How to do decoupage. Decoupage for beginners: technique, master class. What you need for decoupage: tools, materials. Simple do-it-yourself decoupage: decorating a can

Decoupage attracts with its relative simplicity and variety of effects. From a variety of technologies, you can always choose the one that is closest to you.

The creative ideas and searches of craftswomen do not stand still; every year new decoupage techniques appear, which you want to quickly learn and try, and easily bring to life your most daring undertakings. So that nothing interferes with the flight of creative imagination, it is necessary to study the theory of the main directions and methods of work and get a little practice. Today, there are six types of decoupage: direct, reverse, artistic (smoky), volumetric (3D), decopatch.

Direct decoupage - classic method

Direct decoupage is the basic and, perhaps, the most basic and main way of decorating objects. It will help beginners learn how to glue and process images correctly and efficiently, understand and comprehend all the nuances and subtleties of the work, so that later they can easily master other decorating techniques.

Main nuances

The essence of the direct decoupage technique is to glue or implant an image onto a previously prepared surface. Almost any work surface is suitable. It can be wood, chipboard and MDF blanks, plywood, plastic, glass, fabric, leather, thick cardboard. The main thing is to properly prepare the surface.

Before starting work, wood must be sanded and primed, glass, plastic and leather products (document covers, notebooks, bags) must be degreased with alcohol, fabric must be washed and ironed. Any image is suitable for decoration - a motif of a beautiful napkin, a decoupage card or a printout of a picture made on a laser printer or photo paper.

The napkin must be layered and the top layer should be left; the decoupage card (or its fragment) should be soaked for a short time in lukewarm water. When working with printouts, there are several ways to prepare an image for gluing:

thin it out using stationery tape and delicate sandpaper;
implant the image into the surface by gluing the motif with the front side to the surface, followed by removing the top layers of paper using water;
cover the picture with several layers of transfer varnish, dry well, wet with water and carefully remove the white layer of paper, leaving a thin, transparent layer of the picture protected by varnish;
transfer the image onto the surface using acetone or a creamy cleanser and a regular spoon.

Take a look at our cutting board decoupage master class to learn the technique in detail with a printout (link at the bottom of the article).

Each method has its own subtleties and nuances; after trying and studying each of them, you can choose the one you like best.

Features of decorating with napkins

The napkin decoupage technique is ideal for beginners. There are several methods of gluing (implantation).

Gluing the napkin motif using decoupage glue or PVA glue, diluted with water in a ratio of 1:1. Place the motif on the surface and, using a flat brush, begin gluing the napkin, applying glue from the center to the edges. Gently smooth out the motif, straighten out wrinkles and air bubbles. Do not press too hard to avoid damaging the napkin.

Gluing using a file allows you to easily position the image neatly, with virtually no creases.

Place the napkin motif (top layer) on the file with the design facing away from you. Using a spray bottle, thoroughly wet the napkin with water until it almost floats in it. Smooth out any bumps, wrinkles, or bubbles. Place another file on top and use a piece of sponge to smooth the napkin well, getting rid of excess water.
Carefully remove the top file and attach the file with a napkin to the surface. Smooth the napkin again with a piece of sponge. Remove the file so that the napkin remains on the surface. Apply glue. Let dry.

This method is perfect for large fragments and for “capricious” napkins that can fall apart when trying to glue them with a brush and glue. Recommended for learning decoupage techniques for beginners.

"Hot" method ideal for gluing napkins to a flat, smooth surface (the lid of a wooden box, banknote holder, cutting board) that is not afraid of high temperatures. To work you will need PVA glue, baking paper, and an iron.

Apply two layers of glue to the prepared surface, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly.
Place the motif on the surface and place baking paper on top.
Iron the surface with a hot iron.
Remove the baking paper, let the workpiece cool, and fix the napkin with varnish.

Reverse decoupage and its subtleties

The reverse decoupage technique is used on glass (transparent) surfaces and differs from the direct method in the sequence of actions.

That is, first a napkin or printout is glued (facing away from you), additional decorative elements are created (contour painting), other artistic effects and the desired color are applied, and then the surface is primed, if necessary, the outer side is decorated with direct decoupage and varnished to protect it from abrasion .

The design appears under glass, which allows the dishes decorated using this technique to be used for their intended purpose. If you follow simple care rules, such dishes will last a long time and be pleasing to the eye.

The technique of this type of decoupage is discussed in detail in ours.

Artistic (smoky) decoupage for the patient

Many novice needlewomen are frightened by the need to use artistic decoupage in their work, armed with a brush and a palette of paints, especially if they have absolutely no experience in drawing. But it happens that a picture glued to a white surface simply screams that it is necessary to add color, shade transitions, shadows, shading, volume.

Even if the last time you painted with paints was while studying at school, you should not give up studying and mastering this type of decoupage technique, because with its help you will make your product truly exclusive and expensive in perception.

A little patience in the theoretical study of the basic techniques of artistic finishing, a lot (or maybe just a little) of training, and your work will shine with new facets. It is best to learn this technique with the help of video master classes, step-by-step photo master classes, under the guidance of a teacher in a live master class.

You can work with acrylic paints and a paint drying retardant (allows you to do soft shading, prevents the paint from drying too quickly, allows you to carefully work out the background, make smooth halftones, shadows and transitions), and with pastels.

It is important to remember that artistic modifications are best done in daylight and take into account that acrylic paints become slightly darker after drying. In the artistic form of decoupage, three methods can be distinguished.

Feathering(colored haze) is created using acrylic paints or (it must first be scraped with a blade). The essence of the method is to fit a motif with clear edges into the surrounding background by creating a transparent haze around the motif in the same color as the adjacent area of the design.

Features of working with pastels: it is better to use a matte varnish (pastel will not be applied to glossy varnish), and the working surface should be sanded as much as possible so that there are no grooves or bumps.

