How to find your style in decoupage. Decoupage styles. Decorative effects for decoupage

Decoupage (French: decouper - cut)- a decorative technique for fabric, dishes, furniture, etc., consisting of meticulously cutting out images from paper, which are then glued or otherwise attached to various surfaces for decoration.

From history

The origins of decoupage go back to the Middle Ages. It was first mentioned as an art form at the end of the 15th century in Germany, where carved pictures began to be used to decorate furniture. The peak of interest in this technique came in the 17th century in Venice, when furniture decorated with inlays in the Chinese or Japanese style came into fashion. Venetian craftsmen skillfully cut out images, glued them to the surface of furniture and covered them with several layers of varnish for protection.

Using this applique, furniture makers imitated expensive oriental inlays, which was much cheaper, but was no less in demand. Subsequently, this art in Italy became known as Arte povera (“art of the poor”). Nowadays such furniture is extremely rare and very expensive, and many modern furniture designers imitate this style. Decoupage was very fashionable at the court of the French king Louis XVI. Marie Antoinette and her court ladies used for decoration the works of Watteau and Fragonard, which were later destroyed during the French Revolution.

In England, decoupage came into use among the general public during the Victorian era, when sheets of printed cut-out collections became available in large quantities, and decoupage found its way into almost every home. By the middle of the 19th century, this hobby became widespread. Most of the works used sentimental motifs in the form of images of flowers, pastoral scenes, figurines and angels. From England, decoupage as a hobby came to America, where it was widely known between the First and Second World Wars.

In Russia, interest in decoupage arose at the beginning of the 21st century, and this technique became widespread in our country. Now this ancient technique has again become fashionable and is widespread in various countries when decorating handbags, hats, trays, Christmas tree decorations, sundials, boxes, dishes, packaging, etc., as well as when creating exclusive interior items, when decorating clothes and production of fashion accessories.

Now, to the traditional technique, decoupage from napkins, from fabrics and on fabrics has been added, computer innovations have been introduced that allow the use of three-dimensional decoupage, as well as pictures of various contents printed on a printer or copier.

The variety of materials that appear in stores allows you to decorate any surface: candles, ceramics, fabric, wood, metal, etc. And the use of various techniques, such as gilding, aging (brushing, crackle, shabby), artistic decoupage, volumetric decoupage (using model mass and other materials) provide unlimited scope for creativity and execution.

Types of decoupage

Recently, decoupage has become a common decorating technique and a popular hobby. There are different types of decoupage, and they can be distinguished according to several criteria. The most common is, of course, traditional decoupage. When working using the traditional decoupage technique, an image is cut out of paper and glued to the surface to be decorated. After this, the pasted picture is usually covered with several layers of varnish.

Traditional decoupage is also called classic or straight. It is a regular applique and differs in the materials used, the gluing technique and the end result. For gluing, thin napkins, rice paper or special decoupage cards are used, less often - fabric. The image is pasted in a special way so that as a result there are no clear boundaries between it and the background.

To decorate transparent surfaces, the so-called reverse decoupage. With direct decoupage, the image is glued with the back side to the front side of the surface to be decorated. And with reverse decoupage, the image is glued to the back of the surface with the front side facing it. As a result, the image shines through the transparent surface. This technique is commonly used to decorate glassware.

Finally, when working using the technique of volumetric decoupage (3D decoupage) They not only transfer an image onto the surface to be decorated, but also create volume. To create volume, you can use special modeling paste, paper, fabric, special thermal film and other materials.

There are also types of decoupage depending on the surface to be decorated. Can be done decoupage on wood, glass, ceramics, metal, fabric, plastic and many other materials. Even candles and Easter eggs began to be decorated using the decoupage technique!

Separately, we can highlight unusual varieties of decoupage, which are based on one of three basic techniques (traditional, reverse or volumetric decoupage). For example, artistic decoupage imitates artistic painting; it uses special techniques that allow the pasted image to completely merge with the background. Decopatch is decoupage in patchwork style(patchwork quilt). The surface to be decorated is covered with pieces of paper; usually paper of several colors or patterned paper is used. This technique is somewhat reminiscent of papier-mâché, but there is only one layer of paper.

Craquelure decoupage(crackle decoupage) is used to create an antique effect. The trick here is to use a special craquelure varnish, which cracks after drying. You can also distinguish different styles of decoupage; they basically coincide with interior design styles in which accessories decorated using this technique can be used. Popular styles include, for example, shabby chic, ethno, Provence, etc.

What is needed for decoupage?

