Getting Started with Decoupage: A Beginner's Guide to Crafting Magic

Decoupage is a delightful art form that allows individuals to transform ordinary objects into extraordinary pieces of décor. 

Derived from the French word "decouper," meaning "to cut out," decoupage involves decorating surfaces with paper cutouts, fabric, or other materials, and sealing them with layers of varnish or glue. 

It's a versatile and accessible craft suitable for beginners and seasoned artists alike. If you're intrigued by the idea of creating personalised and visually stunning items, then let's embark on a journey into the enchanting world of decoupage.

Understanding the Basics:

Before diving into your first decoupage project, it's essential to familiarise yourself with the fundamental techniques and materials involved. Here's a quick rundown:

Surfaces: Almost any surface can be decoupaged, including wood, glass, ceramic, metal, and even fabric. Choose a smooth, clean surface for best results.

Decoupage Medium: Decoupage medium acts as both an adhesive and a sealer. You can use specialised decoupage glue, Mod Podge, or even diluted white glue for this purpose.

Decorative Materials: Get creative with your choice of materials for decoupage. You can use decorative paper, napkins, fabric, magazine clippings, or even tissue paper.

Tools: Basic tools for decoupage include scissors for cutting out designs, a foam brush or brayer for applying the decoupage medium, and a soft brush for smoothing out wrinkles and air bubbles.

Getting Started:

Now that you have a grasp of the essentials, let's embark on your first decoupage project:

Select Your Surface: Choose an item to decorate. It could be a wooden box, a picture frame, a glass vase, or any other object that inspires you.

Prepare Your Materials: Gather your chosen decorative materials and cut out the designs you want to use. Experiment with different combinations to achieve your desired aesthetic.

Apply the Decoupage Medium: Using a foam brush or brayer (a type of craft roller), apply a thin layer of decoupage medium to the surface of your object. Place your cutouts onto the wet medium, arranging them as desired.

Smooth and Seal: Once your design is in place, gently smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles using a soft brush or your fingers. Allow the first layer to dry completely before applying additional coats of decoupage medium to seal and protect your design.

Finishing Touches: Once the final layer of decoupage medium has dried, you can add embellishments such as glitter, beads, or ribbon to enhance your creation further.

Tips for Success:

Start with small, simple projects to build your confidence and skills.

Experiment with different types of paper and fabrics to discover what works best for your desired outcomes.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes, decoupage is forgiving, and you can always cover up imperfections with additional layers.

Practice patience and allow each layer of decoupage medium to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.

Decoupage is a delightful and rewarding craft that offers endless opportunities for creativity and self-expression.

 Whether you're embellishing a gift for a loved one or adding a personal touch to your home décor, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. So gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and prepare to be amazed by the magic of decoupage!

You can buy starter kits from art and craft shops or from Amazon or eBay to start you on this very relaxing and worthwhile hobby. You can decoupage anything from a figure of a kitten to a large piece of furniture.

(Image courtesy of jennamari89 from Pixabay and also the author)

MadebyHandsofBritain.com Welcomes New Established And Emerging Artists To Its Online Artisan Boutique

Artists from across the visual and decorative arts spectrum join the more than 200 artisans and craftspeople already part of madebyhandsofbritain.com.

Made by Hands of Britain, the online marketplace featuring the finest in British craft and design for home and garden is pleased to welcome a number of notable established and emerging artists and craftspeople to its online artisan boutique and community. Renowned newly-joined artists include: Bronagh Kennedy, Mary Kaun English, Julia Crossland, Ruth McLees and Caroline Watts.

Inspired by a love and appreciation for British craft and design, Gillian Montegrande founded the award-winning website as a means to promote and support the recent resurgence of both contemporary and traditional art and craft. The website brings over 200 of Britain's finest artisans together under one virtual roof, to offer discerning customers a unique gallery of beautifully honed and expertly crafted items for both everyday use and for inspiring gifts.

Among the newly-joined artists are London-based Bronagh Kennedy, who creates limited edition art prints inspired by her career as an urban designer and the built and natural environment; artist and illustrator Julia Crossland who creates coastal inspired paintings and colourful naïve art on canvas and with textiles.

"The move toward gracing our homes with beautiful, well-made items is becoming increasingly evident, as we seek to make more considered and authentic purchases," said Gillian Montegrande, founder of madebyhandsofbritain.com. "We are so pleased to be able to welcome such a wonderful array of talented artists, who offer such beautiful and skilfully crafted works from across the artistic spectrum and disciplines."

Ruth McLees uses resin and acrylic glazes to paint figures onto vintage textile and furnishing fabrics. Her ethereal figures merge into the pattern of their surroundings, making it impossible to determine where one ends and the other begins. In addition to created pieces, the artist offers commissioned portraits painted upon the client's choice of textiles to match their interior décor.

