Great Ideas For Decoupage Cards

With so many great ways to enhance the beauty of your hand designed decoupage cards it's easy to fall into the trap of applying as many techniques as possible on every project. Seasoned decoupage artists, however, see the value of a simpler, more organic design to help embellish the details of your hand-made cards.

One of your first considerations is which medium to choose. The range of color palate and the richness of texture make Mulberry and handmade paper the ideal mediums for most projects. Of these, handmade paper is especially versatile and pliable. With just a bit of moisture, for example, you can produce eye-catching frayed borders or frames.

If cost is a consideration, you can make your own blank cards and matching envelopes instead of buying prepackaged ones. A sheet of paper folded parallel to the grain will do. But how do I find the grain you ask? Just lightly bend the sheet in each direction. The grain lies in the direction where if folds most easily. Never fold against the grain since the resistance this causes creates untidy fold lines.

Of the many ways to compliment your decoupage, embossing or stenciling are the most common and effective. Similarly though less often thought of, rubber stamps can add a subtle feeling of depth to images by creating a palimpsest-like background layer to your surface image.

For lettering and messages try this embossing technique:

First, wipe the card with a pinch of Talcum Powder so the embossing powder doesn't stick where you don't want it. Next, create your message using ink (whether written or by using inked stamps) and then, while the ink is still wet, sprinkle a frosting of embossing powder over the words. (Prevent mistakes by using a little ink and clear embossing powder.) Finally, apply heat to the powder to melt it. It's best to use a heat gun for this but if you don't have access to one, place your paper on a cookie sheet in a pre-heated oven (325°C). I highly recommend a practice round on a test page, rather than risking scorching your hard work and having to start from scratch. Carefully monitor this process and remove your paper the moment the embossing has melted. Some neophyte decoupage enthusiasts will try using a hairdryer for heat-activation but the results are less than satisfactory.

Some other embellishments your might try? Beads, colored stones, stickers, eyelets, glitters and tassels all can make for wonderful complements. Just let your imagination and sense of taste guide you.

Karen
Decoupage Your Life

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