The variety of types of paper used for decoupage is extremely large: various gift and wrapping paper, postcards, photographs, prints, reproductions (color and black and white), magazines, newspapers, labels, geographical maps and also “scraps” - traditional, pre-cut figures in Victorian style.

Paper is usually divided into two large groups - matte and glossy, or coated. Matte papers must be handled with great care as they may become partially discolored. Therefore, before using them, it is necessary to test for resistance to the glue used. Glossy paper is usually protected by a shiny layer. It is thinner and more often forms folds. To remove the coated layer, you can soften it by soaking the paper in water for a while.

You can use scissors in two sizes: small and medium, with short blades to make cutting easier. Scissors can be curved or straight; It is better to use scissors with straight blades.

The gluing process is the main operation in decoupage. UHU decoupage adhesive varnish is suitable for it. UHU Decoupage Adhesive is a unique solvent-free bonding and sealing product. Ideal for decorating using the decoupage technique on almost all surfaces.

Various flat brushes are used, mainly No. 3-6, preferably of high quality.

Paper for decoupage
Scissors for decoupage
Glue for decoupage
Decoupage brushes

Perhaps you have already memorized the master classes you liked, watched gigabytes of video lessons about this fascinating form of creativity, and probably obsessions do not leave you alone. I liked the decoupage technique, where should beginners start? Do you know what main types of decoupage exist? There are five of them: direct, reverse, volumetric, artistic and decopatch. Which one to choose for your creativity depends on the nature of the surface being decorated and the desired effect.

Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Direct decoupage

Classic or otherwise straight - this is probably the most common type of decoupage; the image is glued to the outer surface of the object and then decorated as desired with a two-component craquelure varnish.

In this case, the base must be pre-primed and, depending on the idea, painted or coated with a one-component craquelure varnish.

Sequence of work with the classic form of decoupage

priming and painting
sticking pictures
two-step craquelure or other decorative techniques
finishing coat

Reverse decoupage

This type is used for decorating transparent objects (glass, plastic)

The technology is the same, but everything is in reverse order. The picture is glued face down onto the glass. As a result, the image will be visible from the back of the transparent surface. Then the craquelures, background and topcoat are made.

This is the “layer cake” you get with reverse decoupage

if intended, two-step craquelure on a transparent surface.
The picture is glued face down onto the glass
background and, depending on the idea, decorative techniques
finishing coat

Volumetric decoupage

Selected elements of the picture are raised and become voluminous thanks to the use of mass for modeling or by multi-layer gluing of the same parts of the picture on top of each other.

In volumetric decoupage, 3D decoupage cards are often used. You can buy them in stores or make them yourself. To do this, it is enough to print the selected picture in 4-6 copies.

The main layer will be the first copy, and from the remaining copies you need to cut out only fragments that will be voluminous. The cut out fragments of the picture are pasted on top of each other, achieving the desired volume. In this case, it is better to use silicone glue. It is important not to overdo it with volume so that the composition as a whole is well perceived visually.

But this method of volumetric decoration appeared quite recently. — Italian decoupage technique Sospeso Trasparente.

It is quite expensive, but very unusual.

A specially developed and patented non-toxic thermoplastic is used for decoration.

select a fragment of the picture and paste it onto thermoplastic. Dry thoroughly
then we cut out the image and, holding it with tongs, heat it over a candle for several seconds,
When heated, the film becomes elastic and pliable. At this moment, we simulate the image with special tools - bubbles,
on a latex mat we give the fragment the desired volume and bend,
Let the finished plastic form harden.

Works using this decorative technique look luxurious and realistic.

Artistic decoupage

This is a technique of working with paper applique, which visually merges with the background, making the transition between it and the image almost invisible. There are three types of artistic decoupage: smoky, classic, landscape.

Smoky - completely imitates artistic painting. Due to various artistic techniques, the boundary between the picture and the surface is erased, creating a transparent haze around the image.

Classic (painting) - the essence is the correct selection of colors, which must correspond to the color design and plot of the application so that a relationship arises between them. Thanks to this selection of palettes, the applications look like painting, and not like a piece of paper glued to it.

Landscape - this type of decoupage is based on the fact that even before gluing the paper applique, a landscape or landscape background is created that is closest to the plot of the applique. The choice of background color and execution should be in harmony with the image.

Decopatch

This type consists of covering the base to be decorated with pieces of napkin or special paper, so that the result is a continuous coating. A wide variety of paper is used: special sheets, banana, rice, napkins with a background pattern. It is torn or cut into pieces of any size depending on the idea and size of the item being decorated. For example, in this master class on decorating Christmas tree balls with your own hands, a decoupage napkin with a background image is used. In another way, this type is called patchwork.

