You Too Can Decoupage Furniture & More

I have built up an enviable collection of advanced hints and tips
from decoupage enthusiasts all over the world, with only one aim in
mind. That is to help crafters of all levels create beautiful
decoupage projects with minimum outlay and minimum learning curve.

I have had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful people who are as
passionate as I am about decoupage. Whenever we meet, we can't
resist swapping stories and ideas on new and exciting projects.

You will have read that I have been decoupaging (inlcuding 3D
decoupage) for over 20 years - ever since I was 13 in fact, so no
surprises for guessing how old I now am! It was all the range in
the 80s , and to be honest I felt a little bit lonely in the 90s,
as fewer and fewer people kept going with decoupage.

BUT EVER SINCE THE TURN OF THE CENTURY DECOUPAGE IS MAKING A HUGE
COMEBACK!

It all started in 2001. I got an email from a friend called Suzie
in Australia. She was asking me for advice on how to start a local
decoupage crafters group. She had shown them off at her local craft
fair, including live demonstrations of how to do all kinds of
projects STEP BY STEP..... and the response she received was
overwhelming!

Here I was, young lady, from southern England giving advice to a
group of decoupage lovers on the other side of the world. That was
in 2001, and now they've started groups all over Australia.

Word must got round like wildfire about my passion for decoupage,
because in 2003, I received another email from a lady called
Barbara in California wanting me to actually FLY OVER TO AMERICA to
teach a small group of decoupeurs everything I knew about this
wonderful craft. How could I resist? Needless to say I had a
fantastic time, and got some much needed sunshine.

Anyway, that was just the beginning of the new revival. I am so
excited that decoupage is back BIG TIME!

Rod here, with some great ideas for your decoupage projects. Quite a few of you have been emailing me wanting to know more about this versatile craft. Many of you have tried 3D decoupage already to make wonderful cards, but have yet to try some of the other many surfaces you can decoupage.

Almost anything can be covered by decoupage: wood, metals and ceramics are the most common surfaces. Any paper item can be used, though it may need preparation before cutting. The arrangement is laid out and images glued to the surface and varnished. Finish coats of wax or specialty varnishes can be used to produce different effects.

Decoupage is often used to cover defects on damaged thrift-store finds. Lamps, trays, picture frames, and furniture can be given a new lease of life with decoupage. Because decoupage is versatile, requires few materials, and can be done by beginners, it has become an extremely popular hobby.

Although you can buy supplies made specifically for decoupage, you can also use supplies that you probably have lying around the house. This makes decoupage one of the cheapest crafts around.

Almost any surface can be used for decoupage, but different surfaces will require different treatment. Traditionally, wooden objects are used, especially furniture. But any smooth surface can be decoupaged. Trays, boxes, and picture frames are ideal for the beginner. Before you begin, make sure that the item is clean and
free from dust or flaking paint. Unfinished wood must be painted, stained, or sealed before decoupaging. If the item needs to be painted, use the appropriate paint and let it dry for twenty-four hours. It will also need to be lightly sanded so that the glue
adheres better.

Hope that gave you some insight as to what can be done with Decoupage. Believe me, I've only scratched the surface....you'll be AMAZED just how many other project ideas there are.

Happy Decoupaging!

P.S. If you want to find out more about what you can do with
decoupage, come and visit us.

I have been inundated with requests on various aspects of decoupage. However,
there is one complaint that stands out more than any other:

HOW HARD IT IS TO FIND RELEVANT INFORMATION ON DECOUPAGE
ALL IN ONE PLACE.

People of all ages were finding tips and tidbits of info in various
places, but every time they wanted to look up something they
couldn't remember where they saw it!

I was in exactly the same boat. I had various instructions for all
kind of unusual projects that I was desperate to do one day, and so
filed them away. Then when I went to get them - you guessed it -
they were gone! So, I then spent hours surfing the Internet only to
be very disappointed with what I found.

I thought if I am getting frustrated, then how must less
experienced decoupage crafters be feeling?

*** I ENDED UP IN SUCH A MESS WITH PAINT, GLUE AND VARNISH
EVERYWHERE......AND THIS WHERE I DECIDED TO HELP OTHERS LIKE YOU.
***

If you want an idea of what's inside, head on over to our site.

P.S. It will give you more time to do what you love........creating
beautiful projects :)

Happy Decoupaging!


P.S. If you want to be shown literally STEP BY STEP how to create
beautiful decoupage projects, then come and join us.

You will be glad you did!