Decoupage napkins

If you believe a picture is worth a thousand words, how much more do you suppose a video is worth? If a picture is worth a thousand words, these videos are worth several thousand words, if they make their point while saving your time!

A few persons asked me how I do procede to decoupage. Well instead of writing to each of them I decided to videotape the entire process. I used one of my favorite paper napkin for kids and a small storage from Ikea. If you have any questions, I'll be glad to answer. I know that my blog is read by a few of you. So, please leave me your comments. I feel sometime that I'm talking to walls. let me know if it's well explained or if I've missed something. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog to stay tuned!



Part 2

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Decopatch on furniture

I created a quick video showcasing a few Decopatch papers. When I started working with Decopatch my goal was to recycle old furniture. I really like the idea of applying Decopatch on anything. But my main concern is how to not throw away what we don't like anymore. Even though on this video I show decorated new piece of furniture, I want you to remember that you can do the same with your old pieces too.

I hope this summer I'll have the time to edit a video where I will demonstrate the application of Decopatch on an old piece of furniture from start to finish. In the meantime, here's the latest video:

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How to: decoupage napkins or serviette technique video

My apologies for not posting for so long... I must confess that it's not so easy to cumulate several positions in my company. Inevitably some stuff are not executed, like this blog...

Anyway, I received quite a few questions regarding the serviette or napkins technique. So first of all, thank you for reading this blog and thanks for your questions.

The most common question I had was "when I'd post a video for the serviette technique". So here it is, a new video that shows you how to apply the napkin on a base. In this first video I show you the basic application on a canvas. With the serviette technique you can easily create your own artwork.

This piece of work belongs to a collection which will be displayed at New Westminster's library during the whole month of March, on the top floor. I will showcase many pieces done with the napkins technique. I'll try to post some pics next month.
Next time I'll shoot a video which will show you another way to apply the napkin. This technique is more convenient for large bases. So stay tuned!



Part 2

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A small decopatch project!

A new Decopatch project. Why not to customize our small pieces of furniture? Especially those from the big Swedish home ;-)! This is a very simple project which asks only for the choice of your papers. I chose Decopatch #302, #301, and #388. To finish I accentuated the designs with some gold paint outliner. I hope this gives you some ideas to start your own project.

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Decopatch frenzie!

Are you into a Decopatch frenzy? I am!!!

Summer time is the best time to look around your house, and see what you don't want anymore. It's the time where someone's trash is someone's treasure. So rather than discarding what you may no longer use or want, try Decopatch. Give a second life to your trashes. For this reason I've come up with a 30% off on 3 products (for a limited time only) that will help you start: Decopatch glue 150g, Patchliner Lime/Green, and Decopatch Tresor to embellish your creations. I hope you will enjoy this opportunity!
A few of you asked me why should they used Decopatch glue instead of Mode Podge? I can go on and on, and tell you that Decopatch glue is the best...that Mode Podge isn't good, blablabla...but that won't be the truth.

The truth is that just like you when I started with Decopatch, I too thought that any kind of PVA glue would do.

After several attempts at working with PVA glue and Decopatch glue, I have to admit that Decopatch glue works best with the Decopatch papers. The Decopatch glue is an exceptional glue, which has been carefully studied and formulated for use with Decopatch papers. It's also a two in one product: glue and varnish. Most importantly the varnish-glue will absolutely not alter the colours, and not sear! The main and most valuable quality I've found is that this glue unlike the other glues will enhance the colours of the papers. The colours become more vibrant. And, once dry, it makes a non-sticky, clear water-resistant satin finish. So you can try different glues and see the difference by yourself, and I have no doubt that you will agree with me!

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25% off Storewide Sales

For a limited time only, from Jul 9-15 you can take advantage of 25% off your entire purchase.
Don't forget to browse the new Decopatch papers in our new arrivals section too.

A few of you have emailed me asking how to make a choice with all those papers. It's not really obvious I must confess. When choosing some papers for my projects I usually use the color wheel. It's really helpful. So next time you order, have your wheel ready.

If you need some designs ready here's my suggestions. For a wild look use Decopatch #209 + Decopatch #207 + Decopatch #334. I'll post in the coming days the project I've done with it.

Another one is Decopatch #284 + Decopatch #369 + Decopatch #382. You could also go with Decopatch #325 + Decopatch #310 + Decopatch #297. If you want to bring out the colours of the paper, begin all your project by priming the base. Most of the time I use a white basecoat.

I don't know about you but here in Vancouver we're having a pretty nice weather. I really enjoy this kind of days. I don't feel inspired when we have those rainy days. I feel like @#&$!!!. And it's quite often. I hated those days when I lived in Paris. But I got used to, here. Not much choice, eh?