Sometimes, captivated by this creativity, we don’t even think about what kind of decoupage we use in our work, but now, having read this article and learned everything about its types, it will be much easier to navigate this fascinating and interesting type of needlework.

Inspiration to you and the achievement of new ideas in your creativity! Until next time.

07.07.2017, 11:25

The decoupage technique (translated from French decouper - cut) is a technique for decorating various objects, based on attaching a drawing, painting or ornament (usually cut out) to the object, and then coating the resulting composition with varnish for the sake of effectiveness, safety and durability.

Despite the fact that the decoupage technique originated in the Middle Ages, it has gained enormous popularity just now. If earlier Venetian craftsmen skillfully applied an image to furniture and covered it with 30-40 layers of varnish, now this technique has become simpler in many ways, and simple napkins are now in use. We will talk about how to create some kind of creation in the decoupage style in the next article, but for now we will discuss the main styles of decoupage.

One of the most popular is decoupage in the Provence style, characterized by simplicity, discreetness, and aged wood. The name of the style speaks for itself - the style is dedicated to the southern province of France, hence the main motifs - flowers and plants. This style of decoupage is characterized by the use of bleached aged wood, olive and lavender tones.

Decoupage in shabby chic style is a romantic, gentle, girly style. Like the Provence style, it is characterized by bleached aged wood, only the motifs here are made in delicate pink shades; roses and other elements of the Romantic era are most often used as designs.

Victorian style in decoupage is an English style that appeared in the era of Queen Victoria. This style of decoupage is characterized by luxury and wealth. Images are applied to furniture or decorative items of predominantly dark wood, and the whole thing is decorated with gilded paint. The main tones used in this style are gold, dark green, burgundy. The main motifs are angels, girls, still lifes.

Hello! Today I’ll tell you about the types and styles of decoupage.

Let's start with the types of decoupage. There are five main types of decoupage: direct, reverse, volumetric, smoky (artistic) and decopatch.

Direct decoupage.

With direct decoupage, the picture is glued to the outside of the object. In this case, the surface can be pre-painted or coated with craquelure varnish.

Reverse decoupage used for decorating transparent glass objects. The technology is the same, but in reverse order. The picture is glued to the back of the product with the front side facing the glass, and the craquelure, background and finishing coating are already made in bulk.

Volumetric decoupage- when some elements of the image are raised, become more voluminous with the help of modeling mass and other materials, or by multi-layer gluing of the same part of the picture onto each other.

Smoky decoupage completely emulates artistic painting.

Thanks to paints and various artistic techniques, the boundary between the picture and the surface around the drawing is erased and a transparent haze is obtained.

Decopatch- pasting the surface to be decorated with pieces of paper to create a continuous coating. This is a combination of decoupage and patchwork. At the same time, not just individual motifs are used for decoration, but many fragments of paper. They completely fill the surface of the object, creating a patchwork quilt effect.

Now a little about the basic styles.

Today, such styles as Provence, shabby chic, simple city and vikt are especially popular in decoupage.Orianism.

Provence. This style got its name from the province in the south of France. Designers define it as noble and discreet antiquity, harmoniously combined with French elegance. It is characterized by the use of whitened surfaces and pastel shades. Most items are characterized by unevenness and abrasions. In the Provence style, the use of aging techniques is more relevant than ever. Typical subjects for decoration are lavender fields, sunflowers, grapes and winemaking, as well as small houses.

Decoupage in Provence style is one of the most popular decoupage styles, the whole essence of which is to reflect the southern province of France in furniture and decorative items. Provence decoupage is characterized by the use of floral and vegetable motifs (the most popular theme is lavender and wine), depicted on artificially aged, whitewashed furniture. Decoupage in Provence style is a wonderful addition to your kitchen or cottage or garden. The images used are very simple, the motifs are light.

Shabby chic. Translated from English, shebi means “tattered, frayed or worn.” This direction arose in the last quarter of the last century. It is characterized by: delicate tones and slightly blurred designs, the use of large and small flower patterns, scenes with roses, angels, palaces and birds. Shabi-chic items help create a cozy atmosphere.

Simple City. The style of the “simple city” is emphatically democratic and literally imbued with fresh trends. When decorating objects in this style, ordinary clippings from magazines and newspapers and the deco patch technique with characteristic torn edges are often used.

