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How to do decoupage step by step instructions. Decoupage for beginners: step by step with a photo of a bottle, on wood, on plastic, from napkins, on fabric, and this is not a complete list! Getting Started

The article will tell you in detail and show you how to create crafts of incredible beauty for home decor using the popular decoupage technique.

Decoupage is a modern trend in creativity and needlework, which involves the use of fabrics and paper to create beautiful decoration of familiar things: furniture, jewelry boxes, dishes, boxes and much more.

Decoupage can be flat and voluminous, artistic and in the spirit of minimalism. This creativity is within the power of an experienced needlewoman and a complete beginner. If you have the opportunity, carefully study the instructions for working in this article and watch the video master classes.

What is required for work:

  • Special decoupage base- thin paper with the selected pattern or pattern.
  • Glue- special for decoupage or regular PVA
  • Stationery knife
  • sharp scissors, may also require manicure for smaller clippings.
  • Ruler
  • Simple pencil and eraser
  • Fine sandpaper (paper)

How to get started:

  • First, you should decide on what surface you will decorate: cans, wooden boxes, cardboard boxes or glass bottles.
  • The selected surface should be prepared: washed and wiped thoroughly.
  • If you have chosen a wooden material for work, then it should be pre-prepared by wiping it with sandpaper.
  • In the event that the selected wooden material has cracks, they must be covered with putty.
  • Preparing the material for decoupage is simple: you can leave it in its original form or open it with acrylic paint.
  • Before starting work without applying glue, you should place the cut out patterns from special paper on the surface to determine the design.
  • Apply glue to the selected surface in an even layer, apply the glue to the paper as well.
  • Glue each drawing very carefully, straightening even the smallest folds so that the work is beautiful.
  • After the glue has dried, the pattern should be varnished.
  • The varnish is applied with a brush or sponge in two layers, after the first has dried.

Video: "Decoupage master class for beginners"

How to make decoupage from napkins for beginners step by step with a photo: technique, master class

A napkin with a pattern is an ideal material for decoupage. In stores, you can find a large selection of designs on napkins of various themes, which makes it possible to create crafts of extraordinary beauty in the chosen style.

Step by step:

Simple decoupage of a flower pot using a napkin

Decoupage soap with a napkin

Decoupage hangers using napkins

Decoupage of champagne bottles: photos of works and ideas

Bottle decoupage is the most popular, as it is not difficult to find an empty bottle, and the finished work looks very beautiful and is easy to decorate a house with. Also, modern manufacturers of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks allow you to choose a glass bottle of any shape.

Decorated wine bottles

Work step by step:

  • Wash the bottle thoroughly from the inside and outside, dry.
  • If you are gluing a bright image, you should open the glass with white acrylic paint (or any other color). Acrylic paint is resistant to moisture and varnish, retains brightness.
  • Carefully cut patterns and pictures from napkins
  • Open the bottle with glue and pictures from the back
  • Glue by gently smoothing the paper, avoiding wrinkles.
  • Wait for it to dry and open the bottle with varnish, dry it and put another layer of varnish.
  • Decorate the dried bottle with lace, twine, canvas, or other decorative elements to your liking.

Video: “Decoupage bottles: master class”

Decoupage of a glass vase: photos of works and ideas

An old flower vase can be very successfully transformed using a technique such as decoupage. So you can create a country-style vase for a country house or to support the overall style of the room. A large selection of art papers will help you accurately determine the perfect image for a vase.

Decoupage of a vase using special paper

Decoupage and craquelure on a vase

IMPORTANT: The vase should be opened with acrylic paints or stained glass paints. They are moisture resistant and will not leak when in contact with water. After applying the pattern, open the product with varnish twice or thrice.

Video: "Decoupage of a plastic bottle under a vase"

Decoupage boxes: photos of works and ideas for creativity

Every woman has a box. In it, she keeps her secrets, cosmetics, jewelry or important papers. You can transform your plastic or wooden box very simply with the help of decoupage.

Beautiful boxes:

Wooden box with decoupage decoration and lace

Stylish box using decoupage technique with your own hands

Homemade decoupage of a wooden box

Video: “Decoupage boxes: master class”

Decoupage of Easter eggs: photos of works and ideas

With the help of decoupage, you can also decorate Easter eggs for the holiday to make them incredibly beautiful and spectacular. If you are decorating decorative eggs (carved from wood or foam blanks), they can be opened with varnish.

IMPORTANT: If you intend to decorate edible eggs, they can be opened with a layer of PVA glue, which, together with the shellfish, will be removed during cleaning.

Photos of works:

Decorative Easter eggs

Beautiful Easter decor using decoupage

Volumetric decoupage of an Easter egg

Video: "Egg decoupage: master class"

Decoupage of cans: photos of finished crafts, ideas for creativity

Decoupage can decorate your kitchen utensils and jars designed to store cereals and other bulk items: sugar, salt, soda, cocoa, coffee, tea, and so on. Banks can be covered with a pattern over the entire area, or only some patterns and inscriptions can be glued.

