Uncover the artwork of decoupage on this informative submit! Be taught the historical past, learn how to decoupage, the provides you want, and extra. Use this technique to remodel on a regular basis objects into lovely, customized decor and items.
I’ve been operating this Mod Podge weblog for over 15 years, and I get requested a couple of questions from newbies frequently. And have in mind, I like the questions. Everybody has to begin someplace with a brand new craft!
The primary query I get requested is, what’s Mod Podge? The second query comes shortly after the primary, what’s decoupage? And actually, I like speaking about it. I’ve been a crafter my complete life, and decoupage is unquestionably one in every of my favourite actions.
It’s an straightforward craft for adults, in addition to for kids. The mediums are non-toxic, cheap, and easy to make use of. Does it take follow? Sure. Are you able to do it? Completely! However first you should study all about it. Learn this submit earlier than you start your first mission.
What’s Decoupage?
I’ll admit that decoupage looks like a extra difficult idea than it truly is, partially as a result of the phrase sounds fancy. “Decoupage” truly comes from the French phrase “decouper,” which implies to chop out or lower from one thing else.
This phrase has its origins in East Siberia, the place nomadic tribes used cut-out felt to embellish tombs. The follow unfold to China across the twelfth century, the place paper cutouts have been used to embellish lanterns, home windows, and different objects.
By the seventeenth century, decoupage had turn into fashionable in Europe, significantly in France and Italy. It advanced into a complicated artwork kind often known as “the artwork of the poor” as a result of its affordability in comparison with conventional portray.
In case you are a “decoupager,” that signifies that you interact within the inventive pursuit of gluing objects to a floor. Which – though it’d sound like one thing youngsters do in kindergarten primarily based on earlier expertise – is totally NOT THAT AT ALL.
Decoupage is an Artwork Type
Decoupage actually is an artwork kind. Certain, you may make it extra fundamental when you like (and I do), however many a nice artist has used a decoupage medium to create a novel piece that could possibly be thought-about inventive.
Initiatives are enhanced not solely with papers and material, however with portray results, gold leaf, ink, gildings, and even different mediums.
I’m always amazed at what persons are doing with Mod Podge in my Fb group, and customarily impressed with the extent of expertise. It’s not only a craft.
If you wish to see what persons are doing, try these 75+ decoupage concepts to get impressed earlier than you start.
The Fundamentals of Decoupage
If you wish to interact within the artwork of decoupage, it’s very straightforward to get start. You’ll want three issues: 1) a base floor and one thing to connect to it, 2) a decoupage medium, and three) instruments.
Selecting a Base
You’ll begin by deciding on a base. Listed below are frequent surfaces that you’d begin with:
When you determine on a floor, you’ll choose one thing to stick to the floor. Listed below are a couple of concepts. This isn’t all the pieces, however these are the commonest:
Selecting a Decoupage Medium
After you determine in your mission you’ll select your medium to convey all of it collectively. Many consider {that a} decoupage medium is solely faculty glue or a vinegar/water/corn starch, however that isn’t the case (study extra right here).
As you’ll be able to think about, my decoupage medium of selection is Mod Podge.
It’s a glue, sealer, and end multi function. Mod Podge has components and properties {that a} common faculty/craft glue doesn’t have, and that’s the reason Mod Podge initiatives that have been created 40+ years in the past are nonetheless round.
I’ve seen initiatives made by the unique inventor of Mod Podge, Jan Wetstone, with my very own eyes – and they’re in good situation. That’s what decoupage medium does for you!
In case you are questioning which Mod Podge to make use of (there are fairly a couple of), I’ve written a system information that can assist you choose the suitable kind.
Instruments You’ll Want
Positively try my checklist of decoupage provides. You’re going to need to have the next at minimal:
Brushes – I’ve spent sufficient time with unhealthy brushes in my life that I’m now an advocate of good brushes. Put money into some good high quality brushes like these or these after which deal with them.
Silicone Mat – my first mat was a present to attempt. Then I purchased 4 extra. I’m not even kidding! It’s a very non-stick floor that may be washed/reused and can defend your desk prime.
Brayer and Squeegee – I take advantage of my brayer and squeegee on a regular basis. Like each day. Smoothing paper with my little sausages doesn’t work in addition to placing even stress on a brayer . . . and the squeegee will get into corners.
Scissors – I lower a LOT of paper and material, as you’ll be able to think about. I like having a pleasant pair of Fiskars scissors. I’ve used this model since I used to be little so I’m keen on it. I’ve one pair for material and one pair for paper.
My provides submit has the remainder of the objects I take advantage of, however these are my important instruments.
The Primary Steps
Decoupaging isn’t arduous, but it surely does take follow. What I LOVE about it’s that you simply received’t must make an enormous funding to get began, and also you don’t must be an professional crafter to attempt it.
I’ll always remember once I began knitting at 15 years previous; there was an enormous studying curve. That is nothing like that!
Earlier than attempting it, you must know the fundamental steps of decoupage. You’ll need to learn the submit for more information, however listed here are the seven:
- Put together the Floor – sand or clear the merchandise you’re going to decoupage
- Put together the Objects to Be Decoupaged – lower your material, paper, and so on.
- Reduce the Objects to Match the Floor
- Paint the Floor
- Decoupage the Parts with Mod Podge and Easy
- Add a Protecting Coat to the Venture
- Add Elaborations
Should you can grasp these steps – and I’ve little question you’ll be able to – you’ll may have mastered decoupage. You’re going to like this course of!
Your First Venture
My #1 piece of recommendation when beginning absolutely anything, however significantly this new passion, is to dive in. Begin with one thing straightforward (I’ve 20 Mod Podge crafts for novices right here) and anticipate to fail a couple of instances. You WILL study it in the long term. I promise.
Go to the greenback retailer to buy surfaces or purchase a couple of $1 plaques on the craft retailer, and follow, follow, follow!
My first mission was a tray loaded with bubbles and wrinkles and ended up within the rubbish. Earlier than lengthy, I used to be decoupaging with ease, and now there’s nothing I can’t do! I’m an professional. And you can be too.
Are you able to get began? Let me know what your first mission is and the way it went within the feedback, or share with my Fb group right here. Completely happy decoupaging!