Decorating various objects with the help of ready-made pictures, ornaments is a very fascinating activity, the different techniques of which everyone can master, regardless of age. Many people want to express their individuality, join the beautiful, but not everyone has the skills of painting, drawing, sewing, which will take a lot of time to master. Therefore, decoupage for beginners will be a great start in the development of man-made creativity.
As an art form, it was first seen in the 15th century in China, when they began to decorate furniture with carved images. But this hobby was most popular in Europe, which came from Asia through Venice, which conducted active trade with the Far East. Over the years, the technology has developed greatly, is still very popular in different countries. Only now with its help make out not only furniture, but also a variety of interior items, Christmas decorations, dishes, clothes, other elements.
The word decoupage came from the French language, literally translated as “cut”. The technique consists in applying a drawing, image on the surface of various objects, followed by coating the finished composition with varnish. The lesson is not difficult, but you can’t do without artistic taste. With it, you can uniquely design different elements made of the following materials:
glass;
fabrics, leathers, ecoskin;
wood, MDF, particleboard;
cardboard, paper;
metal;
plastic;
ceramics, porcelain.
The scope of decoupage is huge. You can apply design to different designs:
trays, plates, tea sets, bread bins, refrigerator, microwave, and other kitchen products;
clothes, shoes, bags, hats, all kinds of fabrics;
watches, paintings, albums, flowerpots;
tablecloths, duvet covers, curtains, other textiles.
Necessary tools and materials for creativity
Beautifully crafted items made with your own hands can become a fascinating hobby that will allow you to create great compositions. Using decoupage you can decorate a variety of surfaces and things. However, it should be remembered that when working with materials that do not absorb varnishes and dyes, it is necessary to use special formulations designed for specific raw materials.
Before you begin to engage in this technique, you need to pick up the blank on which the drawing will be applied, to prepare the supplies and tools necessary for the work. The success of the created composition largely depends on the correctly performed actions, therefore, the issue should be approached with all responsibility. To do this, consider the preparatory process in more detail.
Foundation selection
Decoupage can be applied to items made from almost any material, whether it is wood, plastic or glass. But often, for beginners, the question is where to start, what basis to choose for work, so as not to spoil the interior when learning. The task is easy to solve, for this you can use:
Special blanks made from raw wood, MDF, papier-mâché, which can be purchased in specialized stores.
Old things quietly gathering dust in the attic or in the pantry. Having prepared and decorated their surface.
If it is not customary to store obsolete things in the house, you can stroll through the flea markets in search of interesting items.
Walk through the rooms and look around, for sure you can find shabby, unpresentable things or furniture. It can be tables and chairs, trays, mirrors, a sofa, a cabinet, other elements.
Tool list
To carry out any activity, you must have at hand certain tools. Decoration cannot be performed without a minimum set of special tools. They need very little. Consider the list of required elements used in the work:
Sharp manicure, stationery scissors with thin and slightly curved tips for cutting paper or fabric.
A spatula will be required when working with large wooden objects for applying a primer.
Brushes, sponge, soft textiles for applying varnish, paints, glue.
Artistic brushes are used, if necessary, to emphasize, to highlight certain details of the composition.
Disposable plates, cans, other improvised items used for mixing paints.
A small roller that smoothes the pasted image to remove air bubbles.
Measuring instruments, simple pencil, eraser.
Expendable materials
Having prepared a set of tools, we proceed to consider the list of consumables. To work, you will need:
Sandpaper. Used to clean the surface of the base. You should choose a product with medium and fine grains. The first type is used for initial grinding, the second - for finish.
Degreaser. Alcohol, white spirit, acetone, alcohol wipes, vodka.
Putty. It is used to eliminate defects on the surface of wood.
Primer. It is recommended to use an acrylic primer, it can be purchased at specialized points.
Glue. There are special compounds for decoupage work, but they are quite expensive. Experts say that ordinary PVA is not inferior in anything, it is invisible, it glues components well.
Acrylic paints. Needed to color or paint an image. They dry quickly, it’s easy to work with them.
Magazines, paper, photographs, decoupage napkins.
Acrylic lacquer. You can apply any options to give the desired effect, be it shine, dullness or craquelure.
