I am sure we are all too familiar with the times when we find ourselves being distracted and getting stuck into doing something other than the really important task we are meant to be getting on with.. Ring a bell? Well it was on one of these occasions that my love affair with Decopatch began.
Now, whereas decoupage, the art of decorating objects with various forms of paper cutouts, requires endless layers of varnish and maybe even sanding to achieve a smooth finish, Decopatch, a French company, have produced a whole range of purpose manufactured papers in an abundance of bright colours and quirky patterns ready for you to mix and match and play around with.
The beauty of Decopatch is that the papers mould easily onto many surfaces. You can decorate new pieces or add a new lease of life to tired looking items such as old furniture or a plain looking tea set. I also find that Decopatching is a great way to create gifts eg. Re- vamping some plain egg cups or espresso cups..even a plain gift box can be totally transformed…
Shopping List:
-Decoupage paper ( from art suppliers/Amazon)
-PVA glue (watered down slightly for thinner consistency)
-Old paintbrush
-White paint (to cover any existing pattern and to suit the material of object ie.wood/china)
-scissors/scalpel
-Varnish (Decopatches own brand is suitable for all materials)
-An object to decorate
Step 1: Make sure object is clean and any existing pattern has been painted over evenly.
Step 2: Mix PVA glue with a little water so it spreads evenly and thinly
Step 3: Select which papers you are going to use, remember there are absolutely no rules when putting patterns and colours together. This is your own design so let your imagination rule and take you where it wants! Also think how are you going to apply the papers? You might want to tear and collage patterns together like a mosaic or maybe use the patterns together in stripes.
Step 4: paint a layer of glue over the area you are starting with and apply the paper then paint over another layer of glue… And so on.
Step 5: once the object is fully covered and dried, apply 2 or 3 coats of varnish.
Top tip: When covering a surface with one design it is easier to cut into strips and then re assemble onto the object to ensure a smoother crease-less finish.
Et voila…….Be careful now, before you know it you will be covering everything in sight!!!! Enjoy…
