Looking for a screen-free, all-hands-on-deck activity that can give you hours of creative fun? Decoupage is an easy craft that you can learn in a jiffy, and can use to upcycle objects around your home. It’s a very unique way to breathe new life into an old chest of drawers, for instance, or to create a stunning vase out of an empty beer bottle. Once you’ve learnt this art (and we promise it’s really simple!), you’ll find endless ways to apply decoupage art in your home decor.
From ideas to how tos, find all you need in this comprehensive beginner’s guide!
First Up, What Is Decoupage?
The word ‘decoupage’ has its origins in French (probably why it sounds so fancy!). ‘Decouper’, in French, means ‘to cut out’ and that’s basically what you’ll be doing with this craft. Decoupage is all about gluing paper, fabric, lace or other scraps onto wood, metal, cardboard, ceramics or glass, and then applying a coat of decoupage medium to seal and finish the surface.
Read Also: Spruce up Your Home with These Glass Painting Ideas
Ready to begin? Here’s a stepwise guide.
Creative Decoupage DIY Guide
Here’s what you will need:
- Scissors
- Patterned paper – tissue paper or pictures from magazines are good for beginners
- Decoupage glue to stick the paper
- Glue brush
- An empty tin can
- Twine, to wind around the tin can and make the surface even
- Varnish – glossy varnish works very well for this craft
- Fine sandpaper
Step By Step Guide to start Decoupage
And here’s how to do it!
Step 1
Make sure that the surface of the tin can is clean and perfectly dry.
Step 2
If the can is serrated, wind twine around from one end to the other, to make it even. Glue the twine down so that it does not unwind.
Step 3
Choose the pictures that you want to stick on the can, and cut them out neatly. Plan how to stick it on the can, which side will go up and so on. Arrange the pictures on the dry can first to see how they look, before you start applying glue.
Step 4
Next, carefully place the tissue or paper over the surface of the tin can, following the composition you have decided upon, and smoothing it down with the glue and brush. You can also use a small squeegee. If the paper is thin, it will stretch and tear so this step must be done with great care.
Step 5
Build up the design by sticking more pieces of cut paper. You can use a craft knife to cut the edges and blend one picture into the other.
Step 6
If there are any white edges around the pictures, you can colour them in using a felt pen so that the pictures and colours look good together.
Step 7
Wipe off extra glue using a sponge that has been squeezed till it is almost dry.
Step 8
Once the glue is completely dry (you might want to leave it overnight for this) you can brush on the clear varnish using a flat brush. Every time the varnish dries, you can sand it lightly and wipe off all the dust. Keep repeating this process till you get the perfect glossy finish you’re looking for. This might take up to 15 coats of varnish—so you will need tonnes of patience!
Here Are Some Decoupage Ideas!
- This lovely dresser set exudes old world charm, with delicate rose patterns on the bucket, hair brush and picture frame. It doesn’t get much prettier than this!
- We love this tray, created using a base coat of distressed paint that frames the grey and white patterned squares.
- Here, a plain cardboard box has been transformed into a charming jewellery box by using gift wrap paper with floral patterns. Note how the edges don’t need to match—that’s part of the charm of decoupage art!
- A larger project like this chest of drawers could take a week or more to complete. Only the drawer faces are decoupaged; the trims and frames are painted in a dark green enamel paint that highlights the patterns chosen.
- Perfect for your bedside table, this matching clock and earring boxes are done up in pretty blue paper with a Japanese-style cherry blossom theme.
- The head of a ram sporting decorated horns adds quirky interest to this otherwise plain white chest of drawers. Note how the golden knobs seem to form part of the design!
- A pretty pickle jar has been upcycled into a plant holder. We love the delicate sprigs of green leaves on the aesthetically cracked background.
- This lovely wooden chair has been given a new lease on life, with floral decoupage on the back and down the legs. Dark green paint on the back and leg supports creates contrast and visual interest.
- Just how delightful are these ceramic cookie jars! The old-fashioned lettering goes beautifully well with the peach background and pretty images of birds.
- This compact chest of drawers can sit on your dresser top and hold trinkets, earrings and what nots. The wooden frame is given a distressed finish, while the drawers and sides sport gay designs of birds and flowers.
Ready to jump on the decoupage bandwagon? Let HomeLane lend a hand! We’ll guide you on decoupage colours, designs, themes and more. And while we’re at it, we can also handhold you through the rest of your home décor journey!
