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Newcomers to découpage suddenly view every piece of paper as a potential artistic medium and every household object as a blank canvas – even those who say they have no creative bones in their bodies.
Traditionally découpage – “to cut out” – is a time-consuming craft in which pieces of patterned paper are applied to wooden household objects. The applications are slowly built up in layers of varnish that must dry between coats until the paper pattern melds with the host object beneath in an utterly smooth, immaculate surface. Complementary paint colours including silver or gold may be added to trim edges or fill in the background.
The concept of découpage has been popular for centuries but is now shaking off its fusty image with new techniques and a refreshing approach to stylish design. Lorraine Meissner, a self-taught expert with her own business called Creative Stuff, says découpage can create any look – classic, contemporary, cottage, funky or elegant – and even those shy of being creative can embellish plain objects to make them more beautiful.
The greatest advance for the home découper is modern water-based varnishes, which perform better and are easier to use than oil-based versions. Lorraine has gathered the best glues and varnishes and basic tools and techniques so that she can easily build up the layers of paper patterns and varnish for a perfect finish in just a few sessions.
Possibilities for patterns are unlimited: wallpaper, wrapping paper, children’s drawings, paper serviettes, magazine clippings, family photos, even photocopies of your favourite material. And items suitable for découpage needn’t be new: the technique is a wonderful way to rejuvenate just about anything around the house. Done correctly, it can offer a reasonably waterproof, heat-resistant result. Struggling to find a lampshade to match those vintage curtains? Photocopy the fabric and apply the paper using découpage.
How to découpage a tissue box
You need: Tissue box, paper of your choice, gold paint, hairdryer, sandpaper, metal ruler, craft knife, 2 x foam applicators, glue, varnish.
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Sand box edges then, using a metal ruler and craft knife, cut a piece of paper to fit the top of the box with a 5mm border. Glue the top surface and apply paper, rubbing well to expel bubbles. Glue down the border. Fold corners and trim off with craft knife. When dry, cut opening of box with craft knife. Sand all paper edges on opening. |
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Repeat process for front and back of box, cutting paper to fit top edge exactly, but leaving 1mm excess at base. |
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When dry, trim off base with craft knife. Sand edge of the paper at base. Repeat this process for other two sides. |
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Roll on two coats of varnish to paper only, drying between coats. Run a line of gold paint down both the side and top edges. Dry with hairdryer. Then use gold paint around opening and base to cover edge of paper. Apply one more coat of varnish, covering all surfaces including inside and rim. Use a brush to remove excess in corners of box. Dry.
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Web Exclusive - How to découpage a carry allWhat you’ll need: Wooden caddy, sandpaper, paintbrush, paint – white and gold, paint roller, paper in the pattern of your choice, metal ruler, a craft knife, varnish, cork. We used: MDF base items from www.creativestuff.co.nz (you could also try your local craft and home stores); paper products from various stationers and speciality stores.
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Preparation
1. Sand all edges of caddy until they’re smooth.
2. Roll two coats of paint on to the inside of the caddy and along the rims, drying between coats with a hairdryer. Use a paintbrush for corners if necessary.
3. Lightly sand painted surfaces.
4. Brush on two coats of gold paint on outer rims, rim of handle and opening of handle, drying between coats. |
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Add paper
1. Cut a piece of paper for one of the longer sides of the caddy. Rub sheet of paper over the side of the caddy to make crease lines. Using these lines as a guide, cut with 5mm extra on sides and about 10mm extra on base and top. Cut the paper on the back (the white side) using a metal ruler and craft knife.
2. Apply glue to one surface of one long side of caddy bin (foam applicators are best for this). Apply paper, rubbing surface and sides.
3. Fold the 5mm border around sides and glue down. Fold 10mm border under base and glue down. Do not glue the top edge down.
4. When dry, trim excess paper on top with the craft knife. Ensure all edges are glued down; sand all paper edges.
5. Repeat with opposite side.
6. Repeat for the shorter sides but, on the sides only, cut the paper exactly on the fold line so the edges of the paper exactly match the sides of the caddy. |
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Finishing
1. Roll on two coats of varnish to the paper, drying in between coats, to seal.
2. With flat side of brush, run a line of gold paint down the edges at the sides and the top to cover the paper.
3. Roll on one more coat of varnish to all surfaces and edges. Use a paintbrush to remove excess varnish in corners. Dry.
4. Using a foam applicator, apply a moderate coat of glue to the base of the caddy. Cut a piece of 1mm thick cork about 10-20mm larger than the base. Press glued caddy onto cork. Leave for at least half an hour until dry.
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Cork bottom finishing
1. Place the caddy on a board and use the craft knife to trim the excess cork, holding the knife flat and precisely on the edge.
2. Sand the edge of cork to soften and round.
3. Enjoy. |
Story: Rebecca Hayter
Photographs: Kelley Eady Loveridge
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