Picture Ideas for a Decoupage

Photographs, postcards and book illustrations can be used to make decoupage art.

If you can cut and paste, you can make a decoupage picture. Decoupage is made by cutting out pictures or photos, gluing them onto a smooth surface, and covering them with a protective medium. You can use almost any flat surface as a backing for decoupage. Wood, picture frames, mat board, cardboard and foam core are suitable surfaces.

Picture Frame

Decorate a picture frame with decoupage. Use a smooth, wooden frame. Think of a theme, such as seashells, wildflowers or birthdays. Collect paper items with pictures and designs for your theme. Some items that work well for decoupage are postage stamps, scraps of gift wrap, wallpaper and greeting cards.

Cut or tear out the images and glue them onto the picture frame with a decoupage medium. Flatten with a wooden Popsicle stick, and use a pin to pop any holes that appear. Allow to dry, and cover the art with a few coats of decoupage medium to protect it.

Wine or Beer Labels

Collect interesting wine labels or your favorite beer labels. To remove the labels, soak the bottles in warm water. Remove from the water, gently raise one corner of the label and peel it off. Allow the labels to dry thoroughly. Use a flat piece of wood, stretched canvas or colored mat board as a backing.

Brush a decoupage medium on the back of the labels with a foam brush or paintbrush and place on the board. Move the labels around to make an interesting design. Allow them to dry, and cover with a few coats of decoupage medium.

Illustrations

Remove a colored illustration from a book or magazine. Flowers, birds and wildlife illustrations make attractive decoupage pictures. Cover the back of the picture with decoupage medium. Place the illustration in the center of a flat surface, such as a piece of wood. Allow to dry, and cover with a few coats of decoupage medium to seal and protect it.

Family Photos

Make a collage with family photos. To make an interesting design, cut or tear the edges of the photos so they are not all square. Brush a decoupage medium on the back of the photos and place them on a smooth surface at different angles. You can use a stretched canvas, colored mat board or foam core for the background. Almost any flat, smooth surface will work.

Cover the entire surface except for a 1-inch border around the collage. Allow to dry, and cover with a few coats of decoupage medium. Decorate the border area with glitter. Frame the collage without covering it with glass. The decoupage medium will protect the photographs.

References

• Richards Arts and Crafts: How to Decoupage
• Crafty Frog: Fire Frog's Decoupage Page
• The Artful Crafter: Decoupage Ideas & Patterns

Resources

• The Artful Crafter: Decoupage Articles
• Save-on-crafts: Decoupage Craft Supplies