Napkin and paper selection
For applying the image using different materials. Most often, three-layer napkins, but the list is not limited to this. In this technique you can find the use of various paper products:
Napkins. For beginners it is better to use these elements for training. However, they must be handled very carefully, as they are quite thin and can break. There are products consisting of two and three layers.
Decoupage cards.In fact, these are ordinary sheets of paper on which images are printed typographically. Between themselves they differ in density and size. They are stronger than napkins.
Rice paper. This is a very thin, loose material made from rice straw. Its durability is not inferior to cards. Suitable for decorating any item.
Mulberry paper. Its properties are comparable to rice counterparts, it is soft. Ideal for working with glass.
Gift paper. Before work, it will need to be soaked in warm water for 2-3 minutes, dried on fabric, otherwise it will not absorb glue.
Printout on the printer. You can download from the network any drawing you like, print it on a regular A4 sheet.
Clippings from magazines. Magazine images are similar to regular printer printouts.
Photos, postcards. They are rubbed with sandpaper to make it thinner, then glued to the selected surface.
Decoupage cards are not allowed to be cleaned with sandpaper from the back.
Decoupage techniques and walkthroughs for beginners
You can decorate household items, furniture, accessories and other trifles in a variety of techniques. The most common type of needlework is decoupage. Using napkins and other paper pictures, you can give objects an unforgettable unique appearance. For each material, it is convenient and practical to apply a picture in a certain way. It is better to decorate transparent plates using the reverse decoupage technique, for the panel volume application is suitable.
To create original products you do not need to be a professional. A simple way to decorate with a description is suitable for a beginner. In order to achieve the result, it is necessary to perform the standard steps of the step-by-step master classes: prepare the surface, stick the decoupage motive, paint the edges, varnish. You can get acquainted with the technique in more detail by studying the following master classes.
Direct decoupage - classic technique
The method of applying napkins is often used to decorate rounded objects, vases, bottles, pots. It is the most popular and easiest for beginners. In this way, you can create an original packaging for drinks, decorate it thematically for the holiday, any celebration.
We start work with the preparation of materials. The bottle must be flat with smooth bends, without embossed inscriptions, relief. As the most portable picture, you can use multilayer napkins, newspaper clippings, any pattern. The thinner the paper, the easier it will be to glue. You will also need to prepare PVA glue, acetone, brushes, acrylic varnish. To make an excellent DIY gift simply follow the instructions below:
Prepare the surface of the bottle. Soak in soapy water, clean the label;
Degrease. Wipe with a cotton swab dipped in acetone;
We are grounded. It may be glassy varnish and other suitable formulations;
Apply blackout. Acrylic paint is suitable for this. Using a sponge, coat the entire surface or the necessary area;
We select the motive. Cut out a picture from a purchased napkin, magazine, prepare a photo;
Remove the top layer of paper. Photo paper, thick sheets should be softened in water and divided into layers;
We glue it. Apply glue to the bottle and rest the picture. After ironing with a roller, soaking it in a diluted PVA;
We fix with varnish. If you apply several layers of the composition, the gift bottle can be washed.
The subtleties of reverse decoupage
In this technique, you can transform a simple glass plate, turning it into an expensive porcelain product. It will be a classic decoupage, but on the reverse side. To work, you need a standard set of tools and materials. If artificial aging is necessary, craquelure varnish can be used to apply “traces of time”.
We start by preparing the surface.Turn the plate over with the back side, thoroughly degrease it - with mine, wipe it dry, wipe it with alcohol. We try on the prepared ornament in size, carefully cut off its edges. It is better to choose one large picture than 3-4 small ones. This will facilitate the work of a novice master. It is not necessary to decorate the entire surface. Flowers look good on one side, with the bottom and the border setting.
We varnish a napkin with varnish and attach to the bottom of the plate.
If the paper is visible, white acrylic paint should be applied on top of the drawing. If desired, you can make a rim using the contour.
Artistic or smoky decoupage
In this technique, the decorated picture is completely merged with the background, looks like a real painting. It will be almost impossible to determine the boundary of the transition. You can design any surface with the continuation of color, shadows, recreation of the environment.