Photos of works:

Stylish decoupage of cans

Beautiful decoupage of jars for the kitchen, decoration with lace

Decoupage of ceramic jars in the kitchen

Video: "Decorating plastic and glass jars in the kitchen"

Decoupage of plates: photos of finished crafts, ideas for creativity

A plate decorated with decoupage is necessary only for decorative purposes and the transformation of a room: a kitchen, a living room, even a bedroom. You can choose any pattern and make it carefully, as the surface is smooth and comfortable. The resulting product is placed on shelves, walls or special stands.

Photo plates:

Kitchen plate decor

Decor of plates in medieval style

Stylish multilayer decoupage plates

Video: "Decoupage plates: master class"

Decoupage of cardboard boxes: how to decorate a box?

A box decorated with decoupage can be an excellent packaging not only for storing personal items, but also for gifts. Decorating the box with decoupage is very easy, the paper lays down evenly and neatly, the box has a comfortable flat surface.

Photo boxes:

Stylish decoupage boxes

Decoupage boxes in the spirit of minimalism

Video: "Decoupage boxes: master class"

Decoupage of tea houses: photos of finished crafts, ideas

A tea house is a special box in the form of a symbolic hut with a roof, which is designed to store tea bags. It's comfortable and beautiful. A tea house is a good gift and souvenir for loved ones.

Decorating cutting boards with decoupage is only necessary for decorative purposes. Such crafts should be hung on the wall or placed in the kitchen on the shelves. As a rule, they are decorated with pictures of food, fruits, vegetables, flowers and cooked food.

Photos of works:

Beautiful decoupage cutting boards

Original decoupage boards

Boards for room decor

Video: “Decoupage of a cutting board according to all the rules: a detailed master class”

Now you can buy almost anything in stores, production and factories supply goods to the market for every taste and budget. But, despite this, things and handicrafts are now more popular than ever. The desire to express individuality, stand out from the crowd, gives rise to a desire to sew and decorate clothes on their own, make original accessories, and give unique handmade gifts.

Everyone wants to join the world of man-made beauty, but not everyone has the special skills of sewing, painting or modeling. Of course, you can learn everything, but sometimes it takes a lot of time, but you want to create right now! In this case, we recommend that you learn how to decoupage. Here, as in any work, one cannot do without artistic taste and a sense of beauty, but all this gradually comes and develops along with experience. And experience in decoupage is acquired much faster than, for example, in classical painting or sculpture :)


Decoupage(from French découper - “cut”) is a way of decorating objects by gluing on them various motifs or images cut out of paper and suitable for the artist’s artistic intent.

Using the decoupage technique, you can make things of stunning beauty! It can be something completely new - for example, preparing a box, toys, panels, etc. Having created such a thing on your own, you can present it to friends and relatives as an interesting gift.



You can also use decoupage to breathe a second life into old things and objects. Did an old chest of drawers or a grandmother's lamp bore you or no longer fit the interior? Do not rush to throw them in the trash, try to transform them with decoupage!



A simple master class on decoupage from napkins for beginners

As mentioned above, skill comes with experience. Therefore, right now we invite you to repeat our step-by-step photo master class on decoupage with napkins for beginners “Orchard” on your own. In this master class, we will decoupage cans - everyone will surely find such a thing at home, and this is an excellent basis for honing the technique!

To decoupage cans, you will need the following materials:

Foam rubber sponges (dishwashing sponge), sandpaper (220-400), Moment Crystal glue, fruit magnets, scissors, glass jars.


Master class progress

Step 1. Surface preparation for decoupage.

It is better to degrease the glass surface of the jars before starting work. Just wipe with a cloth or napkin, sprinkling the surface with any alcohol-containing substance (both vodka and glass cleaner will do). After that, we apply acrylic primer in two layers. Dry thoroughly after applying each layer. You can speed up this process with a hair dryer.

The first layer of soil can be applied with a wide flat brush, and the second - with tamping movements with a regular dishwashing sponge. After drying, the primer can be sanded with sandpaper, and then apply another layer of primer, so we will achieve greater smoothness.



If there is no acrylic primer on hand, you can replace it with any white acrylic paint, art or construction.


Step 2. Coloring with a background color.

After the primer dries, we collect acrylic paint of the background color on a new piece of foam sponge (we have the color of warm ivory). We apply two layers with tamping movements with drying of each layer.


Step 3. Preparing napkins.

We cut out the necessary motives from napkins for decoupage. Separate the extra layers of paper.

Note! Usually napkins for decoupage are two- or three-layered. For gluing, we need only the topmost, colorful layer of the napkin.


Step 4. Gluing the napkin.

We apply the top layer of the napkin to the place where, according to our plan, the drawing should be located and coat it with decoupage glue from the center to the edges. Let's dry. The glue impregnates the napkin and the image is firmly fixed on the jar.

Note! This gluing method, the simplest, is suitable for decorating small surfaces and gluing small elements of a pattern. Most often used for gluing large surfaces


Step 5. Protective varnish coating.

To protect the surface, we apply acrylic matt varnish, in four layers with intermediate drying of each.

