How to Decoupage With Photos

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Things You'll Need

  • Decoupage surface

  • Photographs

  • Scissors

  • Decoupage glue

  • Foam brush

  • Spray sealer

Decoupage allows you to display your favorite photographs in a creative way. Cover a wooden cube with photos, cut them out to decorate a picture frame, or glue them onto the outside of a paper or wood box. You can decoupage photographs onto any smooth surface that glue adheres to. Decoupage glue, available from craft stores, doesn't damage the photos or cause the colors to run. It provides a clear protective coating that seals the photographs against damage.

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Step 1

Cut the photographs down so they fit on the decoupage surface, if necessary. Options include cutting people or objects out of the photo or trimming the edges with decorative-edge scissors to give the photograph a cut border.

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Step 2

Arrange the photographs on the decoupage surface. Move them around until you are happy with the design.

Step 3

Remove one photo from the design at a time. Dip a foam brush in the decoupage glue and coat the back of the photograph with the glue. Reapply the photograph to the surface and smooth it on with your fingertips. Repeat for each photo until they are all glued down.

Step 4

Paint a layer of decoupage glue over the top of the photographs with a foam brush. Allow the glue to dry completely then apply a second coat.

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Step 5

Spray the surface of the finished decoupage with a gloss or matte clear acrylic sealer. The sealer protects the glue and photographs from moisture damage and gives the piece a finished look. Allow the sealer to dry before using or displaying the decoupage.

Tip

Make photocopies of photographs for use in decoupage so you don't have to cut the original photograph.

Add embellishments to the piece after gluing it but before applying the sealer. Glitter, scrapbook embellishments and rhinestones add sparkle to the finished piece.

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