Mary Kaun-English's Ceramics pieces will appeal to sculpture lovers and collectors alike. Her hand built clay vessels and sculptures are crafted and then fired, not in a kiln but in a pit, exposing the porous clay directly to the smoke. As the artist explains, "The resulting art works are artefacts painted by nature herself."

And for those seeking whimsical and pretty artwork for both country style and modern homes alike, Caroline Watts Embroidery, run by a Mother and Daughter team in rural North Yorkshire, produce charming pieces using the finest linen and threads in their embroidered pictures and home accessories.

To see more works by these and other artists and craftspeople visit www.madebyhandsofbritain.com.

FACTFILE:
Made by Hands of Britain, the online boutique that showcases over 200 of Britain's finest artists and craftspeople is the new destination to find a wide selection of truly unique handcrafted design items for home and garden.

Inspirational objects from across the art and craft spectrum can be found on the site ranging from visual arts pieces and sculpture, to jewellery and luxurious textiles and furnishings, couture clothing, interior furniture and accessories, to bird houses, garden structures, tools and ornaments, to delectable handmade cupcakes, chocolates, liqueurs, cheeses and everything in between.

Next Day Delivery of Canvas Prints at PhotoInCanvas is Free of Charge

With significant improvements in printing technology in recent times, photo printed canvases are becoming more and more popular as home décor statements or that perfect gift.

And now canvas prints from Photo In Canvas can normally be delivered the very next day -and for free- if the transaction is completed before 2.15pm. The studio has also chosen City Link as their chosen courier which will no doubt please customers due to the company’s sterling reputation.

As well as guaranteed next day delivery, a ten year guarantee is offered on premium canvas prints. These factors as well as friendly customer service are perhaps the main reasons that Photo In Canvas finds itself as one of the United Kingdom’s top photo canvas studios.

All canvas prints are also handmade by a team of expert artists giving consumers another great peace of mind.

Photo In Canvas has implemented a number of new features this year, such as the Photo Montage service and the Bespoke Art Shop. Abstract, Shabby Chic and Artists Impression areas of the Art Shop have been giving art fans plenty of inspiration if their own jpegs just don’t cut it.

The number of canvas prints available at the site has been boosted by a staggering four. Thirteen different canvas sizes have been available in the past but there are now an incredible forty-eight. This must cater for just about any need.

To find out how your image can be an art quality canvas print before tomorrow teatime, visit www.photoincanvas.co.uk.

Artist wth Autism David Downes brings St Pancras to life in ball point pen for charity

David Downes is an artist with a distinctive and extraordinary talent. Not only highly technically skilled, David also has a ‘visionary’ gift – he is able to look from ground level at a city scape and mentally visualise the view from the rooftops with mind-boggling architectural accuracy. But it’s not just the perspective he gets so remarkably right and is able to translate to the canvas by working from memory, it’s the mood, the ambience, the character of the location.

A long time London resident and graduate of the Royal College of Art, David has an instinctive connection to the city – and its skylines are one of his favourite subjects. The St. Pancras pen-painting is not only the first artwork to capture the recently renovated landmark, it’s one of the most moving expressions of this beloved building within its setting.

David, who is represented by art business GoFigurative.com, was commissioned to create the image for the Anderson Foundation Summer Ball in aid of The National Autistic Society, which will be held at the newly opened St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel. David, through his own understanding of Asperger syndrome, was particularly inspired to work in support of the NAS. Choosing to create the image in a very particular medium, David was sponsored for this piece by leading stationery supplier BIC and the drawing is mainly rendered using the BiC® Cristal® (which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year) to magnificent effect.

The historic, red-brick building was originally designed and built by foremost Victorian architect, Sir George Gilbert Scott, opening as the Midland Grand Hotel in 1873. Its Victorian Gothic splendours have recently been revived with a £200 million pound restoration with the building now comprising 67 private, residential apartments on the upper floors of the building and a luxurious new 245 bedroom hotel, the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, on the lower floors. The opening of the hotel also marks the completion of the regeneration of St Pancras International Station, now the home of Eurostar.

David was delighted by the commission and the process for several reasons: “As an artist with Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism, I have been involved with The National Autistic Society for many years and when they commissioned me to draw the St. Pancras Renaissance for the Anderson Foundation Summer Ball, I was inspired and excited, as having the resources available to draw this magnificent building has long been a dream of mine.

“Seeing my drawing develop has been very fulfilling, and by using a BiC® Cristal®, I am able to create the effect I want to achieve. I have been using BIC pens for a long time in my drawings, and so I am very proud BIC has been generous enough to sponsor this piece. Working in ball point pen is challenging as it can’t be erased, but also good fun as they help to create a continuous flow when drawing.”