Using haze, you can convey the three-dimensionality and depth of any object. Decorate a small box with this technique. This can be done before gluing paper or after. The haze effect should always be lighter than the item being decorated. You can create a haze in several ways: acrylics, wax crayons.
Smoky decoupage will look great on a simple box. First, we carry out standard preparation procedures, we clean, degrease all surfaces. We make the usual pasting with suitable pictures. Missing parts can be painted on with acrylic. Now cover the entire box with varnish and leave to dry.
The final stage of decoration is the creation of haze. To do this, dip the brush in a moderator and in a thick paint, it is better to take one tone or a little lighter, put a dot on the edge of the picture. Using a sponge, blend it in the direction from the edge of the picture. Pulling the tonal transition is necessary very quickly, until the mixture has thickened.
When the entire surface of the box is processed and dried, the haze of the primary colors should be slightly muffled.Take a piece of sponge, dip it in the background paint and go around the edge of the picture, removing the excess brightness. We cover the box with varnish.
Dekopatch - ease in undertaking
Decopatch technique is close to decoupage, often used together in needlework lessons. It is characterized by ease of execution, suitable for beginner needlewomen. As a basis, you can use a funny figure from any material, flower pots, any home accessories.
Papier-mâché (cardboard) figurines are ideal for creativity. We choose the right one and stock up with the necessary materials for work.
It is necessary to prepare several sheets of special rice paper with various patterns, brushes, PVA glue, water-based varnish. First we prepare the material for the decopatch - we tear the paper into pieces, 2x2 cm in size, it is possible and larger, it all depends on the size of the craft itself. We paste pieces of paper on a papier-mâché product with an overlap. The entire surface should be closed, the gaps will look inharmonious. Joints should not be visible even at close range. We cover the figure with varnish and let it dry.
This decor method is suitable for flower pots that have lost their former appeal. Chaotic pieces with no plot will look original on surfaces of any size. Visually, the de-patch looks like a patchwork, but instead of fabric, special thin paper is used.
For the decor of the ceramic pot you need the base itself, sandpaper, glue, brushes, sponge, paint, multi-colored rice paper. First of all, we prepare the ceramic surface, clean it, coat with glue and primer. You must also capture a small strip on the inside. Tear the paper into small pieces and glue it to the pot. You can leave the surface in its original form or give it a stone structure by removing a little paint with a cotton and acetone. We fix the drawing with acrylic varnish.
Volumetric decoupage and its features
The technique of creating three-dimensional images is independent and unique. Having mastered it, you can create original paintings, souvenirs, fridge magnets with your own hands. It is much more complicated than simple paper cutting, but it is easily mastered by novice masters. It is enough to adhere to simple rules when working. The meaning of ZD decoupage is layering pictures, gluing elements on top of each other.
To create one composition using a minimum of 5 printed copies. The number of sheets depends on the complexity of the transferred image. Silicate glue, glaze, special varnish gives a three-dimensional look to the image. Be sure to distinguish three zones: background, foreground, a section of intermediate layers.
It is necessary to prepare for possible difficulties with sticking small parts. This may require manicure scissors, tweezers, thin brushes.
Necessary materials and tools
To create a beautiful "live" picture materials and tools should be selected carefully. Paper for work should be moderately thick. It is better to use several types of it for layering. In addition to the main raw materials, the following materials and tools will be required:
A piece of plywood, boards as a basis;
Scissors for large and small parts;
PVA glue, silicate;
Glaze, water-based varnish;
Knife, cutting mat;
Paints and brushes.
Modeling paste - rules of work
To create 3D pictures often use modeling paste. Fragments of compositions of various sizes and shapes are made from soft elastic material. The paste from natural components quickly hardens upon contact with oxygen, acquires a ceramic structure. You can decorate it in the future in any color.
To work, you need two identical motives. Cut the first out of paper and glue it. We make a blank from the paste and put it on the picture. Levels well, softens transitions. The material should not reach the edge of the picture. We attach the second motive to the three-dimensional figure.Combine the edges of the picture and dry well.
Putty technique
With the help of such material, it is possible to make volumetric products, large parts for the decor of large surfaces. It’s more convenient to work with a palette knife. A large layer is not recommended, 2-3 mm is enough. Too high decor will be difficult to smooth.
