Craft Project Basics - Decoupage Tools and Materials

Decoupage is a fun and easy craft medium, and projects can be completed in an afternoon. With just a few tools required, decoupage is also less expensive than other kinds of craft projects.

Simply defined, decoupage is the art of cutting out designs from paper or other flat material, then applying in a decorative pattern to a surface and coating with lacquer or glue.

Required Tools and Materials

Decoupage medium or PVA glue

One of the most well-known decoupage mediums is Mod Podge brand. Several formulas are available including matte, glossy, satin, hardcoat, outdoor, and more. Visit your craft store for more decoupage brands and choices.

PVA glue can be used. Also known as white glue, it must be watered down for use in decoupage. Three parts glue to one part water is a good formula to start with.

Brush

A regular craft brush works well for decoupage. To diminish brush strokes, use a foam brush, or do what Rosie O'Donnell does and just use your fingers.

Cutting Tool

Traditional decoupage requires small sharp scissors for very fine cutting. A craft knife can be used to cut inside images, but be sure to use a cutting mat underneath so you do not damage your work surface. Some use embroidery scissors.

Images

Some companies produce paper especially for decoupage use, but other sources work as well. Try scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, magazines, old textbooks, maps, doilies, ticket stubs, and anything other source you can think of.

Object or surface

Decoupage can be applied to nearly any type of object or surface. Some ideas are picture frames, wooden boxes, tables, bookcases, dressers, egg shells, jewelry, flower pots, doors, scrapbook covers, countertops, stones, candle holders, plates, magazine holders, metal lunchboxes, masks, wooden dolls, holiday ornaments, and more.

Additional Tools and Materials

Acrylic Paints

Certain items such as furniture, wooden boxes or picture frames may need a coat of acrylic paint prior to decoupaging.

Tweezers

Small decoupage cutouts can be difficult to pick up with fingers and sometimes require precise placement on the item you are decoupaging.

Brayer

A brayer is simply a roller with a handle that can be used to flatten an image or to remove air bubbles.

Fine Grit Sandpaper

For the most professional results, lightly sand item between each layer of dried medium and wipe clean.

Varnish or Lacquer

For the most professional result, complete your decoupage project with several coats of varnish, especially if it will receive lots of use such as furniture. Varnish comes in water based and oil based formulas.

Lacquer comes in a spray can and may be preferable for furniture or other large items.

Decoupage is easy, enjoyable, and requires only a few tools to get started.

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Decoupage Crafts - Card Craft Basics

Decoupage crafts have enjoyed huge popularity these last few years and little wonder. Decoupage can be subtle or dramatic depending on your choice of papers. One of the attractions is the cost. Anyone can start with the basics of paper and scissors. But be warned; it is addictive!

I first came across Decoupage many years ago at a weekend Day School. Sadly the class was not well prepared or presented, which did little to inspire me. The lady may have been an enthusiast but she was no craft teacher.

I came away convinced the subject was dull and uninspiring. For may years I left it alone. What a shame, because I missed out of learning a new craft skill.

As you probably know, there is Flat Decoupage and 3D Decoupage.

Flat Decoupage is used on frames, trays, boxes etc. In fact you can use Flat Decoupage on any reasonably flat surface as you mould the cut motifs to your base shape.

You can use both gift-wrap or decorated napkins. Once the base has been prepared, your cut designs are then fixed on with a dilute glue and sealed with a varnish. There are various more expensive alternatives to this simple methods, but in essence, the ideas is the same.

- Choose and prepare your base

- - Cut your motifs

- - Paste on with glue

- - Varnish

The results can be dramatic. You can transform any humble tin or plate with appealing cut motifs. As long as you can carefully wield a pair of small pointed scissors - and fix it without tearing or damaging the delicate fibers, then you are in business!

There are 3 main skills to that you need to get your head - and your fingers around.

1. Choosing your designs

2. Cutting them out

3. Assembling them

3D Decoupage is favored by Craftsmen too. The idea is simple enough. It is the execution that demonstrates the skills.

Using the same design, various layers are built up on a base, separated by either Silicone Glue or Sticky Fixers. Skillfully applied, and with motifs cut to show spilling and feathering, it is possible to create tremendous works of art.

Both 3D or 2D Decoupage offer challenges. But with a little patience both product great results. The choice is up to you - flat or 3D. Decoupage crafts could be your next 'must do'.

I am judging a County Craft Exhibition in a few days time and I expect to see some great examples of workmanship. I will be looking for all the basics plus some added flair. They know the Standards they are aiming for and I suspect there will be a number of Decoupage Crafts waiting for my expert eye.

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