Finishing and drawing the background used to enhance the artistic effect and correct possible defects.

Using these techniques, you can make a faded drawing brighter, highlight key elements, draw small details, and fill in missing elements.

Shadows Give the drawing volume and artistic completeness.

It will be easier to master the skills of artistic painting using the decoupage decoration technique if you practice doing this on sheets of plain paper. Choose a bright drawing, fix it on a sheet of paper, and, having prepared on the palette the shades and colors present in the drawing, try to fill the white background with color so that the drawing and background become a harmonious whole. Learn how to create different shades, the laws of perspective and light and shade.

Decopatch – imitation of patchwork technique

This decoupage technique is somewhat reminiscent of, since the surface to be decorated is randomly filled with pieces of multi-colored paper, which can be torn by hand or cut with scissors.

To create works using this technique, you can use napkins, rice paper, old newspapers and sheet music, color pictures from glossy magazines, and special paper for decopatch, which can be purchased in craft stores.

This style of decoupage is suitable for beginners, as it is quite simple to perform and does not require special preparedness or experience. The sizes of the pieces of paper depend on the size of the work; they can be glued slightly overlapping, forming a free and fancy ornament.

Decopatch paper has a number of advantages compared to other materials. It is thin and elastic, does not stretch, does not form folds. The choice of colors is huge, the colors are bright and rich.

When using pictures from glossy magazines, you can create the effect of an old stone - to do this, you need to wipe the glued and well-dried fragments of the pictures with acetone - part of the paint layer will be washed off, giving the decorated surface the appearance of cracked marble.

Decopatch can be used both to create a background and as an independent decorative effect. Any objects can serve as materials for decoupage as blanks; papier-mâché figures look especially impressive, which can be decorated according to your taste and desire.

Before work, do not forget to prime the surface with artistic primer or white paint; protect the finished work with several layers of acrylic varnish.

Volumetric (3D) decoupage - modern technology

This relatively new decoupage technique will help highlight fragments of work, emphasizing them with volume.

To create volume you can use:

modeling paste;
wood putty;
textile;
artistic art gels;
3D decoupage cards;
3D modeling Sospeso Transparente.

Let's look at how to make decoupage with the listed materials.

How to work with modeling paste

From modeling paste You can sculpt three-dimensional elements of flowers, objects, the body of an animal or bird. You will need two identical motifs.

Glue the first motif (let's say it will be an image of a rooster for a rustic-style product), dry it well.
Use modeling paste to sculpt the body and tail feathers. Glue it to the picture and smooth it out well, soften the transitions (with a brush or a finger moistened with water). The modeling paste should not reach the border of the pattern by 1-2 mm.
From the second motif, cut out the element that needs to be glued on top of the created volume.
Combine the drawings and glue them carefully. Dry. If necessary, do a little painting.

Technique for working with putty

Putty You can also lay out individual volumetric parts or large elements, if this suits your idea.

It is convenient to apply the putty with a palette knife.
Do not try to make a thick layer at once, let its height be 2-3 mm, smooth out any unevenness with your fingers moistened with water.
Without waiting for the putty to dry, immediately begin gluing the motif.

Using putty, you can create imitations of brickwork, tree trunks, and wooden boards. Almost anything that can decorate and highlight your creation.

Decor using fabric

Fabric in decoupage used as a decorative element to give the work additional volume and presence. For example, when working with an image of a woman, you can drape the model’s skirt (dress) with fabric. The image will become more realistic and it will seem that the heroine is about to leave the surface of a decorative panel, plate or other object.

You can also create the effects of the sea, old wood, curtains, and other draperies - depending on the task.

The fabric must be well soaked with PVA glue.
Place the fabric on the area to be decorated, give it the desired shape and volume.
Dry well.
Using acrylic paints, paint the element with the desired color, add additional effects - patina, sparkles, crystal paste.
Protect with several layers of acrylic varnish.

Application of art gels

Artistic art gels will give the work the effect of oil painting.

Use a brush to create voluminous strokes.
After drying, the art gel becomes transparent, and the drawing takes on new facets.

Working with volumetric maps

3D decoupage cards You can buy it in stores, or you can create it yourself. To do this, it is enough to make a color printout of the selected picture in five or six copies.

The first copy is the main one; from the remaining copies you need to cut out fragments that will create volume. The cut out fragments are glued on top of each other layer by layer using silicone glue, achieving the desired volume. Volumetric decoupage gives the product a sculptural appearance, but it is important not to overdo it with volume so that the composition as a whole looks harmonious and is well perceived visually.

Sospeso Trasparente - the newest method of volumetric decoration

Italian decoupage technique Sospeso Trasparente the most expensive, but very effective and unusual. A specially developed and patented non-toxic thermoplastic is used for work.

The selected fragment of the image is pasted onto thermoplastic and dried well.
Next, you need to cut out the image and hold it with tongs and heat it over a candle for a few seconds.
As the film warms up, it becomes elastic and pliable. At this moment, the image is simulated with special tools - bubbles.
Place the piece to be processed on a latex mat and give it the desired volume and curves.
Let it harden.

Decorative elements made using this technique look luxurious and realistic.
If you use a napkin (top layer) or a decoupage rice card as a base, an airy, translucent volume is created.

When working with thick decoupage cards or prints, a “porcelain” effect is created, since the thick paper does not transmit light.

Let this publication inspire you to study basic decoupage techniques and bold creative searches and create bright works. Take one of our master classes as a basis and don’t put off creativity until tomorrow!

Step-by-step master classes on decoupage using different techniques

Despite the differences, all decoupage techniques are simple and accessible to beginners. By following our master classes, you will quickly master this spectacular technique, dishes, boxes and other items for home and personal use.