The picture, which is 100cm x 145cm and framed with UV glass to prevent light damage, will be unveiled during a private reception for the artist on July 7th at international law firm Wragge & Co’s London office (Waterhouse Square, Holborn), and then auctioned at The Anderson Foundation Summer Ball at The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel on 9th July in aid of The National Autistic Society. Founder of The Anderson Foundation, Mark Anderson is positive that the drawing will generate significant interest and will increase the number of bidders by opening it up to a wider market via an online preview. Bids can be made via the web site up to 5pm on the 8th July, and will be carried over to the live auction taking place the following evening: http://auction.andersonfoundation.co.uk

Delighted, once again to be raising much needed funds for the National Autistic Society in 2011, Mark Anderson said: "This is the third fundraiser that the Anderson Foundation has hosted on behalf of the National Autistic Society and we are thrilled that David has given his time and expertise to produce this outstanding piece of art for us to auction. The dedication and enthusiasm of the entire team at the NAS is clearly apparent and we know that every penny of the funds raised will be put to good use by the charity."

The artwork will be available to view by the interested public, by appointment only, from June 17th to July 8th, during office hours at, 1 Liverpool Street, London EC2M 7DQ.
Contact David Downes’ agent: sallyperry@gofigurative.com. 0207 956 2819

Sally Perry of www.GoFigurative.com, a unique art business working with technically skilled artists – with particular focus on portraits and landscapes – is delighted to be involved with the project and to see David begin to gain some much deserved recognition: “I met David only recently and leapt at the chance to represent him.

“His work and his intellect are an inspiration to everyone, especially to those whose lives are affected by autism. David wants everyone to recognise the invaluable service that The National Autistic Society provides and humbly presents his painting of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel to be auctioned at the Anderson Foundation Summer Ball to raise money for the charity.”

Mark Lever, CEO of the National Autistic Society said: "We are really proud to be the beneficiary of the Anderson Foundation and the money raised from the Anderson Foundation Summer Ball and the auction lots will be going towards providing vital support and services to the half a million people in the UK with autism. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability and without the right support it can have a profound and sometimes devastating effect on individuals and families. We are very grateful to David Downes for providing this outstanding piece of art for the auction lot. David's involvement with The NAS over the years has helped raise awareness and vital funds for the charity, and we are very excited to see his work of art in the auction this year.”

Yolande de Trogoff, BIC UK and Ireland - Marketing Manager said: “As charity partner of the NAS, and sponsor of this amazing piece, we are delighted to support David’s work. The BIC® Cristal® is an iconic pen which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, and what better way to mark this landmark occasion than with an incredible piece of art – of one of London’s landmarks. We hope it will raise valuable funds for the National Autistic Society.”

Top UK designer creates Limited Editions Art collection exhibition on Facebook Store

Geraldine Mattis has launched her first '84' exhibition design store on facebook featuring 84 beautiful art works, 84 prints and designs, 84 Limited Editions, 84 Limited Editions in each design and 84 days.

This concept features iconic pieces selected from Geraldine Mattis design portfolio which currently stands at over 350 original artworks.

Geraldine Mattis who has done commission for Deutsche + Guggenheim Art Shop, Berlin, ‘Color Fields’ ‘Art on a Plate’ 2010/2011 who founded her design company in 2008 enthused: “I am excited to be introducing a new online exhibition on the Geraldine Mattis Design facebook store.

"Creating an online exhibition on facebook store is a brilliant concept because you are treating the exhibition as you would prepare for it in a gallery space, information, time, invitation, refreshments and selling the designs. Individuals do not have to leave their house and they can go on the internet at their own convenience whether this is in internet cafes, libraries, transport otherwise mobile phones.”

Also, she goes on to point out: “Having art reproductions and signed limited editions gives everybody an opportunity to invest in a luxury item that adds value.”

The price is £84.00 on Satin A1 paper unframed.

The first 100 customers to order a limited edition poster will receive 10% off

www.facebook.com/pages/Geraldine-Mattis-Design/1758323624706...

For more details and information you can visit www.geraldinemattisdesign.com

FACTFILE:
Geraldine Mattis Ltd was founded some three years ago in 2008 by Geraldine Mattis who is the Founder, Artist/Designer of Geraldine Mattis Ltd.

Geraldine Mattis designs bespoke surfaces, art works and ceramics.

Maision et Objet, Paris September 2010; Deutsche + Guggenheim Art Shop, Berlin, “ Color Fields” Exhibition 2010/2011; The Conran Shop Autumn/Winter 2011 collection Serve ware and Afternoon tea sets ; Awarded research and development grant by GLE to delivered new ceramic prototypes 2010; Press in Gifts and House ware magazine –Movers and Shakers January 2010 edition; Elle Decoration Magazine December 2010; Essential Kitchen and Bathroom 2011; Tableware International 2009; Mydeco; Bouf.com; Success Story October 2009 at the British Library-Entrepreneur; British Female Inventors and Innovators Award- Special Recognition Award 2009; British Invention Silver Medal Award 2009.