So in the coming days if weather permitted, I'll be working like a slave. You'll get a chance to peek at some of my work. Hey by the way, I almost forgot to tell you that I have a new gallery. Yes! a gallery of inspiration. I know... I know... it took me longer than expected to put it together, but running alone a small business is no cakewalk. I hope this new addition to my website will give you a better idea of the beautiful artwork you can make using our unique products. After all my hardwork I would really appreciate if you can jot down a few words to let me know what you think.

Well that is for today. Until then, Happy crafting!

Oops! forgot to remind you guys to add my email address to your contacts: info at paper2play.com. Some of you complained that they haven't received the newsletter. I bet it's in your spam box!

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Customize your vases!

Why settle for an ordinary vase when you can make your own unique, customized ones? Here's how.

To give your vases a new lease of life, all you need is some coloured paper, some glue and a bit of imagination!

Materials needed:
- A vase

- Sheets of Decopatch (your choice)

- Paperpatch

- Varnish

- A pair of scissors

- A brush

Steps:
- Tear or cut the pieces out of the Decopatch

- Glue the pieces on the vase, making sure that you overlap slighty

- Apply several coats of varnish to make it as waterproof as possible.

For a mosaic effect:
Tear the pieces in an irregular way. As you glue them over the vase, superimposing them, make sure that you interwaeve them in order to achieve the desired mosaic effect.

For a geometric effect:
Cut out squares, rectangles and triangles from different sheets and use contrasting coulours or patterns. Glue a first series of geometric shapes at the base of the vase. Starting from the base and working up to the neck of the vase, glue another set of shapes (wrapping all the way round the vase for a wave effect). Finish by gluing paper around the neck of the vase.

For a flowery look:

Create a coloured background on the vase before cutting out, using previously prepared drawings, flower shapes glue them on the vase using a contrasting effect.

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Decopatch display

Yesterday I did the Spring Bazaar. Attendance wasn't great. I had created a fancy display with some of my new boxes I have decopatched recently with some of my Decopatch papers. I had a few nice comments. Met a bunch of new, friendly faces...and answered tons of great questions regarding the Decopatch process. However I wouldn't do this market again because it was not appropriate for my products. But I had still a lot of fun with my friends that were with me. I'm glad to have their help!
A few pics at my display, bright, colorful and inviting! What do you think?

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Decopatched Lack table

Finally I finished the lack table. Actually it didn't take me too long. It is as easy as 1,2,3!

I am getting ready for the season.
I decided to participate in outdoors events to display my crafts supplies and and get more exposure. Even though it's a small business you still have to make yourself visible in order to attract new customers.
Hey it's festivals and craft-markets season! So yesterday was shopping day for a canopy...easier said than done but I finally found one! I would definitely make good use of it to protect my beautiful products from the capricious weather! It's Vancouver that's how we love it here! So expect to see me this summer, and don't hesitate to come and chat with me!

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Almost done!

I haven't been blogging too much lately. Finding the time is the big problem. Summer is almost at our doors, so I'm preparing myself with some items I would be able to display during the streets markets and festivals I will be attending.

Today I want to show you another item decoupaged with Decopatch. I really love to work with Decopatch. It is so easy! Well I mean when you plan ahead what you want to reach. Sometimes I am so eager to play with the papers that I get lost. Too many ideas at the same time, so the result is not satisfactory. So be sure of what you want, and have a rough idea of the final result!

I decided to decopatch a side table. I used the lack table from Ikea. I choose this table because it will be easy to take it apart if I need some displays during the craft markets.
I decided to use Decopatch
#369 - #284 - #400 - #422





















I've found that it's easier to work with Decopatch papers once you've decided which design you want to get. At least, have a rough idea from to start with. You can always change during the process, but try not because you will find yourself in some trouble particularly when playing with geometric pattern!

Well it's almost done. Check in a few days to see the final result!

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Use of Decopatch

Decopatch is so wonderful to work with! You can customize anything with it. Instead of throwing away something that you don't like anymore, why don't you give it a second chance of life. Here's an example with some speakers. Just have a look around your place, find that little something you don't like anymore. Give it a try toaday, experiment with Decopatch. You will love it, Guaranteed!

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Collage- French Cultural Center

This table was commissionned by Kelowna's French Cultural Center. It is displayed in the main hall. I love bold colours! In this example, I used only plain Canson papers.

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Kelowna French school

This table was commissioned by Kelowna French school "l'Anse-aux-sables" to celebrate their 5th anniversary. The table was supplied by the school. I worked with the teachers and students' pictures on a lunar theme. My satisfaction came from seeing the joy on the kids' faces. I applied 40 coats of varnish, so they be able to take their lunch on the table without being scared of destroying the work. Here some samples:

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How to glue the images

How to prevent bubbling.