Victorian style. It originated in Great Britain during the reign of Queen Victoria. The Victorian style harmoniously intertwines classic and luxury. It has the following features: the use of rich and saturated shades of gold, red and green; active use of checkered and striped patterns. Preference is given to subjects with roses, animals, oak leaves, still lifes, as well as hunting scenes. Furniture and boxes made of dark wood were complemented by gilded relief.

An interior filled with Victorian-style objects indicates solidity, aristocracy and a refined sense of taste.

This article uses photographs of the works of other masters as examples for each technique and style.

At the end I’ll show you what I’ve been doing all these days :-).

Two birds were born - Swans with Raffaello candies as a wedding and birthday gift. I made the birds myself, from head to tail. I cut it out of foam plastic, painted and decorated it.

I made a watch box in my favorite shabby chic style for a birthday gift. Inside I made rollers for watches with dividers.

Vintage style toys and brushed toys. By the way, the horses in the first photo and the brushed rabbit are from our native Sakhalin larch.

Thank you for your attention. If you have any questions, write, I will answer with pleasure.

And I, in turn, would like to know what styles are interesting to you?

is a technique for decorating interior items using cut out paper or woven motifs. Due to the fact that today decoupage is rapidly gaining popularity, any person interested in creativity needs to be able to understand its types and styles.

Types of decoupage

It is customary to distinguish 5 main types of decoupage.

Direct or classic decoupage is the basic and most common technique that underlies all other types. In essence, classic decoupage is the application of motifs onto various surfaces.

usually used to decorate transparent glass objects. In this case, the cut out pattern is glued to the back side of the glass. The surface to be processed should be in front of the front side of the picture.

, which is also called smoky, involves a combination of various techniques and effects to create a seamless canvas. The background of the object is completely combined with the glued motif and the transition between them is almost invisible.

is a technique that involves the use of special paste, pieces of fabric or natural materials (small cameos, eggshells) in the decoration process.

Decopatch is a combination of decoupage and patchwork. At the same time, not just individual motifs are used for decoration, but many fragments of paper. They completely fill the surface of the object, creating a patchwork quilt effect.

Often these types are combined in one work, giving it a completely unique style.

Decoupage styles

Today, the most popular styles in decoupage are Provence, ethnic, Victorian, shabby chic and simple city. This is largely due to modern trends in interior design.

This style got its name from the province in the south of France. Designers define it as noble and discreet antiquity, harmoniously combined with French elegance. It is characterized by the use of whitened surfaces and pastel shades. Most items are characterized by unevenness and abrasions. In the Provence style, the use of aging techniques is more relevant than ever. Typical subjects for decoration are lavender fields, sunflowers, grapes and winemaking, as well as small houses.

Shabby chic. Translated from English, shebi means “tattered, frayed or worn.” This direction arose in the last quarter of the last century. It is characterized by: delicate tones and slightly blurred designs, the use of large and small flower patterns, scenes with roses, angels, palaces and birds. Shabi-chic items help create a cozy atmosphere.

Simple City. The style of the “simple city” is emphatically democratic and literally imbued with fresh trends. When decorating objects in this style, ordinary clippings from magazines and newspapers and the deco patch technique with characteristic torn edges are often used.

It originated in Great Britain during the reign of Queen Victoria. The Victorian style harmoniously intertwines classic and luxury. It has the following features: the use of rich and saturated shades of gold, red and green; active use of checkered and striped patterns. Preference is given to subjects with roses, animals, oak leaves, still lifes, as well as hunting scenes. An interior filled with Victorian-style objects indicates solidity, aristocracy and a refined sense of taste.

It has become widespread due to the development of tourism. It involves the use of elements of the traditional style of any country and their organic interweaving, which creates a unique eclecticism. Ethnic style often uses ornaments in the form of animal skins, elements of colorful landscapes and exotic fruits.

This list is far from complete. Like any other direction of creativity, decoupage is constantly evolving and changing, absorbing new design trends.

Effects

In order for work using the decoupage technique to look original, craftsmen combine ordinary appliqués with a variety of decorative effects.

Attrition. This effect is achieved by applying wax before painting surfaces and then rubbing them. This technique is most often used to create a shabi chic style.

Artificial cracking is created by applying a special varnish. Most often it is applied between two contrasting paints. After drying, cracks of a background color form on the surface.

Along with abrasion and craquelure, this technique is aimed at visually aging an object. This is an imitation of the darkening of the surface that occurs as a result of frequent contact of an object with hands. Usually applied to the corners and edges of objects. Patina can be dark, metallic or colored.