The word decoupage comes from French “decouper”, meaning to cut out or cut from something.
The origin of the decoupage is thought to be East Siberian tomb art. Nomadic tribes used to cut out felts to decorate the tombs of their deceased. From Siberia, the practice came to China, and by the 12th century, cut out the paper was being used to decorate lanterns, windows, boxes, and other objects. In the 17th century, Italy, especially Venice, was at the forefront of trade with the Far East and it is generally thought that it is through these trade links that the cutout paper decorations made their way into Europe.
What can you decorate with découpage?
You can probably decorate anything and everything that is solid in mass and holds a shape! Some popular items include:
Boxes, vases, pots
Plates, trays, bowls
Lamps, lampshades
Furniture
Frames, mirrors
The most interesting fact is that anything can be decoupaged. These could be items you already own but want to personalise, or items specifically bought for découpage, such as plain simple wooden boxes and frames.
Tools needed for decoupage
Scissors – cutting out is a large part of découpage so a really sharp pair of small scissors is important to ensure you cut clean edges.
Craft knife – to cut out detail and intricate areas. Use a really sharp blade with your craft knife as blunt ones can tear the paper.
Soft sponge/cloth – to wipe away excess glue
Sandpaper – for sanding the layers of varnish if required.
Cotton wool buds to dab away small amounts of excess glue
What pictures to use for Découpage?
Wrapping paper – ideal thickness and widely used as it is available in a multitude of both traditional and up-to-date designs.
Wallpaper
Magazines/catalogues
Découpage papers – these are pictures selected specifically for this craft and are widely available in many designs
Greetings cards
Fabric
Paper napkins
Origami papers – these are small square sheets of paper with mini designs and patterns on.
Copyright-free source books – these contain pictures of all types.
If you are new to découpage, choose pictures which have a clear outline as this will make them easier to cut out than those with blurred edges. If you’re worried about using original pictures you can colour copy or scan them instead.
What is the best glue to use in decoupage?
PVA glue – all round glue which dries clear and sticks paper, card, fabric, wood, and metal.
Spray glue (permanent type) – quick, easy and dries clear
Varnish – the best varnish to use is gloss as no matter how many coats you use it doesn’t go cloudy.
If you require a matt finish, use gloss for every coat (to avoid cloudiness) and then use matt varnish for the final coat only.
How to Decoupage? The basic technique
1. Prepare surface
Once you have selected your item to decorate, make sure the surface of it is clean and dust free as the varnish magnifies any imperfections.
2. Cut out pictures
Select your pictures and cut them out. It may be easier to cut out the pictures roughly with scissors first and then cut them out more precisely with a craft knife. If a white edge shows around the picture you have cut out, colour the edge with a crayon/pen that matches either the picture or the background on which it is to be used.
3. Arrange the pictures
Before you glue the pictures in place, ensure you are happy with the positioning. Use tweezers for placing tiny pictures.
4. Glue the pictures in place
Smooth out any wrinkles and wipe away any excess glue with a barely damp sponge.
5. Varnish the pictures.
Ensure the glue is dry before starting to varnish and leave the varnish to dry thoroughly between each coat. Anything from four to 15 coats may be needed depending on how thick the decoupage paper is and how smooth and durable a finish is required. To achieve a finely lacquered finish you will need to sand lightly after a few layers of varnish and wipe away all dust. Keep repeating this process until you are happy with the finish.
So what are you waiting for? Probably you have all the materials available at home so go ahead and create your own beautiful art piece!