We will send the material to you by e-mail

People of all age groups are engaged in creativity. Decoupage for beginners is considered an inexhaustible topic. Step by step with a photo of a bottle you can start making your first craft. Once you try it, you can easily decorate a wicker basket, any piece of furniture, or update an old lamp.

The advantage of this technique is that it can be used on different surfaces. Decoupage is reminiscent of an ancient technique. This decor is especially popular when creating items in a vintage style. An original solution is the use of retro accessories in interior design.

An ordinary interior is diversified by original decor

How to make bottle decoupage for beginners: step by step with photos and detailed instructions

Decoupage of bottles with tights is considered an unusual craftsmanship technique. The master class involves creating three-dimensional forms. This produces an imitation of waves or beautiful relief patterns.

Decoupage comes in the following types:

direct method, in which the design is glued to the front of the object;
the reverse is used to decorate glass surfaces, in which case the picture is glued from the inside;
volumetric technique, when the drawing rises above the rest of the surface;
the smoky method is a variant of artistic painting;
Decopatch is a method where an object is pasted over with pieces of various materials: napkins, or regular colored ones.

Helpful information! The preference for a particular technique depends on the style of decorating the room, the capabilities and design of the product. For decoupage, you can use any pictures you like, newspaper clippings, bright magazines and labels. Napkins, textured paper and special cards for decoupage are also used.

You can start step-by-step decoupage for beginners with a photo of a bottle and preparing certain elements and materials. You will need any bottle with a smooth surface, acrylic paint, glue, varnish, scissors and an alcohol solution. An ornament on a napkin, newspaper photographs or printouts from websites are suitable for decoration.

Image	Stages of work
	Remove any paper stickers. To do this, place the dishes in a soapy solution, and then remove all excess from it with sandpaper. Then the surface is wiped with a solvent.
	To create a more beautiful design, prime the surface. The paint can be applied using a sponge or brush. For rich color, apply paint in several layers.
	You can cut the image out of a napkin. In this case, the part with the pattern needs to be separated from the rest of the paper. If you use a newspaper clipping, the pattern is covered with several layers of varnish, dipped in warm water, and then the varnished area is separated from the wet paper and glued to the bottle.
	To glue the image, a pattern is applied to the dry surface of the bottle and varnished on top.
	The design is strengthened with varnish.
	Leave the craft to dry.

Master class on decoupage furniture in Provence style

Provence style is often present in original ideas for do-it-yourself decoupage of kitchen furniture. Photos of interesting solutions can be seen on the website. If you have old pieces of furniture from your grandmother’s time, then with the help of this technique you can give them a second life.

The interior in Provence style is distinguished by its extraordinary beauty. To decorate a room in this style you don’t need to spend a lot of money; you can make a stylish thing with your own hands from scrap materials. To decorate furniture in a similar style, motifs characteristic of the French province are used. These are flower gardens, lavender fields, picturesque streets and vineyard plantations.

You can see how to make a masterpiece in Provence style in our master class using the example of a chest of drawers.

Image	Description of actions
	Prepare a chest of drawers, beautiful designs on napkins, paint, glue, roller, brush, sandpaper and scissors.
	The piece of furniture itself is painted with paint. Apply layers with a roller, and after drying, sand down any imperfections with sandpaper.
	While the chest of drawers is drying, you can cut out elements of napkins for decoration.
	The glue is distributed over the location of the pattern and over the image itself. To create a scuffed effect, sandpaper is used.
	The surface is varnished. You need to apply 10 to 15 layers.
	It is recommended to sand every fourth layer with a varnish compound.
	Excess paint is removed.
	To complete the work, you need to wait until the chest of drawers is completely dry.

How to make decoupage on glass from napkins: step-by-step instructions with photos

You can use an interesting decoupage technique using napkins on glass. To do this, you need to prepare paint compositions, themed napkins, varnish, glue and brushes.Choose a suitable glass container. Its surface must be treated with alcohol.

Image	Job
	The glass must be tinted using the chosen method: paint, primer or sticking rice paper.
	Beautiful decorative elements are cut out of napkins.
	The prepared paper with patterns is applied to the surface and smeared with glue. After drying, the drawing is varnished.
	You can outline the drawing using a glass outline and complete small details.

Helpful information! If you want to apply decoupage to dishes that are used for eating, then use special glue for glass and porcelain. The finished product needs to be dried for a day and then baked in the oven.

Decoupage on boxes

It’s worth trying to repeat a simple master class on decoupage of a shoe box. The materials you will need are a thick box, napkins, acrylic paints, glue and brushes.

Image	Stages of work
	Apply white paint to the box and then dry thoroughly.
	Cut out a pattern from napkins. At the same time, we separate the top layer. Glue is applied to the part, which is glued to the box.
	The glue is applied from the middle to the edges with slight pressure.
	After the image has dried, you can decorate the surface using decorative stamps.
	To give an aged look, you need to go over the edges with dark paint.
	The drawings are fixed on top with acrylic varnish.
	This is what it looks like after the work is done.

How to glue correctly without creases?

It is necessary to familiarize yourself with some rules before creating decoupage for beginners. Step by step, you can create unusual compositions with a photo of a bottle and napkins. Napkins provide a particular challenge. Some types of napkins cannot be applied wet, as they immediately begin to unravel. To glue smoothly and without wrinkles, you can use the hot method. PVA glue is applied to the surface. Then, after drying, the napkin is applied to this place and ironed with a hot iron through the paper. In this case, the napkin will stick without wrinkles.On a napkin glued in this way, you need to carefully apply varnish, especially the first layer.

How to make decoupage: instructions for beginner needlewomen

Decoupage is a simple technique for transforming things, which even novice needlewomen can handle. Nowadays it is fashionable and interesting to be creative. Almost everyone either sews or does embroidery. Decoupage is a method of decorating various surfaces by applying images that are printed using a printing method, and their further varnishing. But how to do decoupage? To master this simple task, you don’t need much time and effort, just a few tools and desire are enough.

