Découpage

Découpage

Taking its name from the French verb 'découper' meaning 'to cut out', this technique involves cutting out full sheets or shapes of paper and applying them to a surface using paint and lacquer.

In this lesson you will need:

• A piece of furniture
• Shellac, if needed
• Warm soapy sponge
• Paper - you can use whatever kind you like, from wrapping paper to tissue paper, or even wallpaper. You can also get paper specifically for découpage, but it's not essential. I have also developed my own range of découpage papers
• Scissors
• Glue - I am using the Image Medium from my range
• Flat brush
• Squeegee - I prefer to use my hand, but this using a squeegee might work better for you
• Craft knife
• Paint
• Detail brushes

Colours used:

• Olive
• Old White
• Old Ochre

1. Begin by preparing your paper. If you are working with full sheets, make sure you have enough to cover the surface. Cut out any smaller pieces you're using and think about where you might position them. This is the part where you can really take your time to create the look you want.

1. If you are using a full sheet and need to join two pieces together, tearing the paper rather than cutting it can create a softer join.

1. For smaller pieces of paper, I would put the glue onto the paper and then stick it to the surface. However, for a larger sheet of paper I apply the glue to the surface and then stick the paper down. You'll need a fairly generous amount of glue and it should be applied evenly.

1. Don't worry if the paper stretches or bubbles slightly - just continue to smooth it down. Work systematically across the surface. You'll need to be relatively quick so the glue doesn't dry before you're finished! You may need to apply extra glue to secure the edges of the paper.

1. Once the paper is all secure, use glue over the top to varnish the entire surface.

1. If you have overhang at the edges, wait until the glue is dry and trim these later with a craft knife.

1. You can touch up any edges with paint to make the finish neater and more sleek.

1. To soften the effect of the découpage, you can mix a colour that's similar to the background and use the paint to blend and merge the transition between the paper and surface.

1. Paint can also be used on top to add extra decorative elements - try to 'feather' the paint, using only a tiny amount and very delicately.

1. When you've completely finished, apply a final layer of glue or lacquer to seal the piece and protect your hard work!

Tips:

• Work with the piece of furniture you have - découpage can be used to accentuate design details such as panels.
• When working out your composition, think about positioning your pieces to tell stories as well as to create visual balance.