Begin to glue the motif to a still wet mixture. Putty is an excellent material for creating an imitation of masonry, texture of a cut of a tree, bark, provided that you use a good fixing agent.
Fabric decor
To give the picture additional volume, to indicate the effect of presence, you can use the fabric. Such decor is used to create clothing elements, making the main characters of the composition more realistic. In the same way, stunning marine, ancient motifs are created. Working with textiles is very simple:
First, we impregnate it with PVA glue;
We place the fabric on the surface to be decorated, give the desired shape;
Dry;
We paint with acrylic paints;
We create additional decor (sequins, patina, colored paste);
We cover with acrylic varnish.
Volumetric cards and their use
Decoupage 3D cards are used to create volume using the layering technique. You can buy them at a specialty store or make them yourself. You need to print your favorite pattern in color from several copies.
The first figure is the main one. It should be clear, of the highest quality. The remaining elements will serve as raw materials for the 3D picture. Cut the pieces and glue together with silicate glue. This modeling method looks good visually, gives the product a sculptural character.
Italian decoupage technique
Sospeso Trasparente is a voluminous product made using decoupage technique. This method was developed, patented by the Italian artist Monica Allegro. According to the inventor herself: “Sospeso Trasparente means an open and embossed technological process.”It has become so popular that many people use it not only as a hobby, but also build their own business on it.
Three-dimensional technology is unique in its own way. It consists in applying decorative paper to a special plastic material. A bulk product is obtained by thermoforming the raw material, the substance is heated using a heat source (hot dryer, gun, candle), after which any shape is given to the warm plastic, it hardens within a few seconds.
Using this technique, it is possible to create self-contained compositions that can be glued to any base and act as an independent element. For example, voluminous flowers that can be installed in a vase, a variety of brooches for clothes. For beginners, the technique will seem complicated, but as experience is gained, it can become a favorite pastime.
Conclusion
Mastering decoupage technique is easy. The main thing is desire. To carry out activities, you will need to choose the necessary basis for work, prepare a set of tools and materials. At the first stages, you should use the simplest methods, and as you gain experience, you can gradually master more complex methods of decorating objects.
Decorating various objects with the help of ready-made pictures, ornaments is a very fascinating activity, the different techniques of which everyone can master, regardless of age. Many people want to express their individuality, join the beautiful, but not everyone has the skills of painting, drawing, sewing, which will take a lot of time to master. Therefore, decoupage for beginners will be a great start in the development of man-made creativity.
As an art form, it was first seen in the 15th century in China, when they began to decorate furniture with carved images. But this hobby was most popular in Europe, which came from Asia through Venice, which conducted active trade with the Far East. Over the years, the technology has developed greatly, is still very popular in different countries. Only now with its help make out not only furniture, but also a variety of interior items, Christmas decorations, dishes, clothes, other elements.
Content
Decoupage - what it is and where it is used
The word decoupage came from the French language, literally translated as “cut”. The technique consists in applying a drawing, image on the surface of various objects, followed by coating the finished composition with varnish. The lesson is not difficult, but you can’t do without artistic taste. With it, you can uniquely design different elements made of the following materials:
The scope of decoupage is huge. You can apply design to different designs:
Necessary tools and materials for creativity
Beautifully crafted items made with your own hands can become a fascinating hobby that will allow you to create great compositions. Using decoupage you can decorate a variety of surfaces and things. However, it should be remembered that when working with materials that do not absorb varnishes and dyes, it is necessary to use special formulations designed for specific raw materials.
Before you begin to engage in this technique, you need to pick up the blank on which the drawing will be applied, to prepare the supplies and tools necessary for the work. The success of the created composition largely depends on the correctly performed actions, therefore, the issue should be approached with all responsibility. To do this, consider the preparatory process in more detail.
