Decoupage 101

Decoupage 101: A Journey into the World of Decorative Arts

The word 'decoupage' may sound sophisticated, and in many ways, the art that it represents is refined and timeless. Yet, at its heart, decoupage is a simple, approachable craft that anyone can master. If you've ever felt the urge to transform an everyday item into a piece of art, you're already on the path to understanding the allure of decoupage. Let’s delve into its rich history, significance, and the basic steps to get you started.

A Brief History of Decoupage

Derived from the French word 'découper', meaning 'to cut', decoupage involves cutting out paper designs and adhering them to objects to enhance their aesthetic appeal. The art form dates back to ancient East Asia, particularly China, where cut-out paper was used to decorate lanterns and windows. It made its way to Europe in the 17th century and was soon embraced by the fashionable society of France and Italy.

Historically, decoupage was used to imitate more expensive art forms. It allowed individuals to have beautiful 'painted' furniture and decorative items without the cost of commissioning a painted piece.

With our Luxe Decoupage Papers, you can simply remove the white border and adhere to your project, or you could cut it up, or wet tare it before then applying to many different types of projects.    

Why Decoupage Matters

Decoupage isn't just about beautifying an object; it's a form of self-expression. Each piece tells a story – whether it's a vintage theme reminiscent of a bygone era or a modern design that speaks to contemporary tastes, or any of our beautiful bold designs  to make a statement piece. The art form also promotes sustainability. Instead of discarding old furniture or items, one can give them a fresh, new look with decoupage, extending their life and reducing waste.

Getting Started: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

1. Choose Your Object: If you have not decoupaged before, start with something simple, like a wooden tray or a plain box. As you gain confidence, you can move on to more complex items like furniture.

2. Select Your Paper: Our Luxe decoupage papers are the best to work with as they are not too think, and not too thin. They are mix of rice paper and mulberry paper and have a beautiful silk thread running through them. Pick a design that appeals to you – florals, vintage prints, landscapes, steampunk and more...

3. Prepare the Surface: Clean the project thoroughly. If it's a shiny or glossy surface, lightly sand it to ensure better adhesion.

4. Cut and Arrange: prepare your Luxe Decoupage paper for your project and experiment with positioning before you start gluing.

5. Glue in Place: Using a brush, apply a thin layer of decoupage glue (like Mod Podge, watered down PVA/White school glue, your favourite decoupage medium or top coat) to the project's surface. Gently place your paper design on top in apply in small sections, and smooth out any bubbles with our fabulous blue tool with felt edge.                                                     

6. Seal the Design: Once dry, apply another layer of your decoupage medium over the paper to seal it. Allow it to dry. For added protection, you can use clear water proof varnish.

7. Finishing Touches: Depending on your design, you might want to add paints, stencils, or other embellishments.

Selecting the Right Materials and Tools

1. Decoupage Glue: Brands like Mod Podge offer specialised glue that also acts as a sealer. However, there are many brands of decoupage medium or top coats from Fusion or Dixie Belle that work marvellously too.
2. Brushes: Soft bristle brushes are ideal for smooth application of the glue.
3. Scissors or Craft Knife: For precision cutting.
4. Our Decoupage blue tool: with the felt edge for smoothing out any bubbles
5. Varnish: To protect your finished piece, especially if it's an item that'll see regular use.

In conclusion, decoupage is a delightful and creative way to breathe new life into objects. It's a journey of exploration, where each project is a reflection of your personal style. So, check out our extensive range of decoupage papers and prints, gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and embark on the fulfilling journey of decoupage!