Note! When applied, acrylic varnishes have a bluish-whitish tint. Don't worry, after drying they become completely transparent.


Step 6. Additional decor.

Having finished with decoupage, we move on to decorating the covers. If necessary, you can sand them with sandpaper and degrease them for better adhesion of the soil to the surface. We cover the covers with acrylic primer. Then we paint with acrylic paint "Acrylic-Hobby" color Chrome Oxide with a wide flat brush and dry.


Step 7 We cover with acrylic matte varnish, as well as jars in four layers with intermediate drying. It is best to use wide flat synthetic brushes with long pile for varnishing.


Step 8 As an additional decor, molds or magnets with the image of berries and fruits can be glued onto the lids using ordinary Moment glue.


That's it, the can decoupage master class is over! Now they can store tea, coffee, dried fruits, nuts, cereals.

Try to apply the decoupage technique in your work. Even if you are just starting out, you will be surprised by the ease with which ordinary things can be turned into a unique author's creation!



Depending on the selected napkin, the color scheme of the finished jar is selected. If desired, decoupage is complemented by spraying or other decorative techniques.


Once again, we briefly list the stages of work in decoupage:

1. The artistic concept of the work, the choice of image and decoupage napkins.

2. Surface preparation and priming.

3. Delamination and gluing of the napkin on decoupage glue.

4. Refinement/finishing. Perhaps, in order to realize the idea, you will need to modify the background, or slightly finish the drawing on the napkin.

5. Lacquering.

6. Additional decor on request.

Our today's master class is exclusively for beginners. I will tell you where to start so that your efforts are not wasted. Indeed, as it often happens, there seems to be a desire, and there are enough useful materials with textbooks, and the “first pancake” is able to beat off all the best undertakings at once.

And if you are still in thought and do not know which type of needlework to choose, then my arguments, I am sure, will help you decide.

To begin with, decoupage (or napkin technique) is the simplest, most inexpensive decorating technique available to everyone, suitable for absolutely any surface. You can decorate everything with decoupage - from a hot stand to a grandmother's chiffonier. After such a transformation, the thing looks not only very beautiful (as if hand-painted), but unique in every sense. Soon you will see for yourself!

The first thing you should know when starting the decoupage technique is the properties of materials. What they are, why they are suitable or not suitable for you for certain purposes. This simple knowledge, although simple at first glance, has many nuances that a beginner should be aware of.

Acrylic paint is the most important. This is where the main work begins. You can use acrylic purchased from specialty stores or regular water-based interior building paint. By the way, in the future you will see that construction paint is ideal for one-step crackle in decoupage. But be careful - building paint should not be dispersion, otherwise it will not go well.

Glue in decoupage is used special (for decoupage) and ordinary PVA (diluted with water by 1/3). Both of them have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Specialized glue is ideal for work because of its consistency, but it costs several times more than PVA (the disadvantage of PVA is that it fits worse).

Varnish. Decoupage uses a special decoupage varnish and water-based construction acrylic varnish.

Due to its consistency, decoupage varnish is ideal for coating decoupage surfaces.

Building varnish is also well suited for these purposes. In addition, it is sold at any hardware store. But you need to keep in mind that when using building varnish, decoupage involves more thorough varnishing than when using a specialized varnish.

Decoupage glue varnish (2-in-1) is suitable if you just want to understand what decoupage is. This glue is easy to handle, because (you guessed it) performs two functions at the same time.

Additional materials:

Putty. You can buy it at any hardware store. Perfect for correcting defects on wooden products and creating voluminous decoupage. Which is very convenient, since this inexpensive method eliminates the need for craftsmen to purchase expensive 3-D gels to create volumes.

Structural paste also perfectly copes with various defects in products and creates volume.

Color. In this capacity, you can use ordinary art gouache by adding it to acrylic paint. Gouache produced by “Nevskaya Palitra” has proven itself well in work, retaining its properties for a long time.

In “Nevskaya Palitra” you can also buy Perlamex and Metalex acrylic mother-of-pearl paints with gloss, wonderful metallic colors to give the product gilding, silvering and other effects.

Of course, it makes no sense for a beginner to purchase a large number of paints, colors, etc. at once. This is expensive and impractical. But a couple of shades of light gold, dark gold, you should always have on hand. I strongly advise against buying Decola paints because of their short shelf life.

An alternative to a specialized decoupage color scheme is its analogue, which is sold in ordinary hardware stores. It is indispensable when painting large areas - such as, for example, a closet, chest of drawers. The colors of burnt umber and autumn foliage are well suited for such work. The cost of building colors is low (two times cheaper than acrylic paints), and the efficiency is not lower.

Brushes and sponges. Medium sized flat synthetic brush. Indispensable for the final application of varnish.

Sponges can be used instead of brushes when applying acrylic paints to the surface of the product.

Rollers are very convenient when smoothing a decoupage card or napkin.

Spatula for working with putty.

