Thursday, November 10, 2011

Decoupage - The Art of Decoration


Decorating of dishes, vases, hangers and boxes using decoupage technique is a form of art expression of our identity, preferences and interests. Items created in this way are a priceless gift.

What is decoupage?

Decoupage technique is simply sticking to glass, wooden, metal, plastic or ceramic surface of items paper cut-outs and make the ornament look like painted on the surface. The most popular material for decoration used for decoupage is rice paper, newspapers or images cut from napkin. Final effect can be impressive and the items decorated this way - unique.

What is needed?

- acrylic paint

- special glue for sticking to chosen material

- ornaments, motives from different materials

- paper material

- acrylic lacquer (to solidify the final effect)

What material is the most appropriate?

- traditional paper - there are many different kinds of its thickness but it is generally the most difficult material and decorating with it requires a lot of work and good manual skills

- soft paper - thin paper reminding tissue paper or paper storage. Small ornaments can be glued without wetting. It is important not to stick it to dark surface - it will shine through

- rice paper - very thin, but much stronger than tissue. It is easy in gluing and transparent. Rice paper is great for large surfaces because it does not rip up or crease. It does not have to be soaked

- 3D paper- its weight is similar to traditional paper. Its advantage are ready motives and ornaments for space decoupage. Particular elements of the ornament lay on each other what gives the nub effect.

What to do?

Before you start decorating the objects, you need to degrease them (for instance with washing-up liquid) and smooth (with sandpaper). Then, pick up the ornament that you wish to stick to your item (if it is a paper napkin, first separate a layer with the picture from the others), soak it for a second in cold water. Then, lubricate the object with glue and put the ornament on it, align the surface with paintbrush (direction: from center to edges). When the material is dry, cover the surface with lacquer and leave it until it dries up. Repeat this procedure couple of times.

Looking old

Additionally, to gain an interesting effect you can connect decoupage with making decorated objects look old by using special paint (crackle). It gives the effect of cracking surface and makes the impression of old, charming souvenir after grandmother. Good solution is also "shabby chic" technique that provides delicate wiping effect.




If you are interested in decoration techniques, you might be also interested in reading about latest design trends and home accessories.




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