What is the decoupage technique? Secrets of decoupage, materials and work order. Box decoupage master class

The word decoupage literally translated from French means “cutting” or “unfolding”. Therefore, decoupage is a technique of decorating an object with cut out paper motifs.

History of decoupage technique

Decoupage is a very ancient decorative technique for decorative items and furniture, which consists of meticulously cutting out illustrations from various materials (paper, fabric, etc.), and then attaching them to the surface to be decorated.

The origins of technology lead to the Middle Ages. Although decoupage as an art form was first mentioned in the 15th century in Germany, it gained its greatest popularity in the 17th century in Venice, where at that time furniture inlaid with Chinese and Japanese motifs was in fashion. But such a hobby was not available to everyone. Therefore, Venetian craftsmen came up with the idea of ​​making imitations of inlays using cut-out images that were glued to the surface of the furniture they produced.

The popularity of this idea grew, the technique of the process was constantly improved, and decoupage reached the peak of its glory in England in the 18th century. At that time, not only furniture, but entire rooms were decorated in this way.

The decoupage technique has not lost its relevance to this day.

Why is decoupage needed?

Decoupage is used to decorate hats, shoes, accessories (bracelets, watches), plates and trays, Christmas tree decorations, and to create exclusive interior items.

Thanks to this technique, you can easily turn an old vegetable box or drawer into a stylish piece of furniture. And a bottle that should have been thrown away can, in skillful hands, turn into an irreplaceable flower vase.

But that's not all decoupage is for. This technique not only allows you to save on purchasing new interior items, but also breathes new life into them, turning them into unique things that cannot be found in the store.

What materials are needed for decoupage?

Today there are a lot of things that make the traditional process easier and faster. It will not be difficult for experienced craftsmen to select the necessary “ingredients” for a certain type of work (for example, for decorating a plate). But for beginners, the modern variety of tools and materials is sometimes even scary.

In big cities, there are more and more specialty stores for creative supplies every day. And those who decide to take up decoupage, due to their inexperience, rush to exactly where polite consultants will try to sell them branded materials and tools. But more often than not, in ordinary stationery stores you can buy almost everything you need for decoupage for a beginner, and at a fraction of the price. Although it is possible that you will still have to go to specialized retail outlets for some materials.

Here is a list of what a beginner needs for decoupage:

1. Tools:

• sharp scissors;
• synthetic brushes, preferably with a flat tip (natural ones tend to lose bristles);
• masking tape;

2. Materials:

• any napkin with a pattern, magazine clipping, printout, etc.;
• primer or, more simply, ordinary white acrylic paint;
• simple PVA glue (perfectly replaces special glue for decoupage and is much cheaper);
• the finest sandpaper;
• acrylic paints (which paints are needed for decoupage - decide for yourself, it can be either colored or metallic, that is, gold, silver, bronze, copper and so on, you can buy it either as a set or individually);
• acrylic varnish (although it looks milky white, it becomes transparent after drying);
• paint thinner or white spirit;
• wood putty, necessary when working with wooden objects.

3. Additional materials:

• crackle (for the formation of cracks);
• bitumen (for aging);
• silicone (for 3D effect).

Types of decoupage

Depending on the type of surface to be decorated and the desired effect you want to achieve, there are five types of decoupage techniques.

The most common is direct decoupage. What is needed for beginners and is most suitable is this particular technique, which is the basis for all the others. Direct decoupage is the application of an image to almost any surface without unnecessary effects.

To decorate transparent glass objects, there is a reverse decoupage technique. Its essence lies in gluing the application to the reverse side of the surface.

Three other techniques are more complex and are not suitable for a beginner decoupage artist:

1. Artistic decoupage is the combination of several techniques and effects into a whole picture.
2. Volumetric decoupage. To perform it, in addition to the standard set of items, a special paste, small pieces of fabric and/or natural materials (pebbles, eggshells) are required.
3. Decopatch is a mixture of decoupage and patchwork (patchwork). Made from many pieces of paper.

Main stages of work

As with any process, for decoration using the decoupage technique, there are main stages of work, which are almost always performed in a certain sequence:

1. Cleaning the decoration item from any contaminants (label, plaque) using an alcohol-containing solution.
2. Coating the surface with acrylic varnish.
3. Applying a layer of primer or white acrylic paint.
4. Re-coating with acrylic varnish.
5. Grinding.
6. Attaching a drawing.
7. Another layer of acrylic varnish.
8. The process of artistic underpainting, applying the main background, and so on.
9. Coating with acrylic varnish in several layers.
10. Decorating, creating various effects (for example, the effect of cracks is achieved by applying a layer of craquelure)
11. Applying the last layer of acrylic varnish.

