Welcome to the fascinating world of decoupage.  A world where anyone, even those with very little artistic flair, can create wonderful, individual works of art.  Decoupage is simple, inexpensive, and, above all, fun!

Decoupage is the craft of decorating surfaces with cut-out paper shapes or images, then sealing them with varnish.  Despite the stunning results this creates, it is remarkably easy and can be tackled by anyone who can wield a pair of scissors and a glue brush.  In ts simplest form, all you do is cut out pictures, glue them onto an object, and finish off with coats of varnish.

This simple craft can be used to decorate anything from a tiny trinket box to an enormous table.  As long as an object has a fairly even surface, it is suitable for decoupage.  If you are willing to spend some time on the preparation, you can use decoupage on all kinds of materials, including wood, metal, glass, and plastic.

Decoupage is so relaxing and calming, you may well become addicted.

HISTORY

Decoupage has a long and varied history.  Its origins can be traced back to many distant lands and times.  In 12th century China, peasants used paper cut-outs to decorate lanterns, gift boxes, and other everyday items.  German and Polish artisans have been using paper cut-outs for decorations for many hundreds of years.

Venetian Craftsmen:  Decoupage as we know it, however, was developed in 17th century Venice, at a time when Oriental lacquered work was highly fashionable.  As demand outstripped supply, cabinet makers began to produce fake lacquerwork, known as lacca contrafatta--counterfeit lacquer.  At the same time, hand-painted furniture became so expensive that Venetian craftsmen bought engravings and hand-colored them to stick to furniture, instead of employing master painters.  This process, known as "poor man's art," was so effective, it spread throughout Europe and the UK.  In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was particularly popular among the genteel women of the French court, who spent many leisurely hours decorating hatboxes, screens, and toiletry objects.  It was here that the name "decoupage," derived from the word decouper, which means "to cut," was coined.

MATERIALS

Although you can buy specialist supplies, most the things you need can be found lying around the house.

Paper Images:  You won't have to search far for these.  Almost anything made out of paper will do, so start saving newspapers, magazines, wrapping paper, greeting cards, wallpaper, and photographs. Look out for source books and reproduction prints to photocopy and color in.  Once you start searching, you will find a limitless supply of material for your decoupage.

Glues:  PVA glue is a white glue that dries to a clear finish.  It can be diluted and brushed over a finished project to act as a sealer.  Wood glue is also required for some projects.

Methylated Spirits.  Methylated spirits is essential for cleaning varnish off your brushes when you have finished.

Paints:  Latex paints are suitable for most projects.  White acts as a primer, and colored paint is used as a base coat.  Colored inks and watercolor paints are used to color in black and white photographs.  Acrylic paint is also vaulable.  It comes in a wide range of colors, including metallic.

Varnish:  Oil-based polyurethand and water-based acrylic varnishes are used as a sealer.  Polyurethane is tougher, but acrylic doesn't yellow with age.  Shellac can be applied to stiffen and seal the paper image.

EQUIPMENT:  Scissors, Craft Knife, Cutting Mat, Tweezer, Brushes, Sponge, Pencil

Look around your home for items that need rejuvenating--anything from a large screen to a chest is suitable.  You can even use decoupage to create a totally unique toilet seat and toilet paper holder!  And don't forget the finer details:  accessorize the smaller household items in your house by making unique doorknobs and light pulls.

We hope you enjoyed this guide on Decoupage.  We sell a Decoupage Kit in our Store--please stop by and browse.