The methodical action of decoupage can be very soothing and take your mind off the worries and cares that you experience in everyday life. Would you like to try your hand at this art? Here’s how to get started!
What Is Decoupage?
The term ‘decoupage’ is derived from the French verb découper which means “to cut out”. The decoupage technique can be utilised in order to personalise nearly any item in your home. The great thing about decoupage is that the designs can be as straightforward or as complex as you want.
You will be able to buy a wide selection of supplies that are specifically for decoupage, however the nice thing about this craft is that you most probably have many of the supplies needed lying around at home. This means that you will be able to start simple projects straight away! The basic tools and materials that you’ll need are scissors, a crafting knife, wrapping paper, magazines or paper serviettes.
How To Decoupage The Right Way
STEP ONE: Prepare Your Surface
Before you begin, you want to ensure your project surface is ready. Clean your items thoroughly or sand these with a damp cloth. Nearly any surface can be used in order to create a decoupage project. Appropriate surfaces include wood, papier mache, terra cotta, tin, cardboard as well as glass.
STEP TWO: Pick Your Mod Podge Formula
STEP THREE: Prepare Project Surfaces
Here are a couple of tips that you should know before starting:
- Fabric – Wash and then dry the fabric (do not use fabric softener). Iron (if needed) and then lay it out on a covered work surface. Wax paper is better for covering your table. Utilising a brush, paint a light coat of Fabric Mod Podge onto your fabric. Allow it to dry.
- Paper – Most items, particularly thicker papers and scrapbook papers, are ready to utilise with Mod Podge as is.
- Tissue Paper – There is nothing which you need to do in order to prepare the tissue paper, but just know that as tissue is so thin, it is quite difficult to Mod Podge without wrinkles. Cut out your paper or what you are planning to decoupage. STEP FOUR: Cut The Items To Fit Your Surface
Measure as needed, with a ruler and a pencil, and trim your items to fit. You’ll be far happier if you cut everything to fit prior to Mod Podging as opposed to after.
STEP FIVE: Stick Each Element Down With Decoupage Medium
Always begin with the fundamental design elements and work your way upwards (when layering). Apply a thin to medium layer of decoupage medium to your surface.
STEP SIX: Smooth, Smooth, Smooth
Keep on smoothing until all of the bubbles have gone. Let your project dry for between 15 – 20 minutes and use this time to play NZ slots online. Don’t put a top coat on straight away.
STEP SEVEN: Add A Protective Coat To The Project Utilising A Flat Or Foam Brush
Allow it to dry and then repeat. The number of coats that you finish with is up to you, but we recommend at least two.