Instructions on how to Decoupage. This is cutting of decorative papers and glueing them to any surface. You can change any old item into a new creatively beautiful work of art.
Supplies:
-decorative paper cutouts
-item to decoupage(trays, frames,furniture, etc)
-scissors, manicure scissors, x-acto knife
-white glue or Mod Podge
-tweezers
-3 paintbrushes for applying paint, glue, and varnish
-acrylic varnish
-brayer/craft roller
-sandpaper
Decoupage is a craft form that was popular in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. Decoupage is a French term meaning "cutting up." This was the Europeans' way of inexpensively decorating furniture. But, decoupage became a popular pastime during the Victorian era. Victorians saved Valentine cards, magazines, and books of printed motifs. Today, decoupage is still a favorite of many crafters.
Favorite subjects for decoupage crafters have traditionally been flowers and fruits, birds and butterflies, and angels and fairies. You can use just about paper to decoupage with, postcards, seed packets, greeting cards, wallpaper,and old childrens story books. many decoupage crafters hunt for old papers at antique and junk shops. Also available are books of paper motifs made specifically for crafting.
As for surfaces to decoupage, anything goes. Traditionally, wooden objects are used in decoupage. Furniture is commonly decoupaged. Any surface that is relatively smooth can be decoupaged, such as metal, plastic, or glass. Decoupage trays, boxes, and picure frames. They are ideal for the beginner. Before you begin, be sure the item is clean, free of dust or flaking paint. If the piece is unfinished wood, it must be painted, stained, or sealed before decoupaging. If the item needs to bepainted, use the appropriate paint for the item. Let dry 24 hours. It will also need to be lightly sanded so the glue will adhere better. Use a very fine grit sandpaper.
You can use any type of image to decoupage. It is best to avoid images that are too thin, as they may tear. Also avoid papers that have images on both sides bcause when glued, the image on the other side may show.
To cut out your images, you will need scissors, manicure scisors, or an x-acto knife, depending on the size and detail of the image. To stick down th eimages, you'll need white glue and or Mod Podge, a decoupage medium found in many craft stores. A brayer is also desirable
to roll over the images and to help eliminate bubbles, ripples, etc.
Cut around the design leaving a small border around the image. This wil make it easier to hold while you cut away the interior part of the image, such as the stem and leaves of a flower. Once the interior is cut, proceed to cut around the outside edge.
Applying the images is not difficult, but it may be worthwhile to experiment with the layout before applying any glue. You can arrange the images to form a picture and allow the background surface to show through. You could cover the entire object with the images by overlapping them. Place smaller shapes over the larger shapes.
Tweezers are a great assistant when handling some of the more delicate images.
Before you begin gluing, be sure to work on a protected surface. Once you've decided on the placement of the images, using largest shapes first, put glue on the backside of the image and press gently onto the piece. Put a large plain piece of paper over the glued image and roll the brayer over it to press the image into place and remove any bubbles. Continue around the item adding images in the same manner. If decoupaging a frame or other piece with angles, arrange the shapes so they reach over the edges. This will help the image from lifting an also will add a nice design element.
If you want a deep and smooth finish, it is recommended to varnish the piece between 10 and twenty times.This could end up being a lengthy project as you should let the varnish dry overnight between coats. Use light coats of varnish and let dry overnight. Sand lightly and wipe the dust away between each coat. Alternate the direction of the brushstrokes betwen eaxh layer. An optional finish after all the varnish layers is a polish of white wax.
Enjoy your decoupaged item and use it in your home. Get ready for all the compliments!
