Has anyone decoupaged before? Help!

Original post by Sonicstef

Feb 04, 2003 09:52 AM

Some of you crafty brides....please lend me some inspiration.

I got the idea (from this section of the WC board - thank you!) to take a plain wooden chest from a craft store and decouapage the box using cut outs of my wedding cards so I can store some wedding keepsakes inside and utilize the cards without having too much clutter.

My problem is: the only decoupage projects Ive seen are the kind that use specific drawings that make a scene or pattern. Obviously, my wedidng cards are a mish mosh of different cliparts, words, photos, etc..

So how do I put them all on there without it looking like garbage? Suggestions?

Sonicstef Posted: Feb 05, 2003 11:41 AM

Re: Has anyone decoupaged before? Help!

I love how the box came out too...but I dont have the same stuff to work with. Think mostly REALLY ugly cards with a few cute ones mixed in...all different styles, colors, themes, shapes. How do I make it all work together?
Can I add acrylic paint to the decoupage stuff for a tint or will that ruin it?

tracyg Posted: Feb 05, 2003 11:57 AM

Re: Has anyone decoupaged before? Help!

Don't know, i haven't tried painting over it. Maybe if you made the paint really thin. I'd do it before sealing it with the Mod podge. Maybe practice on pieces of cards that you won't be using.

stacedz Posted: Feb 05, 2003 12:56 PM

Re: Has anyone decoupaged before? Help!

Stef, I wouldn't add the paint to the glue since the glue will dry clear and you don't want to mess that up and not be able to change it. Start decoupaging, overlapping stuff and then at the end if you want, do a brush of color over it. You might want to paint the box first and then decoupage the cards over it, in case you have space behind it. That looks complete that way.

SomedayBride Posted: Feb 05, 2003 12:56 PM

Re: Has anyone decoupaged before? Help!

How big is the box? Maybe as a focal point, you could put a small wedding picture. (are you the one who made printed thank you cards with pictures printed on the actual card?) If that's the case, I think a small picture in the center of the box top would be perfect. It would also work well since the picture would be the same texture as the other clippings. Also, since the clippings are kinda thick, I think you're going to have to have multiple layers of glue (or whatever you're using) to make a smooth finish.

Sonicstef Posted: Feb 05, 2003 02:50 PM

Re: Has anyone decoupaged before? Help!

The box is about 20x12x6 so its a pretty big space.

I am going to paint it a base color just in case there are spaces where the wood peeks through.

I will have to do a test tonight with the paint and see what happens.

alina Posted: Mar 05, 2003 12:15 PM

Re: Has anyone decoupaged before? Help!

Stef, I found a class on decoupaging:
http://www.ywcanyc.org/csl/decorative.html

Decoupage
Learn to decorate objects with a collage of prints, decorative papers or color copies of photos. Start by decoupaging a provided glass serving plate and then learn to gild the rim. Move on to your own project and decorate a box or tray. Topics include surface preparation and finishing. Bring papers and prints, scissors, household sponge and plastic bowl to the first class.
Materials fee: $12
Susan Perry
8 sessions $240
Mon. Mar. 31-May 19 1:00pm-4:00pm 103-30301
Wed. Apr. 2 -May. 21 6:00pm-9:00pm 103-30402
6 sessions $190
Mon. Jul. 7-Aug. 11 1:00pm-4:00pm 103-30703
Wed. Jul. 9-Aug. 13 6:00pm-9:00pm 103-30704

Teri Posted: Mar 06, 2003 12:03 PM

Re: Has anyone decoupaged before? Help!

Stef - were you able to do a test with the paint? How did it come out?

Sonicstef Posted: Mar 06, 2003 12:22 PM

Re: Has anyone decoupaged before? Help!

I did a test with a few cut outs but havent startd on the big project yet.

I added a tiny bit of the reddish paint to the glue and used that and it added just a bit of tint to the cutouts which was the effect I was going for. I think it will unify the images a bit since they are pretty random without the color tone.