Decoupage: how to make it using napkins

Using decoupage, you can stick on a napkin, a decoupage card, or rice paper, but usually it is the napkin that becomes the starting point in getting to know decoupage. In addition, it is thanks to the napkin that decoupage is sometimes referred to as the “napkin technique.” It is worth choosing the right napkins; the best ones will be napkins with a plain background (especially white), they have images with clear edges. The background napkins have a striped pattern and small patterns in the same color scheme. Suitable for the insides of boxes and gluing the sides of blanks. Napkins with images of beautiful collages can be glued completely, not in parts.

Quite often, decoupage involves the use of various types of napkins that help apply a design to the surface.

There are three ways to glue napkins:

File method. This is a universal method; you can use it to transfer a napkin to a flat object (something like records or a photo album), an adjacent face, any relief, a round object (something like a table lamp or a bottle).
Glue stick or iron. Suitable for flat surfaces, they need to be coated with a glue stick, a napkin is placed on top, baking paper is placed on it and the whole thing is ironed. The glue, when heated, sticks the napkin, later you need to apply a layer of glue on top again.
Fan brush method. Suitable for neat and diligent people. The napkin is applied to the object, water is poured in the center, then using a fan brush you need to slowly stretch the water, sometimes adding more. During the process, it is necessary to lift the edges of the napkin so that wrinkles do not form. This method is suitable for concave or convex surfaces - the napkin will stretch perfectly, gently enveloping all irregularities.

When working with napkins, there is no need to apply several layers of varnish. The thickness of the napkin is minimal; a couple of layers will be enough for it. To prevent the image from becoming faded later, it must be pasted on a light background.

The passion for decoupage originated from China. There, thin paper was invented, which was used to decorate various objects. Nowadays handmade work is in fashion, so with the help of decoupage you can learn how to make such a beautiful work at home that professionals will envy. Decoupage is used to decorate bags, postcards, bookcases, stairs, even benches and pianos.

If you want to learn the decoupage technique, you need to follow the advice of experienced craftswomen step by step, only in this case you will get a high-quality craft. Now there are many resources where you can find competent master classes and learn this art.

Making decoupage with your own hands is not difficult, the main thing is to prepare in advance all the necessary materials and tools for work

The biggest challenge will be creating the project itself. To create a real masterpiece, you shouldn’t thoughtlessly take the first item you come across. Yes, you can collect several small items and hone your skills on them, but if you are giving gifts to loved ones, you should take the choice seriously. You will need to select an object for decoration, pictures, necessary materials and tools.
Napkins would be the best choice. When choosing a design on paper, you need to moisten the surface with water. Postcards with photographs must be carefully soaked and the bottom layer removed.
Next, the surface to be decorated is processed. Wood using scratch sanding, primer on top. For glass, ceramics, plastic and porcelain products, the surface is first degreased with alcohol.
A beautiful pattern is cut out. The top layer of the napkin is removed, and the piece with the image is cut out or torn off.
The cut out is applied to the object, smeared on the back of the napkin and glued with a flat brush. You need to glue from the middle and carefully so that the napkin does not stretch. Wrinkles and bubbles must be smoothed out with a brush.
After drying, decorative elements are added using acrylic paints. The remaining details are completed and relief is added. Then the result is fixed: the finishing coat has a matte or glossy acrylic varnish on top, and the work is given a touch of antiquity (spraying helps to achieve this). Cracks like those of an antique are created thanks to craquelure.
Some surfaces cannot do without additional treatment. For example, the fabric is coated with more than one layer of varnish.

Each surface has its own characteristics. Glue applied to cardboard deforms it. To prevent this from happening, it must be primed with varnish or plaster, which will be diluted to a paste. A primer of 2-3 layers is also suitable.

Necessary tools and do-it-yourself decoupage at home

By making decoupage at home, you can give a second life to old and unnecessary things that you wanted to throw away, or change new ones that you don’t like. This is how the usual phone or bags, flowerpots, boring bookcases or lamps are transformed. Many needlewomen use different materials and paint colors: gold, bronze, silver; patina is very popular.

In order to create a beautiful decoupage product, you must purchase special glue, acrylic paints and, of course, a decoupage card

Before the process itself, you need to arm yourself with the following tools:

Decoupage card. A picture, ornament or pattern made of rice paper or cardboard. Cards come in super thin, thin, medium or thick;
Glue for decoupage. It has a special composition that is designed for gluing the thinnest napkins and pieces of fabric;
Acrylic paints;
Acrylic lacquer;
Rice paper for large surfaces.

If you choose a very thick decoupage card, it should be placed in water for some time before gluing. This will make it softer and more pliable.

Simple do-it-yourself decoupage: decorating a can

If you have an old can lying around on the mezzanine, you can use it to make an unusual stand for kitchen utensils. In the same way, you can decoupage a samovar, a bucket or even a toilet.

The simplest and easiest option is decoupage of a small can

The process consists of stages:

Before decorating, you need to check the can for flaws; if any are found, you need to treat it with sandpaper and apply putty. When applying a primer, you must first apply the first layer, then dry it, then the second.
Paint the can with acrylic paint. The color can be any, but it must match the interior of the kitchen. The paint is applied in two layers, each one must dry.
A pattern is cut out from a suitable napkin and separated. Glue is applied to the can, the napkin is glued with a soft brush, which smoothes out the folds. Smooth out from the inside to the edges.
Use an old toothbrush to apply speckles using acrylic paint, this will simulate rust. Afterwards the procedure is repeated, but with white paint.
The entire surface of the can is covered with acrylic varnish; a couple of layers is enough.

When choosing motifs, you should take napkins in the same color combination; do not mix warm and cold colors.

