Getting started with découpage

Découpage is one of the easiest crafts to master

The name découpage comes from the French verb découper, 'to cut out'. Put simply, it involves cutting out pictures, gluing them to an object and then coating the pictures and the object with layers of varnish. The finished item can look so beautiful that it appears to be professionally painted!

 

The découpage technique can be used to personalise almost any item in your home and the great thing is that the designs can be as simple or as complex as you like. You can buy a large selection of supplies specifically for découpage, but the nice thing about this craft is that you probably have many of the supplies lying around at home to be able to start simple projects right now! All you will need to start with are a few basic materials and tools.

 

Basic materials

Items to decorate.
Pictures can be découpaged to almost anything. Popular items include:

Boxes, vases, pots

Plates, trays, bowls

Lamps, lampshades

Furniture

Frames, mirrors

These could be items you already own but want to personalise, or items specifically bought for découpage, such as plain simple wooden boxes and frames.

Pictures to découpage
There are so many picture sources available for this craft. You can cut pictures out of:

Wrapping paper - ideal thickness and widely used as it is available in a multitude of both traditional and up-to-date designs.

Wallpaper

Magazines/catalogues

Découpage papers - these are pictures selected specifically for this craft and are widely available in many designs

Greetings cards

Fabric

Paper napkins

Origami papers - these are small square sheets of paper with mini designs and patterns on.

Copyright free source books - these contain pictures of all types.

 

Tip: If you are new to découpage, choose pictures which have a clear outline as this will make them easier to cut out than those with blurred edges.

 

Tip: If you are worried about using original pictures you can colour copy or scan them instead.

 

Glue
These are the best types to use for découpage:

Découpage glue - specifically for this craft and available from craft shops. It is perfect as it can be used as both glue and varnish. Try a specialist glue such as Aleene's instant decoupage water-based glue, sealer and finish.

PVA glue - all round glue which dries clear and sticks paper, card, fabric, wood and metal.

Spray glue (permanent type) - quick, easy and dries clear

Varnish - the best varnish to use is gloss as no matter how many coats you use it doesn't go cloudy.

 

Tip: If you require a matt finish, use gloss for every coat (to avoid cloudiness) and then use matt varnish for the final coat only.

 

Basic tools

Scissors -  cutting out is large part of découpage so a really sharp pair of small scissors is important to ensure you cut clean edges.

Craft knife - to cut out detail and intricate areas.

Soft sponge/cloth - to wipe away excess glue

Sandpaper - for sanding the layers of varnish if required.

 

Tip: Use a really sharp blade with your craft knife as blunt ones can tear the paper.

 

Tip: Use cotton wool buds to dab away small amounts of excess glue

 

All the above mentioned materials and tools should be available in your local art and craft shops. You can also order all these items online. See the Shops and Websites sections below for more details.

 

 

5 Easy steps to follow
These are the key steps to follow to make your first découpage item:

 

1. Prepare surface - once you have selected your item to decorate, make sure the surface of it is clean and dust free as the varnish magnifies any imperfections.

 

2. Cut out pictures - select your pictures and cut them out.

 

 

Tip: It may be easier to cut out the pictures roughly with scissors first and then cut them out more precisely with a craft knife.

 

Tip: If a white edge shows around the picture you have cut out, colour the edge with a crayon/pen that matches either the picture or the background on which it is to be used.

 

 

3. Arrange the pictures  - before you glue the pictures in place, ensure you are happy with the positioning.

Tip: Use tweezers for placing tiny pictures.

 

4. Glue the pictures in place  - smooth out any wrinkles and wipe away any excess glue with a barely damp sponge.

 

5. Varnish  - ensure the glue is dry before starting to varnish and leave the varnish to dry thoroughly between each coat. Anything from four to fifteen coats may be needed depending on how thick the decoupage paper is and how smooth and durable a finish is required. To achieve a finely lacquered finish you will need to sand lightly after a few layers of varnish and wipe away all dust. Keep repeating this process until you are happy with the finish.

 

Tip: A few thin coats of varnish will give a better finished result than a few thick ones

 

Easy idea for beginners
Keep it simple! For some beautiful but simple découpage ideas to get you started try...

Make a découpage floral candle

Brighten up a watering can with découpage

Decorate a trinket box with découpage

 

Tip: You can buy ready cut découpage pictures which are ideal as an easy way to get you started.

 

Get inspiration from:

Books:

Découpage: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide by Denise Thomas and Mary Fox

Heart & Home's Charming Paint and Découpage projects by Melissa Frances

Stylish Découpage: 15 Step-by-Step projects by Mary Maguire

New Découpage : Transforming Your Home with paper, Glue and  Scissors by Durwin Rice

Dover Books from The Dover Bookshop - pictorial archive source books - huge collection of copyright free images and illustrations.

 

Classes:
To find your nearest découpage class search the internet:

www.hotcourses.com

www.hobbycraft.co.uk

Both sites list découpage classes in your area. Alternatively, ask at your local art and craft shop - they may even run classes themselves.

 

Shops:
Local art and craft shops are good sources of supplies. Also try:

Hobbycraft for all découpage materials & tools - everything you could possibly need and more!

Paperchase for funky cards and wrapping paper

WHSmith 

Garden centres and gift shops are good sources for interesting wrapping, greetings cards, napkins and magazines.

 

Websites:
There are many websites selling découpage supplies so it is definitely worth having a search around for the best prices. Try:

www.handyhippo.co.uk

www.craftystuff.co.uk - essential and cut-outs

www.joannasheen.com - nostalgic and traditional découpage pictures

 

Feature by Kirsty Robertson