When working using the reverse decoupage technique, the order of some steps changes: first, craquelure is applied (if necessary), then an image is attached, then decoration occurs using patterns, stamps, and the main background.

Objects for decoupage

The most common decorative items are various boxes, plates, cabinet doors and glass containers.

In general, decorating jars and bottles is quite simple. The list of what is needed to decoupage a bottle is practically no different from a typical list: the basic tools and materials are the same.

There is only one caveat when choosing a decoration method. As stated above, the design of transparent glass surfaces is done using the reverse decoupage technique. This rule is more often applied to flat decorative surfaces, such as plates, glass lids or doors, and the like. Bottles can be decorated in direct, reverse, or both ways together.

What else you need to decoupage a bottle is just to determine what your craft will serve as: a vase, a container for oil, or just a decoration for a window sill.

Newbie mistakes

Decorating using the decoupage technique is a creative process. But even here there are some points that do not forgive mistakes that are typical of almost all beginners.

The most common are the following:

1. Start working on an unprepared and unprimed surface.
2. Do not apply a finishing coat of acrylic varnish.
3. Haste and haste.
4. Late washing of instruments.
5. Smoothing the pasted image with your fingers.
6. Using gouache and watercolor instead of acrylic paints.
7. Mixing paints directly in a jar.

Sometimes it happens that you seem to be doing everything correctly, following all the steps and points, but the result is not very beautiful. To prevent this from happening to you, use the advice of decoupage artists:

1. You cannot brush over the same place more than twice.
2. You should squeeze the brush well from the glue.
3. Mix the paints with a small margin, this way you will have something to touch up the edges of the application or the background after drying.
4. The plastic surface needs to be made a little rough using sandpaper so that neither the paint nor the illustration comes off.
5. Before you start decorating an iron can, you should apply a base coat to it, since without it the paint will quickly peel off.
6. To achieve a uniform background coverage, apply paint not with a brush, but with a foam sponge with the smallest holes.
7. Do not skimp on varnish for the final layer, i.e. apply several layers.
8. Before gluing pictures printed from magazines or other paper, they should be wetted, this will reduce the likelihood of wrinkles.
9. An applique pasted on a dark background becomes almost invisible, so avoid dark colors or apply a light background under the picture.
10. Apply the craquelure with a sponge, then the cracks will be smaller and “run” in different directions.

Nowadays you can buy almost anything in stores; production facilities and factories supply the market with goods for every taste and budget. But despite this, handmade things and products are now more popular than ever. The desire to express individuality, to stand out from the crowd, gives rise to the desire to sew and decorate clothes yourself, make original accessories, and give unique handmade gifts.

Everyone wants to join the world of hand-made beauty, but not everyone has special skills in sewing, painting or sculpting. Of course, you can learn anything, but sometimes it takes a lot of time, but you want to create now! In this case, we recommend that you learn how to do decoupage. Here, as in any creativity, one cannot do without artistic taste and a sense of beauty, but all this gradually comes and develops along with experience. And experience in decoupage is acquired much faster than, for example, in classical painting or sculpture :)

Decoupage(from the French découper - “to cut out”) is a way of decorating objects by gluing on them various motifs or images cut out of paper and suitable to the artist’s artistic intent.

Using the decoupage technique, you can create things of stunning beauty! This could be something completely new - for example, a blank box, a toy, a panel, etc. Having created such a thing yourself, you can present it to friends and family as an interesting gift.

You can also use decoupage to breathe new life into old things and objects. Are you bored with an old chest of drawers or grandma's lamp or no longer fit into your interior? Don't rush to throw them in the trash, try transforming them with decoupage!

A simple master class on decoupage from napkins for beginners

As mentioned above, mastery comes with experience. Therefore, right now we invite you to repeat on your own our step-by-step photo master class on decoupage with napkins for beginners “Fruit Garden”. In this master class we will make decoupage of jars - everyone probably has such a thing at home, and this is an excellent basis for honing the technique!

