A complete guide to... DECOUPAGE

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1 A complete guide to... DECOUPAGE What is decoupage Creating decoupage Types of decoupage Decoupage basics Essential tools Advanced techniques

2 A complete guide to... DECOUPAGE What is decoupage? 3D decoupage or paper tole involves layering multiple cutouts from the same picture to form one 3D image. In this complete guide we will provide you with some handy hints and tips, to allow you to master this intricate craft technique, which in turn creates some stunning visual effects. Please feel free to pass this guide on to friends and family you think may benefit from it! All pictures have a background and foreground. In between there are hidden layers - it s your job to piece them one on top of each other, to create a 3D picture. Decoupage can be created in three different ways, which we ve detailed below. Create your own image Create your own decoupage layers by selecting your image, and making multiple copies of it at the same size. Once printed, you need to look at the image and decide what would be in the foreground, middle-ground and background if the picture were real. Start from the background, which would be the full image, and work towards you, cutting out part of the background on each layer. Once you have your layers cut out, you can start to build your decoupage. If you are confident on the computer, this process can be carried out before you print out the images.

3 Standard decoupage sheets Alternatively you could use a ready-printed 3D decoupage sheet, with images printed in a step-by-step format. These can be cut out and layered on top of each other. Decoupage sheets are readily available from most craft shops, and come in a variety of styles and themes. These can be cut out and layered on top of each other. Most Crafter s Companion CD-ROMs feature decoupage designs, and many also feature more advanced techniques, such as pyrimage, twisterpage and invertiage. These techniques follow the same principles as decoupage, but with a twist. Die-cut decoupage Finally, the easiest option - and that which many beginners prefer - is a die-cut decoupage sheet. On these, the images are not only pre-printed in the multiple layers, but they ve also been pre-cut and are ready to layer. Die-cut decoupage is becoming more and more popular, and has allowed for more intricate designs to be used in decoupage. As with standard decoupage sheets, there is a multitude of themes and designs available in die-cut forms. Just remember - number each layer on the reverse once you punch them out so that you don t forget the correct order to assemble the pieces!

4 Decoupage Basics So, now you ve got your sheets or images we ll show you how to turn them into fabulous 3D designs. You ll be amazed how simple this is! Step 1 Choose the design you will work with. Cut or push out the base layer or background. This will form the base of your decoupaged image. Mount the base layer onto your card or project. Step 2 Cut the next layer out and stick it directly on top of your base print using foam pads, silicone glue or 3D glue gel. Apply glue by holding the tube about 1mm above the print, squeezing and gently pulling away to the required height. Step 3 Position the second layer above the base or background so as not to leave a gap around the image edes, to create a flowing 3D effect. You can shape the higher levels of your image by wrapping your cutout around your finger or your scoring tool. Step 4 To add more height you can continue to layer for a much more dramatic result. You can also achieve greater height by using silicone glue or 3D glue gel.

5 Decoupage essentials Foam Pads The advantage to using foam pads to build up decoupage is that they re clean, easy to use, and don t create too much mess. You also get an instant adhesion. There are various sizes of pads on the market - mini foam pads for more intricate designs, up to large ones for larger images which need more stability. Silicone Glue Place blobs of silicone glue onto your image and position each layer onto the glue. This has the benefit of allowing you to control the height of your layers by adjusting the amount of silicone applied. Once your next layer is placed on top, you can use tweezers to adjust the placement of your layer until you are happy with it. You can also shape the latter layers of your image and use silicone glue to hold this shape - something which cannot be achieved with foam pads. The Collall silicone glue comes complete with a syringe and key to ensure the easiest application, and is available to buy from.

6 3D Glue Gel 3D glue gel is an all-purpose craft glue, suitable for cardmaking, decoupage, scrapbooking and many other types of crafts. It is ideal for use on paper, polystyrene, plastic, glass, ceramics, mirrors, wood and various metals. Glue gel is a completely odourless, silicon-free, acid-free flexible filler adhesive that dries crystal clear. It has all the same advantages and disadvantages of silicone glue, but with the added bonus that as it is silicone-free, it is also odour-free! Collall Glue Gel comes complete with a syringe and key to ensure easy application, and is available from. Printable Decoupage paper If you choose to create your own decoupage from photos, or if you like to print your designs from CD-ROMs you will require printable decoupage paper to give you the best results. The specialist paper is ideal for printing on, and enables easy cutting, giving a professional finish every time. Printable decoupage paper is available from.

7 Advanced Techniques Overcutting Use this technique to create a more natural finish. For example, when forming a rose head, by cutting into occasional petals and shaping them, a slight overlap will occur. This can create extra dimension, especially if using silicone. Simply cut into the next layer, to create an overlap in the image - this stops gaps appearing. If you cannot see where the layers are joined together it makes the image look more realistic. Moveable decoupage Recently the movable decoupage craze has been sweeping through the craft world. These fun sheets allow you to add movement as well as depth to your projects. Simply cut out the base layer and mount onto card. Attach movable layers with split pins, then finally attach the top layer with 3D foam pads, to cover the pin, but without hindering movement. We have a great Cards on the Move kit available online! Dressing Up Once you re confident with decoupage you can try to make your own. Start with multiple print outs of any image and trim away parts of the images to build your layers.

8 Decoupage Kits Decoupage kits are perfect for those who want to try a bit of everything. You tend to get multiple decoupage sheets in a pack, along with additional embellishments, and sometimes even the adhesive you will require, all for a very reasonable rate. Crafter s Companion stock fantastic value kits from Reddy across a number of themes, with something for everyone. For all your decoupage needs, visit our multi-award winning web site!