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Friday, February 24th, 2012We all attempt to do our bit with regard to recycling and although most people might not be trained art critics, they know what they like, so why not strive to create new objets d’art out of things that you are able to recycle? It seems like the ideal solution to help the environment and to convey your artistic urges.
There are several methods of doing this, but one of the easiest is decoupage. Decoupage is the art of sticking bits of paper (pictures, words and shapes) onto other items. So, all you need to get started is some old magazines, a pair of scissors, some glue and something to decorate.
Things to decorate can literally be anything: boxes, table tops, headboards, walls, ceilings – anything. The first thing to do is to thoroughly degrease the surface to be decorated and perhaps ‘rough it up’ a little with sandpaper, so that the glue has a good key.
Whilst you are doing this, think about the theme of the artwork. What do you want to convey? Is it for yourself or is it a present for someone? Where will it hang or where will it be sited? Are you going to include words or just pictures? Are you going to cut things out of magazines or use your own photographs?
Animals and flowers are always nice. So is scenery. However, a dog-lover might prefer just dogs on his gift, a lover of sailing might like pictures of yachts and the coastline. The opportunities at this stage are endless. Cut out sufficient pictures (and words) to cover your surface.
Then assemble them on the surface. Play around with the placement of the things until you are glad with the overall effect and then stick them down using plenty of glue. Make sure there are no air bubbles under the articles of paper. It does not matter if the pieces of paper overlap; in fact it can result in a pleasing impact.
Leave the artwork to dry truly well. There should be absolutely no moisture in the paper before proceeding to the next step or you will ruin the impact. If there are any bubbles, cut them with a razor blade and squirt glue underneath before rubbing them flat.
Next cover the whole surface with either a transparent glue or varnish. It is normal to use clear, gloss varnish, but you can accomplish a different effect with matt varnish and you can instantly ‘age’ the piece by using stained varnish.
Carry out trials using different seals for different effects. The seal will protect the papers, keep them from getting wet and produce a lovely effect. It is better to add a number of layers of sealing varnish, because this will give greater protection and add a certain ‘depth’ to your artwork.
Shoe boxes create perfect starter items for decoupage. A decorated shoe box may be used to save coins in or to hold odds and ends. Such a waterproof box is useful in the kitchen to place tissues in or as a sewing box.
Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on a number of subjects, but is now concerned with large boxes for shipping. If you want to know more go to Where Can I Buy Shipping Boxes?