To decoupage jars you will need the following materials:

Foam sponges (sponge for washing dishes), sandpaper (220-400), Moment Crystal glue, fruit magnets, scissors, glass jars.

Progress of the master class

Step 1. Preparing the surface for decoupage.

It is better to degrease the glass surface of the jars before starting work. Simply wipe with a cloth or napkin, sprinkling the surface with any alcohol-containing substance (both vodka and glass washing liquid are suitable). After this, apply acrylic primer in two layers. After applying each layer, dry thoroughly. You can speed up this process with a hair dryer.

The first layer of primer can be applied with a wide flat brush, and the second layer can be applied using tamping movements with a regular dishwashing sponge. After drying, the primer can be sanded with sandpaper, after which another layer of primer can be applied, so we will achieve greater smoothness.

If you don’t have acrylic primer on hand, you can replace it with any white acrylic paint, artistic or construction.

Step 2: Coloring with background color.

After the primer has dried, apply acrylic paint of the background color (ours is warm ivory) onto a new piece of foam sponge. Using tamping movements, apply two layers, allowing each layer to dry.

Step 3. Preparing the napkins.

We cut out the desired motifs from decoupage napkins. Separate the excess layers of paper.

Note! Typically, napkins for decoupage are two- or three-layer. For gluing, we only need the topmost, colorful layer of the napkin.

Step 4. Gluing the napkin.

We apply the top layer of the napkin to the place where, according to our plan, the design should be located and coat the top with decoupage glue from the center to the edges. Let it dry. The glue saturates the napkin and the image is firmly fixed on the jar.

Note! This gluing method, the simplest, is suitable for decorating small surfaces and gluing small design elements. Most often used for covering large surfaces.

Step 5. Protective varnish coating.

To protect the surface, apply acrylic matte varnish in four layers with intermediate drying of each.

Note! When applied, acrylic varnishes have a bluish-whitish tint. Don't be alarmed, after drying they become completely transparent.

Step 6. Additional decor.

Having finished with decoupage, we move on to decorating the lids. If necessary, you can sand them with sandpaper and degrease them for better adhesion of the soil to the surface. Cover the lids with acrylic primer. Then we paint with Acrylic-Hobby acrylic paint in the color Chrome Oxide using a wide flat brush and dry.

Step 7 We coat it with acrylic matte varnish, like the jars, in four layers with intermediate drying. It is best to use wide, flat synthetic brushes with long bristles for varnishing.

Step 8 As an additional decoration, you can glue molds or magnets with images of berries and fruits onto the lids using regular Moment glue.

That's it, the master class on decoupage jars is finished! Now you can store tea, coffee, dried fruits, nuts, and cereals in them.

Try using the decoupage technique in your works. Even if you are just starting out, you will be surprised by the ease with which ordinary things can be turned into a unique signature creation!

Depending on the chosen napkin, the color scheme of the finished jar is selected. If desired, decoupage is complemented by spraying or other decorative techniques.

Once again, we briefly list the stages of work in decoupage:

1. Artistic concept of the work, choice of image and decoupage napkins.

2. Surface preparation and priming.

3. Peeling and gluing the napkin with decoupage glue.

4. Revision/additional drawing. To realize your idea, you may need to modify the background, or slightly complete the drawing on a napkin.

5. Varnishing.

6. Additional decor upon request.

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:

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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:

1. Decoupage card. A picture, ornament or pattern made of rice paper or cardboard. Cards come in super thin, thin, medium or thick;
2. Glue for decoupage. It has a special composition that is designed for gluing the thinnest napkins and pieces of fabric;
3. Acrylic paints;
4. Acrylic lacquer;
5. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Use an old toothbrush to apply speckles using acrylic paint, this will simulate rust. Afterwards the procedure is repeated, but with white paint.
5. 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:

1. Skin;
2. Furniture (wood and glass);
3. On plastic items;
4. 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:

1. The bath is degreased with alcohol or acetone;
2. The motifs are detached from the napkins and glue is poured into the bowl;
3. 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;
4. 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:

1. Napkins;
2. Decoupage cards;
3. 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 article will tell you in detail what decoupage is for beginners - step by step with photos we will analyze the rules of use and how to decorate the room. The article is conventionally divided into three parts:

• The first section is devoted to an introduction to decoupage - what it is, how a beginner can enter the technique and what tools are needed in order to become a professional specialist in this field;
• The second is practical advice regarding techniques and use cases;
• The third section will help beginners decide on ideas that can be brought to life using the methodology.

