Decoupage

Decoupage is the art of decorating surfaces with paper cut-outs. Decoupage comes from the French word "decouper" which means to "to cut out" There are two types of Decoupage, flat which is when paper motifs are cut out which are then glued flat onto a surface and heavily varnished so that the edges blend in with the background as if the design as painted on. The second method "three-dimensional decoupage" however contradicts the above term as the cut-outs are free standing and are not part of the surface like the more traditional flat decoupage. This alternative method gives a feel of depth and volume. This makes the design to look life like, which a flat design is unable to achieve.

HISTORY

The history of this is unclear. Some believe that it originated in Europe dating from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, which became popular in the seventeenth century Venice and then spread throughout Europe. Others say that this originated in Germany in the fifteenth century. This is when printed decorative boarders were used to simulate complex Taria wood inlay for the use of furniture, so from a distance it looked real. Many authors are convinced that the demand for heavy lacquered Chinese furniture or Chinoiserie started the trend towards decoupage during the late seventeenth century. This type of furniture was expensive and very much sought after. Because of this high demand Venetian craftsmen decided to use decoupage instead of the hand painted and lacquered effects of Chinoiserie. Decoupage arrived in England a little later, when people who returned from their tour of Europe took the love of decoupage with them. It was the Victorians that had the greatest passion for the art and decorated everything from boxes to screens, tables, chairs and vases. The development of colour printing led to "scrap sheets" which were produced specifically for decoupage purposes. In years since, the craft has gone out of fashion. It is only in recent years that the craft has started to gain popularity, which is partly due to the availability of photocopies, and fast drying varnishes. Despite these advances the craft has remained essentially unchanged. 3D decoupage compared to flat does not have such a long history. As a craft, it has some of its origins in paper tole and collage, making it an extension of traditional decoupage and is only limited by one’s own imagination.

MATERIALS

The main material you need for 3D decoupage are explained below.

Prints – There are many different designs for 3D decoupage covering many different levels of skill. In addition to purchasing prints specifically used for this craft, other pictures that are repeated can be used like wrapping paper. Some have purchased identical postcards and used these to create a 3D effect. When choosing pictures for flat decoupage, again there is specific designs on the market but you can use almost any picture that is printed on paper. However for best results, it is important that there is only printing on one side. Again wrapping paper is ideal.

Scissors – It is recommended that you use two pairs of scissors. A large pair for cutting surplus paper or large cut-outs and a smaller pair for tiny and intricate detail. It is important to keep these sharp and only use them for paper to avoid then becoming blunt quickly.

Craft knife and self-healing cutting mat – Some prefer to use a knife rather than scissors. It is particularly good for small detail. Never cut towards yourself. It is recommended to cut on a self-healing mat as it helps to keep your knife sharper and avoids damaging the surface underneath. If you do not have a mat you can use a small sheet of glass or hardboard.

PVA or white glue – This is white glue that dries to a clear finish. This glue is used to attach the entire base layer into a backing. It can also be used to attach beads, sequins and charms to a flat surface.

Silicone rubber glue – This glue is used to create the height of the different layers and is very similar to that used in bathrooms. Even when the glue is dried on your work it is easy to peel of and start again. However it is important to let each layer to dry before you start on the next. If you do not want to use glue, double-sided sticky pads can be used instead. However we have found that these tend to be flatter than the glue and often can be seen. Also once a mistake has been made you are unable to correct it. This method tends to be quicker as you do not have to wait for the glue to dry. A cocktail stick is recommended for applying glue to your work and positing it in the correct position.

Varnishes – There are a vast selection of varnishes to choose from, however it is recommended to use acrylic varnish, which is available as gloss and matte.

Tweezers – These are very good to placing smaller cut-outs to your work and with general positioning.

Frames – There are special box frames available for your complete work and maximise the effect. They are however expensive. Alternatively you can make your on by purchasing a normal frame and nailing strips of wood to make the frame deeper.

Other equipment – It is also useful to have rulers, pencils, markers, transparent tape, and brushes (to apply PVA glue and varnish)

TECHNIQUES

As stated before there are two types of decoupage flat and 3D. A brief description on techniques is given below.

Flat decoupage - When using this technique it is important that the motifs/designs are as smooth and flat as possible.