True Confessions Of A Decoupage Addict

My name is Wanda and I am a decoupage addict.  You see, it all started when I did my first post on decoupage.  I had no idea how deep I would fall in love with this craft.  And I certainly didn't know that I would crave it, and want to do it every chance I get.

 As I got deeper into my addiction, I started using more and more.....magazine paper, cereal, boxes, labels, receipts, old books, vintage images, I used them all.  I was totally hooked!.  

Then I starting seeing things I never noticed before.  

Colors and textures in the most unlikely places...

I would see a cereal box or the print on a receipt and I would go "aha! that would be perfect on a collage".  No kidding.  Now, I see potential everywhere.  Whether its an image, a scrap of paper, or simply being inspired by my surroundings, I am in hyper creative mode......and lovin it!   

Now I know that addictions are traumatic and sometimes require interventions, but don't worry about me, my addiction has no side affects except for one.  I just can't stop smiling..... 

Made from fashion magazines and acrylic paint

Made from home decor magazines, labels and acrylic paint

Made from fashion and decor magazines, accented with acrylic paint

This one I made on the day Oprah aired her last show.  I guess it was therapy? lol.

For more on my art check out www.heavensentart.etsy.com

Cherio!

Tearin It Up Decoupage Style!

 Decoupage.   This is one of those words that sounds so much more exclusive, and complicated than it really is. Though the end results can look very expensive and  high end, decoupage is actually very simple.  If you can cut and paste paper, congrats, you can decoupage my friend. 

A few days ago I  started experimenting with this very exciting craft. I must say that I am so happy I tried it.  It is so very easy to do....even therapeutic and relaxing.  I didn't even use a scissors to cut the paper, I just ripped them up by hand. Oh, and I did it all while watching a movie.  Ahhh.....good times.


The first two images are collages I made from magazine pages.  More to come!  

To Try this,  all you need to do is:

1. Glue your choice of decorative paper to a flat surface or object. Could be a piece of furniture, mirror, plate, vase, old suit case, a mannequin and so much more......think outside the box and have fun!

2.  You then follow with a coat of glue/decoupage medium to protect the images you glued down.  You can use white glue or a decoupage medium like mod podge.

3.  When its dry, follow with a coat or two of clear varnish.

Decoupage Tips

Use a Popsicle Stick to help smooth out wrinkles and removed excess glue.  

Use a Foam Brush to spread glue onto the item you will decoupage. If you don't have a foam brush, you can use an ordinary paint brush or a cotton swab.  

Use Scissors to cut out pictures and other images you will be decoupaging. When cutting pictures with small details, use a utility knife.  


Rip paper free hand for a more organic look.

 Use Tweezers to help when positioning small pictures.  

Keep a Damp Rag/towel nearby to wipe up excess glue and for clean up.

Check for bubbles as your decoupage dries. If one forms,  pop it with a pin or utility knife and then smooth it down with your fingers.  

Where can I find pictures and images to decoupage?

What I like most about decoupage is that you can actually recycle all of those old magazines and damaged books into something beautiful and meaningful.  From your kids doodles....ahem...I mean Art, to perhaps love letters from the husband, this is a great way to preserve and showcase them.

hgtv

You can also decoupage with: 

Catalogs, wrapping paper, wall paper fabric, fabric napkins, greeting cards, post cards, photographs, travel brochures, handbills, programs, garden seed packages, foil covered paper, paper doilies, ribbon, posters, dried flowers, tissue paper, and more. And, as if this isn't enough, you can buy paper specifically made for decoupage. The options are endless.  

Here some fabulous decoupage pieces for inspiration.  Enjoy!

Bombus

Bombus

idoallmyownstunts

Photo source unknown

craftzine

chameleon-interiors

artatheart

pinkpigwestport

design2share

rhinestonearmadillo

Well, thats all for now.  Am off to tear tear up some paper. Cherio!