As we all know, art comes in many forms. A particular art that has been around for as long as one can remember is decoupage. Decoupage is the art of cutting out pictures from materials like tissues, paper napkins, printed paper, or thin fabrics and then arranging and pasting them on an item. From kids to the elderly, decoupage is an activity that is suitable for any age. It requires minimal effort and yet creates beautiful results while stimulating one’s creativity. Some artists use the word as a verb as well, for example, ‘to decoupage’ or ‘decoupaging’.
What Is Decoupage?
According to Decoupage.org, the word decoupage was said to have originated from a French verb, decoupeur, which means ‘to cut out’. Popular patterns that artists often go for are vintage flowers, fish, birds, and butterflies. After the desired pictures are cut out, they will be glued onto an object. These are mostly household items such as wooden furniture, glass bottles or plastic containers.
History of Decoupage
The art of decoupage is steeped in history could have originated from Eastern Siberia, where Siberians decorated objects in their nomads’ tombs with cut-out felt figures. In China, the women would make colourful and intricate paper-cuts to decorate their windows and walls.
For many centuries, German and Polish women including children learnt to cut folded coloured papers freehand into unique shapes such as geometry, animals and even flowers. Decoupage truly began to grow throughout Europe only around the 18th and 19th centuries. Talented women who had interest in art started to decorate their hat boxes and toiletry objects. Until today, it is an art form that stays in the heart of many.
Basic Tools Needed
Decoupage requires minimal tools. If you are a beginner, it is best to start with simple designs. The main items you will need are pictures, which you can get from materials such as wrapping paper, magazines, or paper napkins. PVA glue is required to paste the cut-out pictures onto the chosen surface, such as paper, fabric, wood, and metal. It also dries clear after applying. Other basic tools needed are scissors, a brush to spread glue and a soft sponge to remove any excess glue.
Popular Techniques
It is crucial to start with surface preparation. Ensure the surface is dry and clean from any debris, such as dust. The next step is to cut out the desired pictures from materials, namely photographs, wallpapers, or posters, with scissors. Arrange the cut-out pictures on top of the surface. Once done, you can paste them on the object. Wipe away any excess glue with a slightly damp sponge or cloth. This last step is optional, but many choose to finish their decoupage by layering a varnish on top of the glued-on pictures to protect the cut-out materials and give them a shiny or matte look.
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