Tutorial for How to Decoupage

Decoupage can be as simple as a single picture glued onto an item.

Decoupage is the art of decorating objects by cutting out pictures and gluing the images onto the surface of the object. Decoupage projects can be basic, with a lone image placed in the middle of a wooden object, for example, or can feature multiple images cut out and laid one atop the other to fully cover an item such as a glass lamp. The base item for your decoupage project can be nearly any glass, wood or metal object, as long as your glue can adhere to it.

Things You'll Need

• Item to decorate
• Sandpaper (optional)
• Paint (optional)
• Pictures
• Laser printer
• Scissors
• Decoupage glue
• Bowl
• Paint brush
• Decoupage glaze

Instructions

1. Sand the base item if it is made of wood.

2. Wash the base item with soap and water, then dry thoroughly, if using glass.

3. Paint the base item if using a metal object.

4. Print out the pictures you wish to use from a laser printer, as ink-jet printings will run when glue is applied. If you do not have a laser printer take the images to a copy center and have laser copies made. Many office-supply stores contain copy centers.

5. Carefully cut out the images.

6. Place the pictures and check your desired placements.

7. Apply a thin layer of glue to the back of the image being affixed, using a paint brush to apply.

8. Place the image down onto the object.

9. Brush over the top side of the picture with glue, starting at the center of the picture, then expanding out toward the edge of the picture.

10. Smooth the picture with your finger to remove any bubbles.

11. Wipe off excess glue around the perimeter of the picture being secured.

12. Repeat for any additional pictures.

References

• The Artful Crafter; Decoupage Methods