Sandpaper perfectly copes with roughness when working with wooden products and in the case when it is necessary to remove the ends of the napkin protruding beyond the edge of the product. I advise you to purchase the most common types of sandpaper - No. 240 and No. 280.

Separately, I will dwell on the decor for decoupage. It includes:

Special napkins for decoupage
Napkins for table setting (three-layer)
Rice paper
Printouts made on a laser printer

Each of the options has its advantages, but I advise beginner decoupagers to start with napkins (regular or for decoupage). They are simpler and easier to handle.

Today we will take the first steps into the endless world of decoupage possibilities. And let's start with the simplest product.

Hot stand:

We will need:

Hot stand
Napkins for decoupage
White acrylic paint
glue varnish

1. We pre-sand the workpiece with sandpaper.
2. We cover with the first layer of acrylic paint.

3. Dry well with a hair dryer at a distance of 20-30 cm or leave until completely dry.
4. Sand again.



5. Apply the second layer of acrylic paint (don't forget to paint over the side of our stand!)
6. Cut out the napkin in the form of a stand.
7. Remove two protective layers.
8. For gluing, we use a stationery file. To do this, put a napkin in the middle of the file, fill it completely with water and smooth the bubbles with a brush - from the center to the edges.



9. Wipe excess moisture with a napkin.



10. We apply the file with a damp cloth to the base and carefully remove it.



11. Apply glue or glue varnish to a damp cloth.



12. Dry with a hair dryer or leave to dry completely.
13. Remove the rest of the napkin that extends beyond the edges of the stand with sandpaper (“zero” or “two”).



14. We apply another layer of glue varnish, which will allow us to fix the napkin for use under hot.
15. We do the same on the other side.
16. At the end of the work, if desired, the edges of our stand can be aged using the aging effect.



Useful tips when working: decoupage without folds

Not having much experience in decoupage yet, you may encounter the fact that the napkin puffs up and gathers in folds when glued. Now I will show you several ways to avoid this.

Method A: (only suitable for small areas of the napkin)

1. If our napkin consists of three layers (which is most often), remove the two lower layers, leaving only the top, colorful one.

2. With our hands (not scissors!) we tear off the desired fragment of the napkin - in this case, it organically merges with the main background of the product, which creates the illusion of a pattern.

3. We cover a fragment of a napkin with glue, moving from the center in a circle. The resulting small wrinkles can be smoothed out by slightly lifting the napkin and then smoothing it out. You need to act very carefully, because a wet wipe is very fragile.

4. Excess tissue that extends beyond the edge of the product can be removed with sandpaper. But only after the napkin dries well!

Method B:

1. Separate the colored layer of the napkin.

2. Apply it to the product.

3. Put a dot in the center of the napkin with a brush dipped in water.

4. Gently lifting the napkin, we continue to soak the motif with water in a circle, starting from the center. Here you need to be very careful not to accidentally damage the napkin at some point.

5. If, when wet, the edges of our napkin went beyond the edge of the product, then they can be removed by hand while it is still wet. We will grind small details later with sandpaper when the napkin dries.

6. We fix the still damp napkin with glue, while barely touching its surface with a brush.

7. Leave until completely dry.

What is decoupage? Decoupage is the perfect hobby. With it, you can create works of art from wood, glass, ceramics, stone and many other materials. You do not need to be able to draw, sculpt or carve; all that is needed for decoupage is imagination, the ability to see beauty in simple things, patience and the desire to transform.

History reference

Since the 15th century, this technique has been used to decorate furniture in medieval Northern Europe. Later, when trade with the east flourished, decoupage was used to imitate Chinese and Japanese furniture painting.

This decoration technique became especially popular in France, hence the roots of the name; "Decoupage" is a French word meaning "carving" and reflects the whole essence of the process of decorative technique.

French mademoiselles loved to decorate their boxes with idyllic pictures in the style of Boucher or Watteau. To this day, the most popular patterns for decoupage are floral motifs in romantic colors.

Decoupage as a decoration technique

What is decoupage today? In the context of the modern world of hand-made, decoupage is a simple and inexpensive technique for decorating various items, from furniture to tiny accessories. In order to transform an ordinary surface, you need to select a finished drawing made on thin paper, cut it out and stick it on the selected object. This is decoupage.

Sounds surprisingly simple and rude. It would seem, what is the art here? What kind of object would benefit from having a picture glued to it? But not everything is so simple - decoupage is not simple, and one cannot do without an artistic approach to business.

A properly selected, carefully cut and beautifully designed pattern can give a second youth to furniture and decor. An original gift for the New Year will be a beautiful Christmas ball; on Easter you can surprise your loved ones with beautiful Easter eggs; A uniquely decorated bottle of wine will decorate any festive table.

All this can be done with your own hands and without any special expenses using the decoration technique called decoupage. The photos presented in this article only slightly open the door to the magical realm of decoration.

Necessary materials

For decoupage, the following materials are needed.