Foundation selection
Decoupage can be applied to items made from almost any material, whether it is wood, plastic or glass. But often, for beginners, the question is where to start, what basis to choose for work, so as not to spoil the interior when learning. The task is easy to solve, for this you can use:
Tool list
To carry out any activity, you must have at hand certain tools. Decoration cannot be performed without a minimum set of special tools. They need very little. Consider the list of required elements used in the work:
Expendable materials
Having prepared a set of tools, we proceed to consider the list of consumables. To work, you will need:
Napkin and paper selection
For applying the image using different materials. Most often, three-layer napkins, but the list is not limited to this. In this technique you can find the use of various paper products:
Decoupage techniques and walkthroughs for beginners
You can decorate household items, furniture, accessories and other trifles in a variety of techniques. The most common type of needlework is decoupage. Using napkins and other paper pictures, you can give objects an unforgettable unique appearance. For each material, it is convenient and practical to apply a picture in a certain way. It is better to decorate transparent plates using the reverse decoupage technique, for the panel volume application is suitable.
To create original products you do not need to be a professional. A simple way to decorate with a description is suitable for a beginner. In order to achieve the result, it is necessary to perform the standard steps of the step-by-step master classes: prepare the surface, stick the decoupage motive, paint the edges, varnish. You can get acquainted with the technique in more detail by studying the following master classes.
Direct decoupage - classic technique
The method of applying napkins is often used to decorate rounded objects, vases, bottles, pots. It is the most popular and easiest for beginners. In this way, you can create an original packaging for drinks, decorate it thematically for the holiday, any celebration.
We start work with the preparation of materials. The bottle must be flat with smooth bends, without embossed inscriptions, relief. As the most portable picture, you can use multilayer napkins, newspaper clippings, any pattern. The thinner the paper, the easier it will be to glue. You will also need to prepare PVA glue, acetone, brushes, acrylic varnish. To make an excellent DIY gift simply follow the instructions below:
The subtleties of reverse decoupage
In this technique, you can transform a simple glass plate, turning it into an expensive porcelain product. It will be a classic decoupage, but on the reverse side. To work, you need a standard set of tools and materials. If artificial aging is necessary, craquelure varnish can be used to apply “traces of time”.
We start by preparing the surface.Turn the plate over with the back side, thoroughly degrease it - with mine, wipe it dry, wipe it with alcohol. We try on the prepared ornament in size, carefully cut off its edges. It is better to choose one large picture than 3-4 small ones. This will facilitate the work of a novice master. It is not necessary to decorate the entire surface. Flowers look good on one side, with the bottom and the border setting.
We varnish a napkin with varnish and attach to the bottom of the plate.
Artistic or smoky decoupage
In this technique, the decorated picture is completely merged with the background, looks like a real painting. It will be almost impossible to determine the boundary of the transition. You can design any surface with the continuation of color, shadows, recreation of the environment.
Using haze, you can convey the three-dimensionality and depth of any object. Decorate a small box with this technique. This can be done before gluing paper or after. The haze effect should always be lighter than the item being decorated. You can create a haze in several ways: acrylics, wax crayons.
Smoky decoupage will look great on a simple box. First, we carry out standard preparation procedures, we clean, degrease all surfaces. We make the usual pasting with suitable pictures. Missing parts can be painted on with acrylic. Now cover the entire box with varnish and leave to dry.
The final stage of decoration is the creation of haze. To do this, dip the brush in a moderator and in a thick paint, it is better to take one tone or a little lighter, put a dot on the edge of the picture. Using a sponge, blend it in the direction from the edge of the picture. Pulling the tonal transition is necessary very quickly, until the mixture has thickened.
When the entire surface of the box is processed and dried, the haze of the primary colors should be slightly muffled.Take a piece of sponge, dip it in the background paint and go around the edge of the picture, removing the excess brightness. We cover the box with varnish.
Dekopatch - ease in undertaking
Decopatch technique is close to decoupage, often used together in needlework lessons. It is characterized by ease of execution, suitable for beginner needlewomen. As a basis, you can use a funny figure from any material, flower pots, any home accessories.
It is necessary to prepare several sheets of special rice paper with various patterns, brushes, PVA glue, water-based varnish. First we prepare the material for the decopatch - we tear the paper into pieces, 2x2 cm in size, it is possible and larger, it all depends on the size of the craft itself. We paste pieces of paper on a papier-mâché product with an overlap. The entire surface should be closed, the gaps will look inharmonious. Joints should not be visible even at close range. We cover the figure with varnish and let it dry.