What is decoupage?

Let's start with a definition. Decoupage is a decorative technique using a cut out (torn out) image, which is glued to the surface of the workpiece and then secured with varnish. It doesn’t sound that complicated, but there are a huge number of subtleties. Let's try to understand the features of the technology.

Who is suitable for decoupage?

Decoupage is applique - most of us are familiar with such activities from kindergarten. The technique itself requires both attention and perseverance, so the ideal candidate for a decoupage artist would be a person who would like not only to do beautiful work, but also to have fun and escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Important: There are no health restrictions when practicing, but you need to remember that some substances used in gluing can cause allergies.

That is why it is necessary to carefully familiarize yourself with the composition of the mixtures before you sit down to work. Otherwise, decoupage is a great activity both for evening relaxation for adults and for children's entertainment.

Basics of decoupage for beginners - all the important points

The process should not be particularly difficult if you approach the matter progressively. The sequence of decoupage actions for beginners (step by step with photos) looks like this:

1. Surface preparation (sanding, priming, etc.);
2. Gluing the decoupage motif;
3. Intermediate varnishing to protect the motif;
4. Painting and other decorative techniques;
5. Final varnishing.

Each stage is important in its own way and has a number of its own characteristics. We want to tell you a few secrets that will simplify your work.

• When working with paint and primer, use small containers up to 250 ml, and not entire containers. This way you won’t bring in dust and debris and the substance will last longer.
• A coarse nail file is suitable for sanding surfaces - you can use it to process small details.
• When decorating glass, use pre-prepared primer for complex surfaces.
• When decorating boxes, check how the hinges open.
• When gluing napkins, use a file. Wet the napkin on it and then apply it to the surface.
• After you have glued the napkin, do not wipe off the remaining glue. Do this after the first coat of varnish.

What you need for decoupage for beginners: list

To start creating your own product you don’t need to be a professional - the technique is suitable for a beginner. What is needed for decoupage? We will provide a list further in our material.

Let's decide on the materials. For classes you will need pictures:

• Ordinary paper napkins with a pattern;
• Pictures printed on very thin paper using a printer;
• Special paper.

Model name

• The object of decoration is almost any object, but it looks most beautiful on an untreated wood surface. Wooden cutting boards or trays will do.
• You will need scissors - small nail scissors with rounded ends are preferable.
• To glue the picture, buy decoupage glue. There are options for using both special glue and regular PVA.
• Varnish for coating. Buy varnishes with both matte and glossy effects. Some types of glue contain elements of varnish; additional use of varnish is not necessary for them.
• Don't forget about brushes. There are many options in stores, but synthetic ones work great, especially flat ones. You can also use special rollers, but they are more convenient for smoothing the napkin rather than applying glue.

Decoupage techniques – photo instructions and video master classes

Let's try to figure out what items are decoupaged and what comes out of it as a result.

Bottle decoupage for beginners: step by step with photos (17 stages)

One of the most common techniques is bottle decoupage for beginners. Step by step with 17 photos we will analyze this process further. What will it take to turn a bottle into something attractive?

	1. First, you need to prepare the surface of the future craft. For this, any empty glass bottle is selected. Remove the label and wipe it with alcohol.
	2. Apply primer to the glass with a brush or roller. The soil is sold in a specialized store.
	3. Apply a layer of paint. Acrylic or water-based will do.
	4. Place a sheet of napkin with a pattern in the water. At the same time, apply decoupage glue or PVA.
	5. Remove two layers from the napkin and apply it to the surface of the bottle. Iron it with a roller so that there is no air.
	6. After drying, apply a layer of varnish.
	7. We will make decorative elements on the sides of the drawing using putty. To do this, first outline the contours of the picture with masking tape.
	8. Apply acrylic putty over the entire surface. Next, use a match to make lines, imitating a stone.
	9. Immediately remove the tape before the putty dries.
	10. Dry the surface completely and sand it with sandpaper.
	11. Take dark acrylic paint and apply it to the surface with a brush.
	12. Cover everything with another layer of varnish.
	13. Apply gold wax with your fingers to create an antique effect.
	14. Apply moment crystal glue to the neck of the bottle. Next we apply the chain.
	15. Paint the lid with bronze acrylic enamel.
	16. Apply a layer of glue and then wrap several layers of twine. Next, we attach a decorative lock to it.
	17. Wait for the composition to dry. The product is ready.