  1. Decorated surface - any object that is planned to be transformed. It's best to start with a smooth, level surface, such as a jewelry box, cutting board, flower pot, or bottle. Degreasing liquid or wet wipes, in order to clean the surface from stains, dust and grease.
  2. ground cover; for glass and ceramics, a layer of acrylic paint is sufficient; for wood, it is best to use a professional primer, and apply the paint after the primer has dried.
  3. Patterns suitable for the selected surface. For this purpose, napkins, newspaper and magazine clippings, or even drawings previously printed on a printer are suitable.
  4. Scissors; it is best to use small, thin scissors to more accurately cut out the fine details of the pattern. You can cut out the drawings with a clerical blade.
  5. Decoupage glue or PVA glue.
  6. A set of brushes and sponges; instead of sponges, you can use small pieces of sponge, which is convenient to apply a primer layer of paint to the surface. A flat synthetic fiber brush is best for smoothing the paper while drawing on the surface, while thin brushes are needed for additional lines and finishing touches.
  7. Fine sandpaper or very fine polishing paper is especially needed when working on wood.
  8. Acrylic varnish for the final layer.

Of course, you will need a number of paint containers, a palette, masking tape and a container of water. The above materials are enough to master the decoupage technique. However, there are a number of additional accessories and materials used in this technique: various kinds of sequins, gilding, varnishes for artificial aging (craquelure) and skins for polishing and rubbing.

DIY decoupage

For the first works, it is best to decorate objects with even and strong surfaces, use PVA glue (it dries transparent and is easily washed off) and drawings made on napkins. In this case, even if the first attempt at decoupage comes out lumpy, you can gently rinse everything off the surface with water and try again.

In terms of technique, decoupage for beginners is no different from professional decoupage - the same tools and materials, the difference is only in manual dexterity, knowledge of textures and the ability to foresee the end result.

The main task when drawing a pattern on the surface is to stick it so that there are no wrinkles, lumps of glue and air bubbles under it. To do this, the pattern is moistened with water and smoothed over the surface using a wide flat brush. This is not easy, especially given how easily a wet wipe tears. It may take a few tries before the pattern fits perfectly.

One of the little tricks is drawing a picture using a plastic file. To do this, the drawing is placed “face down” on a regular file (not in the file, but on top) and smoothed out using a brush and water. The drawing must be completely covered with water and fit snugly to the file, without folds.

Using the file, the drawing is easily applied to the surface covered with PVA glue. The main thing is to carefully expel all the water from under the file after application, for this you can use a spatula or a soft towel. With this method it is convenient to work on wide and flat surfaces.

Decoupage of glass objects

In modern needlework, the transformation of bottles into an object of art occupies a separate and honorable place, but not only bottles can be transformed using the decoupage technique. With your own hands, from ordinary plates, vases, glasses and jars, you can create unique and bright things that will decorate your home or a wonderful gift for loved ones.

Used bottles can be turned into exquisite vases and souvenirs using only acrylic paint, glue, lacquer and selected designs on paper. Decoupage makes you see the potential in ordinary and boring things and turn them into unique ones. It is this attitude to surrounding objects that best answers the question “what is decoupage”.

Easter decoupage - photo master class

The internet is full of Easter egg coloring options, and Easter decoupage offers a fresh take on this interesting tradition.

Using the decoupage technique, you can decorate wooden, plaster and plastic blanks, as well as eggs, which will then be eaten. Boiled eggs are best decorated with a paste made from starch or flour, and covered with egg white for shine; thus, no harmful chemicals are used when painting Easter eggs.

Furniture decoupage

After the answers to the question “what is decoupage” have been received, and the hands are familiar with the basic actions, you can move on to a more complex level and start decorating furniture using the decoupage technique. A master class on decorating furniture is different in that it is more like a restoration process, turning an old grandmother's chest of drawers into a work of art.

Do-it-yourself decoupage of furniture items is associated with higher financial costs, since more material and time are needed for processing. A piece of furniture, be it a chest of drawers, a stool or a table, is larger than the accessories, so the amount of material increases, as well as its quality.

In order to achieve the appearance of vintage antique furniture, in addition to the decoupage technique, it is necessary to master the techniques of artificial aging, which require a lot of time and additional materials.

New Year's decoupage

When the level of proficiency in decoupage technique has moved from elementary to intermediate and is confidently moving to new heights, you can try decoupage of a fragile Christmas tree decoration. To do this, you need to select materials. New Year is the most suitable occasion to use sequins and rhinestones to create a festive composition.

The toy can be an old and boring heirloom in need of restoration or bought from an art supply store specifically to be painted. It can be a ball, a Christmas tree or a symbol of the New Year. You should not limit yourself only to Christmas decorations, you can decorate candles, champagne bottles, glasses and even a tablecloth for a festive table.

In this article I would like to highlight the decoupage technique in detail. Convenient master classes will help to master this needlework even for beginners.

The pleasant-sounding word “decoupage” immediately evokes associations about something exquisite, beautiful. So it is: the things touched by this art amaze with their special charm. And, what is most interesting, absolutely anyone can master the decoupage technique. Let's talk in this article about how this miracle happens.