What can you do decoupage with?

Which surface is ideal for this technique, and which one needs to be treated in a special way before work? Everyone knows that standard objects, such as a painting or a photo album, can easily be decoupaged. Many people experiment on disks and records, canvas, and plastic. But few people know that you can decoupage a floor, window sill, chandelier, ceiling, shelves, clothes, tiles and even a bath!

Decoupage is a fairly universal technique, so it can be done on almost any surface.

Decoupage happens on:

Skin;
Furniture (wood and glass);
On plastic items;
On the floor;

When decoupaging a cabinet that has already been painted, it is necessary to take into account that the wood must be smooth. If there are cracks or chips on it, the surface will have to be treated.

Is it possible to decoupage a bathtub?

A cast iron bathtub can and even needs to be decorated when it begins to lose its original appearance.

Decoupage looks quite unusual and original in the bathroom interior

This is how it happens:

The bath is degreased with alcohol or acetone;
The motifs are detached from the napkins and glue is poured into the bowl;
A piece of napkin is applied to a degreased surface and covered with glue using a brush. This way the entire outer part of the bathtub is covered with patterns from a napkin;
After the glue has dried, the decorated areas are covered with acrylic varnish. At least 5 layers will be required, otherwise moisture will spoil the motifs in the future.

If you use this method of work, the design on the bathtub can last about three years.

How can you do decoupage?

Each material, like each technique, has its pros and cons. So how can you do decoupage?

If you decide to do decoupage for the first time, then it is best to use special decoupage cards in your work

Decoupage is carried out using:

Napkins;
Decoupage cards;
Rice paper.

Napkins have a big disadvantage: very often their motif and pattern is cut off and intertwined. Sometimes it is impossible to cut out part of a pattern without disturbing the integrity of the next one.

How to make decoupage (video)

Learning decoupage on your own is not that difficult. You can start practicing on cardboard or chipboard, so that you can later make a gift to a friend or relative. Jewelry or a set of jewelry is a good present, but a handmade gift is much better. Music decoupage, shell decoupage, patterns inside the box or work on stones are very elegant. Some will be interested in an icon in this style of creativity. Increasingly, schools are conducting children's decoupage lessons for children, while others are mastering decoupage themselves using putty through a stencil.

The popular technique of decoupage is a surprisingly elegant, but at the same time absolutely uncomplicated creative direction. Its essence comes down to decorating furniture, household items and wardrobes with all kinds of colorful applications. Images cut from napkins, newspapers and other paper sources are fixed using several layers of varnish, thereby creating the effect of complete and seamless fusion with the surface.

Many novice needleworkers who set out to master decoupage techniques are interested in the question of what objects can be applied to. Absolutely any questions are answered by professionals. The most inconspicuous thing can be transformed beyond recognition. All the things that can be found in the attic of a grandmother’s house or in a chest in her bedroom - boxes, bracelets, flowerpots, photo frames, dishes, candles - can become a unique work of art if they are skillfully given a second life. You don’t need much for this, just patience and imagination.

Decoupage is an incredibly exciting creative technique. It does not require the purchase of expensive materials or any professional skills. As you master this amazing decorative trend, you will learn how to turn boring, everyday things into unique masterpieces - intricate, spectacular and inimitable!

This lesson presents decoupage master classes for beginners using napkins with step-by-step photographs.

To date, decoupage masters have mastered many amazing techniques - this is artificial aging, and the application of 3D images, and gilding, and craquelure coating, and other man-made miracles. Creative people clearly have a lot of ingenuity!

Decided to get creative and liven up your kitchen space? First, let's decorate the transparent containers used in the cooking process with designs cut out from paper napkins, using the decoupage technique. Indeed, this is perhaps the easiest way to revive boring dishes, giving them a slightly different look. And if you glue the drawings very carefully and cover the top with several layers of varnish, then you can use such dishes for quite a long time without fear of getting wet with water.

Materials for work:

alcohol (formic, salicylic, boric acid, you can use vodka);
1-2 cotton pads;
soft brush for painting;
white acrylic paint (can be pink, yellow, gray, preferably pale shades);
stationery scissors;
paper napkins with a pattern;
PVA glue (homemade paste made from flour and water is also suitable);
acrylic varnish (ours is matte);
small bowl for glue;
glass containers intended for decoration.

So, decoupage glassware. Operating procedure:

We wipe the outside of well-washed containers with alcohol using cotton pads, that is, we degrease the glass surface.

Apply a layer of acrylic paint with a brush, dry it, then cover it with a second layer, trying not to allow any gaps. Leave until the paint is completely dry.

We cut out the fragments of the pattern we need from paper napkins (you can also use the tearing method without using scissors), separate the extra layers of napkins - we don’t need them.

We apply the selected design to the painted surface of the glass container and, using a brush dipped in glue, smooth the paper napkin with smooth movements, trying not to leave wrinkles or bubbles.

Although, even if folds and wrinkles remain (and it is very difficult to stick a napkin on an uneven surface without them), you will get something like an antique effect, which also looks quite interesting.

In this way we decorate each container on all sides.

When the pasted napkins are dry, use a blade to carefully cut off the excess paper, then cover with a double layer of varnish and leave the dishes alone until completely dry.

So, our glass containers, having slightly changed their “image”, are ready for use again. This makes them look much more fun. Is not it? We also recommend watching master classes on.

Decoupage for beginners - creating a pincushion from scrap materials

Even a first-grader can master this master class on making and decorating a needle bed; the main thing is to take your time and be careful.

For work we will need:

a reel of tape;
a piece of thick cardboard (for the bottom);
PVA glue;
acrylic primer;
white acrylic paint (enamel);
acrylic lacquer;
napkin for decoupage.

