a miniature rolling-pin.)

If the project you are working on will be used or handled often, I recommend to protect the surface with an acrylic spray sealer or varnish.

You need paper such as paper napkins, wrapping paper, stickers, old stamps, photographs from magazines or newspapers, pages from books, greeting cards, sketches, fabric, custom decoupage paper or anything else that you may find suitable for the purpose. 

Damp rag or sponge to keep both your hands and workstation clean.

1.Make sure the item you’re covering is clean from dust and debris and that the item is dry. If you’ve painted it, be sure the paint is completely dry.

2.Cover the item of your choice with decoupage medium or glue in a lavish layer. Any spot your pictures will touch should be coated.

3.Attach the pictures or paper to the object. In doing so be careful of the position, and be certain that there are no air bubbles or wrinkles. If you’re attaching a large picture, start smoothing it from the center and work your way out to the edges. This is one of the most crucial steps. Even, smooth and accurately placed pictures is what gives the project a flawless, professional finished look.

4.After you have covered your object, let it dry completely.

5.Once it is completely dry, coat it again with the diluted glue or decoupage medium. Continue this drying/coating process until the picture edges are completely smooth and you’re happy with the results. The more coats of glue you add, the nicer it gets and the object transforms into a picture.

6.You may now like to add sealer or varnish to the object for extra protection. This is very important for furniture, as it generates a smooth and protected surface. Bear in mind to varnish all items that might get heavy use.

So go ahead and get creative! Decoupage is a great do-it-yourself-project that anyone, from small children to the elderly can enjoy. With some imagination, glue and pretty paper you can transform ordinary objects into unique items for your home, and precious gifts to special friends and family.

Have fun!

©Copyright 2012 By Sannel Larson.