Decoupage technique for beginners

Decoupage technique has its own basics things beginners need to know:

  • You can stick a picture in different ways, but it's best smooth it in the direction from the center to the edges. Bubbles and folds should not be initially
  • Gluing is recommended in the old proven way, that is with PVA glue. He will hold the drawing very tightly.

IMPORTANT: Do not try to do everything as soon as possible - it is very important to let the furniture dry thoroughly. And not with a hair dryer, but in a natural way.

  • Don't Forget Acrylic Paint- so the image does not look alien, and the thing itself becomes more elegant. Apply paint preferably with a roller
  • How many layers of varnish should be? As a rule, the best results are obtained when there are two layers. And before applying the second, you must definitely wait for the first to dry.

IMPORTANT: Building varnish will do, but acrylic is preferred as it is odorless and non-allergenic.

  • It's good for beginners to know that acrylic paints and varnishes are washed off with ordinary water during the first day after work. Thus, not entirely successful work can be easily corrected.
  • Whatever the idea, the thing must go through the preparation stage. It includes cleaning both from various kinds of pollution, and from dust.

IMPORTANT: It is advisable to use a solution containing alcohol, however, just a damp cloth will do.

As for the types of techniques, then there are few of them:

  • Classic - this is when the picture is attached dry, wet or hot, and then varnished, followed by polishing. Can also be toned


  • Artistic or smoky- looks like a real painting thanks to the successful connection of the picture with the background
  • Reverse - recommended for transparent surfaces
  • Gluing takes place on the reverse side of the item to be decorated.
  • Decopatch or patchwork - in other words, similar to a patchwork quilt

IMPORTANT: Decopatch is achieved on any materials, however, beginners are advised to use special paper.



  • Volumetric - very similar to relief painting. The fabric and the so-called structural paste will help in this. It also uses a material that is very similar to eggshells.


What you need for decoupage: tools, materials

  • First of all, it's himself decoupage object. And they can be anything from furniture to small plates. Any surface is allowed - from wood, glass, fabric, plastic, ceramics, porcelain, metal

IMPORTANT: The first steps in decoupage are best done on wooden surfaces.

  • Napkins special for decoupage with pictures to your liking


  • Decoupage cards- they are a little more difficult to work with than with napkins, but the paint on such cards is of good quality. Novice masters are advised to purchase cards on rice paper - they are both thin and durable, they do not stretch when working


  • Scissors it is recommended to use those that are small and have rounded ends - this will guarantee that small parts can be cut out of thin paper without any problems
  • Brush you need a flat one, the width is desirable within a centimeter or two - varnish and paints are applied to such tools just fine. And keep in mind that the larger the thing being processed, the larger the brush should be.


Here is such a brush - what you need for decoupage
  • Glue - as previously mentioned, PVA is still desirable, although you can purchase special glue for decoupage for the sake of interest

IMPORTANT: Usually, after gluing the picture, the masters process it with paints and varnish. Sometimes the adhesive properties of varnish are enough, but PVA is better to keep with you.

  • Varnish - and again the flight of fancy is provided. Matte, glossy, acrylic, with the effect of diamond shine and craquelure - the choice for every taste. The advantages of decoupage varnishes are that they are odorless, do not turn yellow over time and, which is important in the process, do not allow brush marks on the surface.
  • Sandpaper - an indispensable assistant in preparing the surface for work
  • Primer it is also desirable to purchase, as it perfectly levels the surface and helps to reduce paint costs. The best choice is an acrylic non-toxic water-based primer


Decoupage for beginners from napkins: a master class

The smooth ceramic surface of the plate is what you need for beginner decoupage masters. It is still not recommended to take food from such a plate, but as a decor item, it is incomparable. You will need to stock up:

1. Actually, a plate
2. Alcohol wipe
3. Napkin for decoupage
4. Stationery file
5. Spray bottle with water
6. Glue
7. Acrylic varnish
8. Acrylic paints
9. Tassel
10. Roller



Decorative plate made by decoupage

Getting Started:

  • First of all, we take alcohol wipes - they are excellent degrease the plate. After it dries well, apply to the entire surface of the PVA. And leave to dry again
  • Now it's time to start decoupage napkin. It is necessary to carefully separate the first layer with the pattern from it.

IMPORTANT: Many beginners mistakenly believe that the pattern should look up after applying the napkin to the surface. In fact, it is applied with the front part precisely to the surface.

  • Put a layer on a file so that it doesn't break. Then spray it all with water from a spray bottle.
  • That's all - the file can be applied to the surface of the plate
  • Next roller smoothing in the direction from the center to the edges. This must be done, otherwise excess moisture and air will interfere with the normal fastening of the image. However, you can do without a roller - a flat brush will serve as a good alternative
  • Now the file is removed, and the remaining moisture is removed ordinary napkin. It is possible to cover with varnish or paint, glue volumetric elements from colored napkins






Decoupage bottles for beginners

Useful:

1. Bottle
2. Acrylic paints and varnishes, special varnish for decoupage
3. Sketch
4. Alcohol
5. Picture to your taste
6. Sponge or sponge. Preferably several pieces - depending on the number of intended colors



Let's get to work:

  • Alcohol, as in the case of a plate, degrease the surface. The surface dries
  • Acrylic paint needs to be poured into some container

IMPORTANT: The paint is applied to the bottle not with a brush, but with a sponge or sponge using blotting movements.