Technology for arts sake.

Artfinder, the home for art on the web, today launched its first fine art iPad apps in partnership with the Cass Sculpture Foundation and the Wallace Collection’s Watteau exhibition.

Putting collections and exhibitions directly into the hands of art fans, Artfinder’s apps establish the tablet as the key device for art, just as the iPod was the pioneering device for digital music and the Kindle revolutionised e-reading.

The apps represent a whole new shift for art discovery and appreciation. For those visiting galleries, museums, exhibitions and artist’s studios, the apps offer a guide before you view. For those unable to travel to see the works, a window is now opened and made instantly accessible to a global audience via the App Store. Where before you might have bought a postcard of a favourite artwork to send to a friend, you can now instantly share your favourites digitally through the app to your social network

With Artfinder’s apps, art discovery and browsing becomes:

- personal: exhibitions in your hands, in pin-sharp quality
- social: artworks can be shared via email and Facebook
- memorable: favourite the art you like as you browse

For artists, galleries and museums, Artfinder-powered iPad apps represent a new model for publishing curated content: far more accessible than the traditional art book, and offering an experience that can be long-form and comprehensive, souvenir or catalogue-like, a snapshot of an exhibition or collection, or any point in between.

With the Wallace Collection app, users can view high quality images of artworks from the current Watteau exhibition, Esprit et Vérité: Watteau and His Circle. The Cass Sculpture Foundation has partnered with Artfinder to create three apps: Biomorphia, featuring monumental sculptures by Eilís O’Connell, and two of their Breaking The Mould series, which feature works by Tony Cragg, Eduardo Paolozzi, Bill Woodrow and other eminent artists associated with the Foundation.

Chris Thorpe, Artfinder co-founder, said: “Art and this beautiful device and screen are just made for each other. We’re very excited to be launching our apps program with the Cass Sculpture Foundation and the Wallace Collection. We’re taking the coffee table art book into the digital age, and making it globally accessible. Each app offers a unique, self-contained, finishable art experience, retaining what’s wonderful about traditional art catalogues and monographs but with added social features, updateability and interactivity.”

Wilfred Cass, co-founder of the Cass Scultpure Foundation, said: “We are very excited about the Foundation's partnership with Artfinder, and about the apps they've created for us. The experience of viewing and browsing through these beautiful, pin-sharp images of our monumental works on an iPad is hugely enjoyable. We hope that these apps will bring 21st Century British Sculpture to an even wider global audience, while providing a showcase for the work of the Foundation and the artists it supports.”

The apps are available for free in the iTunes App Store now:

Cass Biomorphia
http://www.artfinder.com/app/cass-biomorphia/

Cass Breaking The Mould 1
http://www.artfinder.com/app/breaking-the-mould-one/

Cass Breaking The Mould 2
http://www.artfinder.com/app/breaking-the-mould-two/

Watteau at the Wallace Collection
http://www.artfinder.com/app/wallace-at-watteau/

More Artfinder-powered artist and gallery apps - both offered free and sold commercially - will be released in the coming weeks and months.

FACTFILE:
Artfinder is the place for consumers who want to access art via the web. A marketplace for art, Artfinder works with museums, galleries and artists to bring their works to a global consumer audience via the web, smartphones and tablet devices such as the iPad. Artfinder members can find and share art from the most comprehensive database of art online, discover new art through the platform’s innovative personalised recommendation system, as well as purchase on-demand prints of favourite works. Artfinder comprises a team of entrepreneurs and engineers from Last.fm, Amazon, IAC, Yahoo, Tangozebra, Moshi Monsters and The Guardian.

For more information, visit www.artfinder.com.

The Cass Sculpture Foundation is advancing British sculpture in the 21st century by supporting emerging and established talent. The foundation is a commissioning body that has produced over 400 ambitious new sculptures over the past 20 years. The Cass Sculpture Foundation’s 26 acre grounds are home to an ever-changing display of 80 new monumental sculptures, all of which are available for sale with the proceeds going directly to artists.


The Wallace Collection is a national museum in an historic London town house. The Collection was acquired principally in the nineteenth century by the third and fourth Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace. In the twenty-nine galleries are unsurpassed displays of French eighteenth-century paintings, furniture and porcelain together with superb Old Master paintings. A magnificent collection of princely arms and armour is shown in four galleries and there are further important displays of gold boxes, miniatures, sculpture and Medieval and Renaissance works of art.

For more information, visit www.wallacecollection.org