This decor method is suitable for flower pots that have lost their former appeal. Chaotic pieces with no plot will look original on surfaces of any size. Visually, the de-patch looks like a patchwork, but instead of fabric, special thin paper is used.
For the decor of the ceramic pot you need the base itself, sandpaper, glue, brushes, sponge, paint, multi-colored rice paper. First of all, we prepare the ceramic surface, clean it, coat with glue and primer. You must also capture a small strip on the inside. Tear the paper into small pieces and glue it to the pot. You can leave the surface in its original form or give it a stone structure by removing a little paint with a cotton and acetone. We fix the drawing with acrylic varnish.
Volumetric decoupage and its features
The technique of creating three-dimensional images is independent and unique. Having mastered it, you can create original paintings, souvenirs, fridge magnets with your own hands. It is much more complicated than simple paper cutting, but it is easily mastered by novice masters. It is enough to adhere to simple rules when working. The meaning of ZD decoupage is layering pictures, gluing elements on top of each other.
To create one composition using a minimum of 5 printed copies. The number of sheets depends on the complexity of the transferred image. Silicate glue, glaze, special varnish gives a three-dimensional look to the image. Be sure to distinguish three zones: background, foreground, a section of intermediate layers.
Necessary materials and tools
To create a beautiful "live" picture materials and tools should be selected carefully. Paper for work should be moderately thick. It is better to use several types of it for layering. In addition to the main raw materials, the following materials and tools will be required:
Modeling paste - rules of work
To create 3D pictures often use modeling paste. Fragments of compositions of various sizes and shapes are made from soft elastic material. The paste from natural components quickly hardens upon contact with oxygen, acquires a ceramic structure. You can decorate it in the future in any color.
To work, you need two identical motives. Cut the first out of paper and glue it. We make a blank from the paste and put it on the picture. Levels well, softens transitions. The material should not reach the edge of the picture. We attach the second motive to the three-dimensional figure.Combine the edges of the picture and dry well.
Putty technique
With the help of such material, it is possible to make volumetric products, large parts for the decor of large surfaces. It’s more convenient to work with a palette knife. A large layer is not recommended, 2-3 mm is enough. Too high decor will be difficult to smooth.
Begin to glue the motif to a still wet mixture. Putty is an excellent material for creating an imitation of masonry, texture of a cut of a tree, bark, provided that you use a good fixing agent.
Fabric decor
To give the picture additional volume, to indicate the effect of presence, you can use the fabric. Such decor is used to create clothing elements, making the main characters of the composition more realistic. In the same way, stunning marine, ancient motifs are created. Working with textiles is very simple:
Volumetric cards and their use
Decoupage 3D cards are used to create volume using the layering technique. You can buy them at a specialty store or make them yourself. You need to print your favorite pattern in color from several copies.
The first figure is the main one. It should be clear, of the highest quality. The remaining elements will serve as raw materials for the 3D picture. Cut the pieces and glue together with silicate glue. This modeling method looks good visually, gives the product a sculptural character.
Italian decoupage technique
Sospeso Trasparente is a voluminous product made using decoupage technique. This method was developed, patented by the Italian artist Monica Allegro. According to the inventor herself: “Sospeso Trasparente means an open and embossed technological process.”It has become so popular that many people use it not only as a hobby, but also build their own business on it.
Three-dimensional technology is unique in its own way. It consists in applying decorative paper to a special plastic material. A bulk product is obtained by thermoforming the raw material, the substance is heated using a heat source (hot dryer, gun, candle), after which any shape is given to the warm plastic, it hardens within a few seconds.
Using this technique, it is possible to create self-contained compositions that can be glued to any base and act as an independent element. For example, voluminous flowers that can be installed in a vase, a variety of brooches for clothes. For beginners, the technique will seem complicated, but as experience is gained, it can become a favorite pastime.
Conclusion
Mastering decoupage technique is easy. The main thing is desire. To carry out activities, you will need to choose the necessary basis for work, prepare a set of tools and materials. At the first stages, you should use the simplest methods, and as you gain experience, you can gradually master more complex methods of decorating objects.