Decoupage for beginners: step by step on wood (6 stages)

Decoupage for beginners on wood (step by step below) requires a special kind of adhesion of the surface to the application.

	1. Prepare the surface. First, we remove the previous paint from it (if any) and clean it. Afterwards we cover it with a layer of acrylic primer. After drying, apply another layer.
	2. Take a three-layer napkin and separate two layers from it. After this we apply it to the surface. We will glue it onto yacht varnish. Apply the first layer.
	3. Upon completion, decorate the top of the board.
	4. Cover the board with a layer of varnish, then apply another 2-3 layers. After this, dry for 24 hours.
	5. Rub linseed oil onto the other side of the board.
	6. Let the product dry, the composition is ready.

Decoupage on plastic: video instructions with comments

Here we need plastic - it is sold in any hobby store.

1. We prepare the surface. To do this, wipe it with an alcohol solution and remove the label. Next, apply a layer of acrylic paint.
2. Cut out the required design.
3. The next step is to squeeze a drop of glue onto the resulting plastic form, after which a paper cutout is glued onto it. Cover the outside of the paper cutout with glue - this way it can be varnished (in such cases we recommend using a special glue varnish).
4. Place the finished form in the oven. After frying, make a magnet from the plastic blank by attaching magnetic tape to its base with glue.

Decoupage for beginners from napkins: step-by-step instructions for beginners, 5 stages with photos, videos

	1. Take a piece of file and place the napkin face down on it. First, separate two layers from the napkin.
	2. Pour some water onto a napkin and smooth the edges with a brush.
	3. Apply the file to the surface and remove excess air bubbles with a brush.
	4. Slowly tear the file off the surface, leaving a pattern on it.
	5. Apply a layer of glue over the design with a brush. After this we cover it with a layer of varnish.

You can see more clearly how decoupage is made from napkins in the video.

Decoupage cutting board for beginners - video instructions and comments

Using technology, they also decorate a wooden board. How to do it? We follow the instructions:

1. First, the surface of the board will need to be primed. To do this, white acrylic paint is applied to it (this is done with a sponge, in two layers and allowed to dry).
2. The required composition is cut out from the selected napkin. Only one layer is needed, so if the napkin has two layers, then you will have to part with one.
3. We place the drawing on the surface and carefully cover it with a layer of glue (diluted in proportions 50/50). To prevent the napkin from being damaged, try to smooth out the resulting wrinkles (and they will certainly form) with light movements of the brush.
4. Let the glue dry a little.
5. It's time to cover the board with acrylic varnish (initially it will be white, but as it dries it will become transparent). It wouldn't hurt to coat the board with furniture varnish.
6. Wait until the varnish dries and use the board for its intended purpose.

Video master class on fabric with comments

A few words about the technique of decoupage on fabric.

1. The fabric is laid out on the surface so that there are no folds. The finished drawing is placed on the surface and leveled (with your hands and with a roller). The placement is indicated by a disappearing marker.
2. PVA glue is applied to the area marked for the drawing, where it is expected to dry completely. If the glue is thick, dilute with warm water.
3. If the drawing is transferred from a napkin, do not forget to remove the bottom layer. The top one needs to be applied to the place where the glue has already dried.
4. The top of the napkin should be covered with wax paper and then ironed. Ironing is carried out from the middle to the edge, the procedure lasts no more than 5 minutes.

Advice: A little advice - to prevent the work surface from being damaged by glue, place a plastic bag or a stationery file under the fabric.

Full version of the master class on video.

Decoupage from eggshells - video and useful tips

Interesting patterns can be made using ordinary eggshells. Let's see what comes of this.

Use a plastic plate that has been pre-plastered and degreased.

1. Apply glue to the surface of the plate so that the shells do not “float” in it.
2. We take the shell, divide it into not too large pieces, and lay it out with the concave side inward.
3. Use a toothpick to break the shells to the required size.
4. It is necessary to make the shells the same color - to do this, paint over them in two layers (drying).
5. When the surface is level, place the shells on the glue.
6. After this, glue the napkin. We glue with light movements using a brush or a finger dipped in water so as not to tear the napkin.
7. Let the product dry and then decorate the room with it.

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:

1. 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!
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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”.