The art of decoupage is easy to master and even easier on the budget because decoupaging can be done using everyday materials. Strips, scraps or cut-outs of different materials are applied to household objects using a decoupaging medium.
Getting Started With Decoupage Crafts
Material can be collected from magazines, left-over wrapping paper and cards, from tissue paper and napkins, or from fabric. Some decoupagers enjoy flower decoupage, using pressed flowers to make decoupaged pictures and cards or applying the flowers to candles.
Almost any surface or object can be decoupaged, which means that household items such as vases and canisters, picture frames and light switch covers, trays and small boxes can be given a new look. Stools and small tables make good subjects for craft decoupage. Moldings and door panels, newel posts and claw foot tubs can also be decoupaged.
For those who desire to make varied decoupage craft items, the possibilities are endless for creative decoupage ideas. Some decoupagers use gold leaf paint effects or apply raised cut-outs for three dimensional effects. Use of textured materials such as lace or paper doilies produces a filigree effect.
Beautiful results can be achieved once basic decoupage techniques have been mastered. Beginners can start with easy initial projects to get a feel for decoupaging and then move up to complex designs on larger objects.
Decoupage Supplies
- Scissors
- Small craft knife
- Tweezers
- Brush
- Brayer or small plastic scraper
- Paper or fabric material
- Mod Podge Decoupage Glue
- Damp cloth
Step-by-Step Decoupage
- Surfaces to be decoupaged should be clean and free of dirt or grease.
- Carefully cut out paper or fabric to be used in decoupaging and lay cut-outs out flat.
- Before brushing on decoupage medium, arrange paper or fabric cut-outs onto surface or object to get an idea of the look to be achieved.
- Brush decoupage glue onto object to be decorated or brush it onto backs of actual paper or fabric cut-outs
- Press cut-outs onto surface and, if necessary, use a brayer or scraper to flatten and smooth out wrinkles.
- Continue applying cut-outs until surface area is covered.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe off extra glue and remove it from fingers.
- Allow cut-outs to dry thoroughly.
- Add additional layers of cut-outs if desired and glue these to the bottom layer.
- Seal in design by applying decoupage medium.
- Continue applying layers of decoupage medium, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next coat. Continue until object no longer shows edges.
- Allow decoupaged object to dry thoroughly before using.
Decoupage crafts take minimal time, skill and effort, don't cost the roof, and yet yield surprising and rewarding results, making decoupage the craft of choice for busy people in economically challenging times.
Decoupage Craft Resources
Decoupage Crafts Photo Gallery
Melody Rhodes - M. Rhodes is author of the Bedbug Books. She's been published in Canada, U.S. U.K. & NZ and has won awards for her poetry/prose.
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