We place the blank on the cardboard, trace the outline with a pencil, and cut it out. Thus, we get the bottom for the future pincushion. We clean the inside of the reel from advertising paper. To do this, use a needle or knife to pry up the top paper layer and carefully remove it.

Next, you need to prime the workpieces. To do this, you can use a specialized primer for decoupage, but the one used for construction work is also suitable. The primer will close all the pores on the surface, allowing the paint to lie flat in the future, without bubbles.

After the soil has dried, paint the workpieces. Acrylic enamel can also be used for construction purposes; it does not smell and dries quickly. It is better for a beginning needlewoman to use white paint, since it will be easier to do decoupage on a surface of this shade. In this case, the contours of the napkin will not be visible, but the design will remain clear.

After the paint has dried, we connect both pieces. We apply PVA glue along the contour of the bottom, install and fix the bobbin on it, and press it with a heavy object for a while.

Now let's move on to the decoupage technique. To do this, take a napkin and tear off pieces from it that we want to place on the surface of the future needle bed. Since the napkin is three-layer, we remove the two bottom layers, we only need the top one.

We place the first piece of applique on the surface and coat it with PVA glue, moving from the center to the edges. The adhesive must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 1. Thus, we glue piece by piece until we decorate the entire surface of the bobbin. Leave the workpiece until completely dry.

Then you need to carefully sand the edges with fine sandpaper (nulka) and decorate them by “smacking” them with a piece of sponge.

Carefully paint over the upper edges with a brush.

At the last stage we varnish the needle bed. Acrylic varnish will add shine to the product. In addition, it will make the surface wear-resistant. You can apply the composition with a brush, but it is more convenient to do this with an aerosol.

All that remains is to fill the inner cavity of the needle bed with foam rubber, decorated with cotton fabric on top.

Our decoupage pincushion is ready! Read about it here.

Decoupage on a wooden clothespin - interesting home decor

Wooden clothespins are becoming a thing of the past; they are being replaced by plastic analogues. And in vain. Using small wooden products you can make many interesting decorative items for your home. We suggest making decoupage on the surface of a wooden clothespin using rice paper.

A decoupage card made from rice fibers lays flatter than a napkin and requires less effort to straighten. However, you should be careful with the fibers. However, when decorating clothespins, it is better to cut out motifs or parts of them from paper rather than tear them out.

With some skill, the work will take no more than an hour. These clothespins can be used for decorating gifts, for attaching photographs to a rope, etc.

Prepare PVA glue, small brushes, a primer for decoupage, the clothespins themselves, and leftover rice paper from another project.

Wooden clothespins, as a rule, do not need sanding, since they have a smooth surface, but among them there are defective ones with uneven edges. Such parts need to be sanded.

Next, cover the surfaces where the drawing will be located with a thin, barely noticeable layer of primer. To do this, it is convenient to use ordinary cardboard with a smooth edge instead of a spatula. Plastic or playing cards will do. It dries in a couple of minutes.

Now let’s choose a motif: a piece of paper that will be placed on a clothespin. You can arrange the motif so that several clothespins in a row are united by a common pattern, so as to create the impression that this is a complete thing of three parts, like a wall panel (mosaic).

This is what this paper looks like from the inside out.

Apply a thin layer of glue to both surfaces (note that the fastener is located between the surfaces; the glue should not get on it). Apply rice paper and iron thoroughly with a wide brush. Be careful not to damage the motif. The paper should be thoroughly saturated with PVA glue.

Trim off all excess on all sides, make a cut in the middle in the place where the fastener is located. Decorate a few more clothespins in the same way. Don't forget to let the clothespins dry thoroughly.

Decoupage for beginners on a wooden clothespin

DIY home decor using decoupage technique is ready! Read about another type of needlework here.

Master class on making a decorative bottle using decoupage technique with the addition of mosaics

A huge number of handicraft techniques makes it possible to realize the limitless fantasies and desires of masters. When seemingly banal things become a piece of art. Try turning an ordinary Coca-Cola bottle into a spectacular interior design detail or an exclusive gift.

Materials for work:

glass bottle from Coca-Cola;
white and blue acrylic paint;
decoupage napkin;
scissors, tweezers;
PVA glue, Moment transparent glue;
dry eggshells;
regular and fan brush;
Silver nail polish with a thin brush;
acrylic varnish for applied arts, glossy and matte.

Clear the bottle of paper and paint the entire surface with white acrylic interior paint, let it dry well.

Separate the top layer with the ornament from the three-layer decoupage napkin.

Cut a strip with a pattern 5 cm wide from a napkin. Cut it into two parts 17 cm long.

After the paint has dried, begin decoupage. Attach one of the prepared strips to the bottom of the bottle. Holding it with your fingers, apply a little PVA glue to the beginning of the strip.

Using a fan brush, cover the napkin with a layer of glue, slightly stretching it. Be careful not to tear it. Add glue as you move around the circumference. Stepping back 2 cm, in the middle of the bottle, glue the second strip with the ornament in the same way. Let the glue dry.

The bottle will also be decorated with an eggshell mosaic. With this, you can hide some possible decoupage defects and give the product a stylish and finished look with a touch of antiquity.Clean the inside of the shell from the film so that it can easily be separated into parts when gluing.

Make a mosaic in any form. Apply Moment glue partially to an area of 2x2 cm.Place small pieces of shell on glue and press down with tweezers. Move the shells that have cracked into particles some distance apart.

Using a cotton swab or sponge, apply blue paint to the eggshell. Try to paint only the shell.

Use silver varnish and a thin brush to paint all the lines between the shell and along the edge line of the mosaic. Make an accent with the same varnish along the neck of the bottle. Let it dry.

Using a fan brush, apply the first layer of matte acrylic varnish to the part of the bottle other than the mosaic.

After the first one has dried, apply a second layer of glossy varnish to the entire bottle, including the mosaic. Let dry thoroughly.

