Making gifts using decoupage techniques is really easy and inexpensive. You can easily personalize a gift making it extra special to the person you give it to. After you get the hang of doing decoupage, you can even earn some money doing it!
When you first start to decoupage, make sure to use copies of what you using. There could be a lot of heartbreak if you mess up a special picture or newspaper clipping. If you are like me, it’s a little scary at first, but you will soon realize it’s not only easy, it's fun! Here are some simple steps to follow for your decoupage project.
First, find a picture or newspaper clipping you would like to use. It can be a picture from a magazine, a special newspaper clipping with your child's name in it, or a picture that you want to display in a special way. I have heard that it's not advised to use pictures printed from your computer, as they tend to bleed. I have never tried it, so I can't say for sure this will happen, but I wanted to warn you. If it works with a printer picture let me know!!
Next find something you want to put your picture or clipping on. I mostly use glass plates and make gifts for people. I have also used pieces of wood. You have to make sure that whatever you decide to use that the surface is clean and dry before starting. If you are using wood, you must sand it down and make it smooth. Use a very fine sandpaper so it is flat and smooth when you are done. If you wish, you can paint or decorate the plate or piece of wood. Make sure everything is dry before you continue.
After you are finished cleaning, sanding and decorating the piece you will be using, it's time to put your picture or clipping on. To do this, simply use some type of adhesive (I use a thin glue such as Elmers) to attach the picture or clipping on. Make sure whatever you are using is something that will dry clear. When you have the picture/clipping on, carefully start smoothing it out. Start from the center of the picture/clipping and work your way to the edge making sure to get any wrinkles, bubbles and extra glue out. This is very important as you will end up with a "warped" look when it's dry if you don't. It also won't stay attached to your final work for long if you don't take care to do this.
When you are smoothing it, be careful not to tear the picture/clipping. I use a sponge brush on my pieces. They are very soft and easy to work with--not to mention inexpensive. Other things you can use to get the job done are paintbrushes and even your fingers. If you do tear your piece when working with it, don't forget that you are using glue, so just piece it back together the best you can. Most of the time after it's finished you can't even tell it's torn. After this is dry (about 3 or 4 minutes) you can add another picture or clipping if you would like. Be careful not to move the first piece around when you put the second picture on.
When you have the piece looking the way you want it, it is time to put the top coating on. You can use any type of varnish or polyurethane. There is even decoupage glue in craft stores if you would like. Truthfully, anything that dries clear will work. I have gone to local stores and bought a spray paint can of acrylic and used for the top of my plates and they dry very clear and shiny. I have also made my own glaze using three parts glue to one part water. To put the top coat on, simply take a paintbrush or sponge brush and apply a thin coat over your project. If you are using an Elmer's glue or decoupage glue for the coating, it will appear cloudy, but within a few minutes of drying, it will start to clear up. Please don't touch this top coat for a few hours!! I have messed up many projects by handling them too soon after applying the top coat. It really doesn't take long to dry, but the bottom of the coating may still be wet and move (kind of like fingernail polish!!). The best thing to do is apply the top coat and then find something to do for a while just to make sure not to mess it up.
After the top coat is dry, you can add another layer if you would like. I usually put on at least two layers unless I am using the acrylic paint. When it is completely dry, you can add decorations to the top if you want. I have added small flowers, sequins, and beads before. Whatever you do, just have fun and be creative! Don't forget, mistakes are just a different way of doing something! Some of my best pieces have turned out because of a "mistake" I have made.
When you have mastered the art of decoupage, you can make many different things. I have made wedding gifts for people by taking their wedding invitation and putting it on either a pretty plate or a nice piece of wood and decorating it. If you know what their wedding colors are, you can decorate it with little flowers of that color or use wedding decorations. This makes a really nice keepsake and the bride and groom always love it! There are countless things you can do once you get started. You can decorate your children's furniture, your walls even your kitchen table! I have taken pictures of the kids throughout the years and applied them to the dining room table. This makes for really neat dinner conversation! One really neat look is to find a clear glass plate and glue your picture on the bottom. Make sure you glue the picture face up on the bottom so you can see it when you face the plate to you. Smooth the picture out to get extra glue and air bubbles out. When the picture is dry, put your glue all over the bottom of the plate with a paintbrush. Then take a piece of tissue paper and smooth is over the back. The tissue paper may tear, and it will probably look wrinkled, but it really looks good in the end that way. After the bottom of your plate is dry, turn it over and decorate the front with a frame, flowers, or just about anything. When it is finished, it will look 3-D. This is a tricky project, but it is really worth it! Just be patient!
There are many sites with different ideas. Take a look and have some fun!! Happy decorating!