  • Don't miss this item! It is important to wait for the complete drying of each layer of paint. It is recommended to put two of them on the bottle.
  • Fill a deep container with water dip the sketch in there
  • Try on how big is the sketch for the bottle
  • Glue should be diluted with water from a ratio of 2 to 3
  • Apply this sticky mass with a brush to the bottle. Choose directions from the center to the edges
  • It is recommended to use a sponge dipped in paint to walk over the part of the bottle that is not occupied by the picture. This will help you achieve smooth transitions.
  • Dry the bottle properly Only then can a second coat of paint be applied. And let it dry again
  • Now you need to varnish the product for durability. You can tie a ribbon around the neck


Decoupage furniture for beginners

Real vintage furniture is very expensive, but that's what decoupage is for - to imitate antiquity and decorate originally faded furniture. Beginners should start with something big - for example, from the dresser. You will need:

IMPORTANT: If you want to create a truly vintage-like furniture, do not save on craquelure varnish. It will give the necessary cracks when dry, which will create the desired visual effect.

4. Bitumen
5. PVA
6. Scotch

Getting Started:

  • Primarily, unscrew all metal knobs“They just get in the way.” Most chests of drawers are polished - in this case sanding and primer required

IMPORTANT: If the chest of drawers is not polished, do not waste time sanding and priming. It is enough just to make a coating with acrylic varnish.

  • Now it's time for golden paint. She needs to dry well.


  • Measure a centimeter from the edges. Tape on for an hour so that this adhesive tape protrudes. Same thing with drawers.


  • Apply white enamel on top of furniture and drawer fronts


  • It's time for craquelure- apply it on the side panels of the chest of drawers
  • When an hour has passed after sticking the tape strips, remove them. The same surface that was previously under the tape, you need paint over brown

IMPORTANT: Apply brown paint with a sponge - this is how it will lie best

  • Part of the chest of drawers painted over with enamel sandpaper. You need to try until the golden paint appears
  • Cut out those drawings from decoupage napkins that you want to stick on furniture. Glue them with PVA, level them. Wait for the glue to dry
  • Cover the furniture again with craquelure. This time, try to get the craquelure to cover the entire surface of the chest of drawers along with the designs.


  • Wait for the craquelure varnish to dry. Cover the surface again. Wait for it to dry - after that cracks will begin to appear
  • Fill cracks with bitumen- this is the final stage of work


Decoupage glass for beginners step by step

To start you can try to work with a glass jar, chosen for storing coffee. It is well known that bean or ground coffee will retain its aroma best if stored in a glass vessel. So, for a themed jar will need:

1. The jar itself with a lid
2. Alcohol wipe
3. Sponge and clip for stationery. The latter is desirable if you don't want to get dirty with paint.
4. White acrylic paint
5. Napkin for decoupage
6. Aqualac
7. PVA
8. Flat wide brushes
9. Toothpick and old toothbrush
10. Real coffee beans
11. Burnt Umber is a paint that will help create the effect of a slight aging
12. Twine
13. Bituminous varnish



Let's get to work:

  • First of all, of course, you need degrease the jar with an alcohol wipe


  • Now the jar is covered on all sides with white paint. Don't forget the lid

IMPORTANT: Applying the background is done with blotting movements with a sponge fixed in the clamp - this is convenient and effective.



  • All this should be good dry out
  • Now on PVA glued drawing. Since the jar is convex, the image is best applied in parts. Don't forget about the lid too.




  • Both the jar and the lid are needed scuba coat


  • The lid needs to be decorated. coffee beans. They are glued to PVA


  • And now let's age. The toothbrush is dipped into the umber, and with the help of a toothpick, splashes are made on the jar and lid.

IMPORTANT: Umber should first be slightly diluted with water.





  • Now all this dried, then varnished
  • If you want to bring in a little more aging, coat the edges of the lid with bituminous varnish. Some areas of the bank can also be covered


  • Tie twine- and the bank is ready!


Decoupage for beginners step by step on wood

It is best to start with something simple - for example, from a cutting board. This thing will serve to train decoupage skills, and will be used often in everyday life. So, stock up:

1. The board itself
2. Acrylic paint in white and gray
3. Decoupage napkin
4. Acrylic varnish
5. Water in a glass
6. PVA
7. Sponge
8. Brush
9. Toothbrush that is not used
10. Candle
11. Sandpaper



We create beauty:

  • Apply white paint to the entire outer surface of the board with pressing movements.. Start application from the top of the board

IMPORTANT: For convenience, the sponge should be cut into 2 or even 3 parts.



  • From the napkin neatly comes off either that part of the image is cut out which is needed


  • From the right piece the topmost layer with the picture is separated. This should be done as carefully as possible.