The decorative bottle is ready. It looks great as a separate element of decor in any room. You can vary color schemes depending on the overall interior scheme.

It can serve as a vase for one flower or incense sticks.

Decoupage is a very interesting technique that allows you to transfer a design from paper, fabric, napkin to the surface of various objects, giving them a unique sophistication. This way you can create real masterpieces without resorting to drawing. With the help of such a simple technique, you can create completely new beautiful and useful objects from unnecessary improvised materials, and from this master class you will learn how to make hot coasters from the most ordinary CDs.

For this you will need:

Several disks.
Universal acrylic primer.
Napkins.
PVA glue.
Universal acrylic varnish.
Brushes or sponges for varnish and glue.

First you need to prepare the surface for decoupage. To do this, apply acrylic primer in 2 layers to a previously degreased surface and dry for several hours.

Napkins also need to be prepared. In this case, ordinary three-layer table napkins with a large floral pattern are used. To work, you only need to leave the top layer.

PVA glue is applied to the dried, primed disc.

A napkin is placed on top.

The napkin gets wet from the glue and changes its structure, forming wrinkles and bubbles. They need to be smoothed out carefully. This can be done with a damp brush or finger.

For beginners, it is better to smooth out wrinkles with your finger. This will help you feel the right amount of pressure so as not to tear the fragile napkin. Having filled your hand, you can use a soft brush. As a result, the image should be evenly distributed on the surface.

Now you need to remove excess and dry the surface.

You need to fix the result with acrylic varnish. It can be applied using a brush or sponge.

You can decorate the finished coasters at your discretion. Using regular acrylic paint, you can add contours to the flowers or the stands themselves, add flowers and leaves, or leave them as is.

These are the coasters we made using the decoupage technique.

Master class for beginners - cutting board decoupage

Materials for decoupage - what to stock up on

The need for certain auxiliary means and tools is dictated by the specific goal of the master, or rather, the subject with which he is dealing. Beginning creators are not recommended to immediately move on to valuable exhibits, to comprehend the basics of decoupage and to hone basic skills better on the simplest objects - cardboard boxes or wooden plates (if necessary, blanks can be easily found in handicraft stores).

The surface must be as flat, smooth and clean as possible, otherwise disappointments can hardly be avoided - the appearance of the finished product will be spoiled by an unaesthetic relief. In the future, it will be possible to use items that have already been used (for example, an old kitchen board); it is only important to scrupulously clean off the remnants of the past decor.

So, what materials should you stock up on for the decoupage technique:

Sandpaper- primarily needed for sanding wood, but even if you have an absolutely smooth workpiece at your disposal, it will be useful for further grouting of the primer base. When starting to sand, remember that the slightest roughness or unevenness can have a detrimental effect on the quality of the future product - fine-grained sandpaper will always have a job!
Special brushes— they are divided into two types for spreading soil and for sizing paper. The size of brushes belonging to the first category is selected in accordance with the size of the surface, the main condition being a flat shape and sufficient width. Today you can easily find special brushes made of foam rubber, which look very similar to ordinary ones, with a wooden handle - the only difference is that a flat foam roller with a cut edge is offered to replace the bristles. Such a tool is very economical because it does not tend to absorb a lot of liquid.
As for glue brushes, they should be quite soft so as not to damage the fragile paper. It is best to get a wide fan-shaped brush - it is equipped with long, silky bristles, applies glue extremely delicately, and is also easy to clean. By the way, the same brush is ideal for distributing varnish.
Scissors will be needed to carefully cut out transferable images. The dimensions of the tool are not decisive; the main thing is your personal convenience.
Alcohol-containing composition Designed for degreasing the working surface. Absolutely any product will do - cologne, perfume, colorless pharmacy tincture or even facial tonic. Pure alcohol is also not forbidden - it will ensure the most reliable adhesion of the picture to the base.
Priming is a primary coating that prepares the surface for direct contact with the image. At first, it is permissible to use an ordinary acrylic base for wood. The priority color is white.
Glue— during the learning process, regular PVA can be used for work; it serves to fix the picture. More advanced craftsmen prefer to buy special glue for decoupage - less thick in consistency. However, PVA can also be safely diluted by combining it with water in a ratio of 21.
Picture- the most important element of decoupage creativity. At first, as a rule, colorful napkins are used, but there are also a lot of special thematic cards - individual or grouped into sets. Experienced craftsmen often incorporate rice paper, which varies in shades and types, into their creativity. When handling a napkin, it is necessary to separate only the topmost, painted layer - it is this layer that is assigned the role of decorating the object.
Varnish- material on which increased responsibility is assigned. A good coating cares not only about the appearance of the product, but also about its service life, so the practicality of decorated items depends on this factor. Decorators are not used to skimping on varnishing - the more layers, the better the result. When working at home, it makes sense to use less toxic varnishes - for example, acrylic or special decoupage, and outside your home you can safely use construction (for wood processing) and even yacht varnishes.

The simplest master class for beginners - plate decoupage

Decoupage - what is it and how did it appear?

The earliest evidence of the origin of decoupage dates back to the distant 1st century AD; in those days, special ritual drawings were transferred to the walls of the tombs of Siberian nomads. Centuries later, the inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom became keenly interested in such technology. Since the 12th century, a fashion has reigned in China for various interior items made in exactly this decorative style. Creative fantasies were reflected in the openwork patterns that were used to decorate the windows and walls of homes everywhere; initially, the thinnest rice paper was used to make them.

As for the European history of the existence of decoupage, it begins with Germany at the end of the 15th century, where the tendency to ennoble boring classic furniture with bright pictures spread. The technology reached its peak of popularity two centuries later, having established new trade relations, Europe hospitably welcomed Eastern gifts, so souvenirs and other Asian interior items began to firmly establish themselves in its vast expanses. Outlandish chests of drawers, cabinets, caskets and screens simply could not go unnoticed by this moment, with plot images they learned to skillfully decorate wood, stone and even metal. Only aristocratic people could afford such luxury, which is why the value of decoupage only increased.

