decoupage - Crafter`s Companion

A complete guide to...
DECOUPAGE
What is decoupage • Creating decoupage • Types of decoupage
Decoupage basics • Essential tools • Advanced techniques
www.crafterscompanion.co.uk
A complete guide to...
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.
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A Complete Guide to... Decoupage © Crafter’s Companion 2010
What is decoupage?
Standard decoupage sheets
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!
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A Complete Guide to... Decoupage © Crafter’s Companion 2010
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 Basics
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.
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A Complete Guide to... Decoupage © Crafter’s Companion 2010
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!
Decoupage essentials
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 www.crafterscompanion.co.uk.
www.crafterscompanion.co.uk
A Complete Guide to... Decoupage © Crafter’s Companion 2010
Foam Pads
3D Glue Gel
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
www.crafterscompanion.co.uk.
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 www.crafterscompanion.co.uk.
www.crafterscompanion.co.uk
A Complete Guide to... Decoupage © Crafter’s Companion 2010
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.
Advanced Techniques
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.
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A Complete Guide to... Decoupage © Crafter’s Companion 2010
Overcutting
Decoupage Kits
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!
www.crafterscompanion.co.uk
A Complete Guide to... Decoupage © Crafter’s Companion 2010
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.