  • Add PVA to a glass of water in such a ratio that, as a result, the consistency of liquid sour cream comes out. Put the required piece of the image on the board. Dip the brush into a glass, and drip a little solution in the middle of the picture


  • Glue must be smeared with a brush over the pattern. The drawing should be carefully smoothed out in order to avoid wrinkles and the effect of bubbles.


  • By a similar principle paste other images


  • About the edge of the board rub the candle


  • Further finish the edges with gray acrylic paint. Apply it with a sponge with pressure, but at the same time with gentle movements.

IMPORTANT: Do not overdo it with the amount of paint - it should be a little.



  • Gray paint should be applied to the rest of the surface, but this time with light rubbing movements


  • Finish the edges with sandpaper. Since they were processed with a candle, they will turn white


  • Now gray paint is applied in a small amount to the toothbrush. Swipe the stubble away from you - this will make splashes


Splashes - another decoupage trick
  • And now splatter with white paint


  • The final stage - varnishing the board


Apply varnish - and the Provence-style board is ready

Decoupage boxes for beginners

This master class is a kind of basis from which you can build on when creating other boxes. You will need:

1. Blank for the box
2. Flat brushes

IMPORTANT: It is desirable that the brushes are made from non-natural materials

3. Brown acrylic paint
4. Light enamel
5. Toothbrush
6. Candle
7. PVA
9. Rice paper, decoupage card, napkins
10. Patina. As an analogue, it is permissible to use brown oil paint.
11. Acrylic varnish
12. Sponge
13. Double-sided tape
14. Various accessories - buttons, lace and so on



Now you can start:

  • All irregularities are carefully removed. The cleaned surface needs paint with brown acrylic paint. The box should dry well.
  • Now with a candle you need to grind all the corners and edges

IMPORTANT: Do not remove excess candles with your hands - it is better to use a toothbrush for this purpose



  • The surface is covered with white enamel and dry


  • Take any item made of metal. Scrape off the paint with it in those places that were previously rubbed with a candle. Carefully remove excess paint


  • Dilute the glue in water in a ratio of one to three. With a wide brush, apply the solution to that place of the box where the image will be placed
  • Attach a picture and above cover again with PVA. Move from the center to the edges. In this case, you need to smooth out all the irregularities
  • Remove excess glue brush. Leave the piece to dry


  • Soak cards in advance for decoupage in water
  • Patina or oil paint you need to cover the corners, edges


  • Now it's time for acrylic paint.. The box needs to dry afterwards.
  • The bottom of the box should wrap with double sided tape- fabric will be attached to it

IMPORTANT: Do not forget to pre-moisten this fabric in an adhesive solution - this way you can get rid of wet threads.



  • Decor items also need a preparatory stage. Lace should be soaked in instant coffee with sugar. Then they are slightly wrung out and placed on the battery. No need to rinse


  • It remains to glue the lace, braid and buttons. Preferably with transparent glue






Decoupage for beginners

Clock decoupage is great for beginners. Stencils, dials, hands and other watch blanks can be easily found in bookstores or craft stores.





  • So, take the blank. You don’t have to worry about where to attach the arrows - as a rule, there are holes in the blanks. And there is a battery compartment too.

IMPORTANT: However, you need to prepare the future dial. If it is wooden, sand it; if it is plastic, degrease it.



  • Now you can start decorating the dial. There are absolutely no restrictions - when choosing, focus on the features of the interior and imagination. Even ready-made decoupage sheets in the form of dials are on sale.


  • Stick an image on the workpiece. Keep in mind that if the paper is rice paper, it does not need to be soaked. Smooth out all wrinkles
  • Watches after decoupage in Hollywood style

    Decoupage of tea houses for beginners

    What you need:

    1. Wood blank
    2. Fine acrylic relief paste
    3. Spatula-palette knife, thanks to which it is convenient to apply the primer and remove excess
    4. Acrylic paints
    5. Rice card
    6. Matte spray polish
    7. Matte acrylic lacquer
    8. Gel with 3D effect
    9. Glue
    10. Stencil for future tiles

    Getting Started:

    • First of all, you need prime preparation for a house


    • Cut out from the map the necessary pictures

    IMPORTANT: Make a margin per centimeter.

    • Paste all the images in the right places. However, stick only the middle of the pictures


    • But why not paste the whole image at once. Under the free edges, you need to apply relief paste with a palette knife- this is all done for the volume of the house


    • You can draw bricks with embossed paste. A toothbrush will help
    • Using a stencil and bulk paste need to tile
    • Mix paints beforehand it may happen that the desired shade is not presented in finished form


    • Now begins house painting process




    • For more similarity feel free to post additional details- lantern, masonry


    • Color the lantern and masonry. Add cracks to the walls for persuasiveness


    • Paint the roof


    IMPORTANT: You should not paint over the inside of the house.

    • It is recommended to use dark umber in order to finish the roof - so it will be brighter


      House after decoupage

      It seems to many people who love decoupage things that only masters can do this art. But masters are not born, but become! Moreover, many techniques are quite simple to perform, so you should never be afraid to get creative.