Enterprising Venetian artisans began to adopt expensive art from Eastern masters. The result of their work was paper and textile compositions for decorating furniture; the cost of these applications was no longer so fabulous, and their quality was practically not inferior to the original masterpieces. In order to carefully hide the joints and seams, European craftsmen got the hang of generously covering their products with varnish, the number of layers of which sometimes exceeded 30 or even 40. The relatively low, actually publicly available, price of the creations gave rise to calling decoupage an art for the poor - since then this characteristic has been very firmly attached to creativity .

In France, the love for decorating reached unimaginable limits, even the highest ruling persons were fond of it. For example, it is known that Marie Antoinette had an incredible passion for decoupage, having enlisted the support of the ladies of the court, she used in her work not only copies, but also originals of paintings by famous artists. Interest did not subside in England either - local nobles loved to collect richly decorated boxes and boxes.

At first, the drawings were not too complex; cherubs, simple landscapes and various primitive figures adorned the walls and surfaces of objects. However, later, with the advent of the magnificent Victorian era, they were quickly replaced by much more picturesque motifs. Every wealthy family considered it their duty to acquire luxurious panels with views of city streets or objects of architectural art. Such decor was intended specifically for decorating indoor walls, so the dimensions of the products became quite large.

In the 20th century, the fashion trend did not even think of slowing down. Thanks to the French, the name decoupage was officially assigned to creativity; the word decoupage comes from the verb decouper - to cut, which very eloquently explains the essence of this direction. The famous Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse provided important support to the decorators - the famous artists expressed their sincere admiration by creating a number of masterpieces using the decoupage technique.

Decoupage remains the most accessible type of needlework, but no less creatively interesting. Professionals define decoupage as an imitation of artistic painting on any surface. The more inconspicuous the application is, the more elegant the item will look. In order to apply an applique to an item, decoupage cards are used. But they are quite expensive.

Therefore, handicraftsmen found an alternative to them - three-layer napkins. They allow you to bring the applique closer to natural painting. In other words, a drawing made using this method is almost impossible to distinguish from a real, live painting. Experienced craftsmen say that with a certain skill, you can use ordinary napkins. It is for this reason that decoupage is called the “napkin technique”.

Even expensive or fashionable things cannot replace handmade items. They may not be as professional, but they will contain a piece of your love. Nowadays there are many types of needlework and techniques. One of the popular ones is decoupage. This is a special method of decoration that creates a painting effect on the surface. Decoupage has a long history. With its help, back in the 12th century, the most skilled craftsmen created masterpieces.

Decoupage allows you to turn any, even the simplest objects or surfaces into original and unforgettable. Using the technique, you can decorate small boxes and bulky furniture, both wooden and glass, plastic, paper or fabric surfaces.

The basics of decoupage are simple - it is an applique that is made from decoupage cards, special or regular napkins with beautiful images, labels, postcards, fabrics with drawings and more. To work you will need some materials and tools.

Materials for decoupage

Glue. You can use special glue designed for decoupage or PVA.
Primer. It will be necessary when performing decoupage on wood. The substance will prevent the paint from being absorbed into the wooden surface. A construction acrylic primer is suitable for these purposes. To level the surfaces, you should get acrylic putty. This can be found in hardware stores. On other surfaces, such as a primer for decoupage, use white acrylic paint or PVA.
Brushes. Needed for applying glue, paint and varnish. It is better to choose flat and synthetic brushes, as natural ones fade. Their size may vary depending on what kind of work you will be doing, but No. 10, 8 and 2 are most often used.
Paints. Useful for decorating backgrounds, drawing details and creating effects. It is better to use acrylic ones. They come in many colors and fit on different surfaces. The paints are water-soluble, so they can be washed off with water before they dry. To obtain translucent shades, thinners are added to them. As an alternative to acrylic paints, you can purchase simple white water-based paint and pigment colors for it.
Blanks for decoupage. Everything is limited by your imagination. You can use bottles, trays, wooden boxes, flower pots, vases, frames, mirrors and lampshades.
Varnish. Needed to protect items from external factors. The object is coated with varnish at the initial stage of work and at the end. For decoupage it is better to use alkyd or acrylic varnishes. For the finishing coat it is convenient to use aerosol varnish, which is sold in automotive stores. But to create craquelure you will have to purchase a special varnish.
Scissors. In order not to spoil the picture, it is worth choosing sharpened scissors with gently moving blades.
Auxiliary Tools. To simplify the work, you should get a sponge, which is useful for painting large surfaces. They will also help create different effects. A roller will be convenient for gluing large or dense pictures. You may need toothpicks, cotton swabs, a toothbrush, masking tape, sandpaper, and a hair dryer to quickly dry paint or varnish.

Decoupage - execution technique

You should prepare the surface of the item you are going to decorate. If it is plastic or wooden, it should be treated with sandpaper. Then you need to apply a layer of primer: PVA or acrylic paint. If you are doing decoupage on glass or ceramics, the surfaces of the objects need to be degreased. You can use acetone for this.

While the surface dries, cut out the desired pattern from the napkin. This needs to be done as accurately as possible. Separate the bottom 2 plain layers of paper. You should only have the top color left.

Apply glue to the surface, attach the image and carefully smooth it out.
Place the image on the surface and apply glue on top. Do this carefully so as not to stretch or tear the picture.
Cover the wrong side of the image with glue, then apply it to the surface and smooth it out.

To avoid the formation of wrinkles on paper, PVA can be diluted with water. It is recommended to smooth the image or apply glue to it from the center to the edges.

When the image is dry, coat the product with varnish several times.