Bubbles are caused when the glue dries too quickly in spots creating a pocket of air and does not adhere to the surface. This problem happens specially when working with larger images.

• First thin the glue with water, then apply glue to sections.
• Wet the paper first to help the glue absorb into the paper; This slightly "breaks down" the fibers in the paper to allow the glue to absorb (the paper becomes a little more fragile and must be handled carefully).

Other way to get rid of bubbles is by lancing the bubble with an exacto knife and reapplying glue.

• Make one incision just large enough to be able to insert some glue
• Use the brayer to flatten until the "seam" is not visible.
• Keep the brayer clean otherwise to avoid attracting grainy particles which can tear or mark the paper.
• Don't to use too much glue, this will cause the paper to tear and will clog the brayer with glue, and will lift some area of the image. Too much will also not allow the paper to lay flat and it will become difficult to work with.
• Apply the glue evenly and quickly if using a large image.

Keep your hands clean by keeping a wet cloth or paper towel and a bowl of fresh water nearby and constantly wipe your hands. Not only will your fingers stick to the paper and cause tears but you are also more likely to pick up dirt.

• When applying the paper, use a damp cloth starting in the center and working towards the edges.
• Push out the excess glue. Once you are satisfied, seal the edges.
• Use your thumbnail or a popsicle stick to rub over the edges firmly but not enough to tear.
• Pay special attention to the edges making sure they do not lift.

All of these techniques take a little practice but any problems can usually be solved.

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Searching the thrift

Today I went to search for a new find. There are a lot of places where you can find old, used furniture. One of my favorite places are the 2nd hand-stores. It's a real treasure hunt! Usually I don't look for something special. I tend to let the piece of furniture find me. But I'm always sure to find my next "protégé" because people are so in a hurry to discard items that are still usable. For sure, they don't look nice at first sight, but with a little imagination, you can transform an uggly desk or drawer into a real beauty.

I haven't decided yet what to do with this desk. I'm sure it will seat in my living-room long enough before I make my mind. So keep coming, I'll show you the transformation in the coming weeks.

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A decoupage project

Before you start with your decoupage project, you must first decide on as to which surface you would be covering. Any kind of surface is just fit for decoupage. Remember: preparation is everything.

To decoupage, you will need to decide on if you would be using some picture, magazine or some wallpaper. Once you have chosen the images that you would like to use it helps to lay them out before starting,you may even want to cut out all of your components at this stage.

By laying out your design you may make changes to your composition and you will discover the order in which to apply the images. If you are planning to decoupage on top of a paint color, I would suggest that you make a sample board. Gather all of your materials and find a large area in which you may spread out and leave undisturbed.

List of Materials:

1. Various sizes of cardboard (largest to accommodate your largest image)
2. Brayer
3. Glue
4. Scissors with a sharp point
5. Containers for mixing (paints, etc.)
6. Stir sticks
7. moist cloth (reserve one for wiping your hands)
8. Pan of clean water if there is no nearby source
9. Foam paint brushes for applying glue
10. Paint brushes
11. Exacto knife
12. Sample board (this can be a small 12 x 12 piece of wood)
13. Wet/Dry sandpaper
14. Furniture Wax (optional)
15. Tack Cloths (cheesecloths soaked in varnish)
16. Spray sealer for images
17. Finishing Product (polyurethane, varnish etc.)

A sample board

• can help you work out problems beforehand and give you a good idea of how the finished product will look.
• can save you a lot of grief especially if you are using materials that are unfamiliar or are decoupaging onto a painted surface.
• allows you to fine tune your color selection, test the materials and to know beforehand how your colors will look under polyurethane or varnish.

Prime the surface of your board as you would the furniture. Apply the paint (if you are unsure of the color or painting technique it is helpful to visually divide your board into sections, one for each color) and apply the sample image in the middle and finish.

When choosing images try to use papers of the same thickness. You may want to seal the images before applying. Cut with the scissors angled away from the image to create a beveled edge. Lay the image face down on a piece of cardboard and glue with either fingers or a brush. Carefully lift and place into position smoothing from the center to the edges with a moist cloth to remove wrinkles and bubbles. Roll over the image with a brayer in all directions to help adhere and for further smoothing. Make certain that the edges have adhered by rubbing with your fingernail or a smooth stick. If you are using a large image you may have trouble with wrinkling and bubbles, just try to work them out as best as you can. If you accidently tear a portion it can always be covered by another cutout. Once all of the images are applied clean any excess glue with a clean moist cloth and leave to dry overnight.

Once the glue is thoroughly dry wipe it down with a tack cloth to remove dust. Apply the first coat of polyurethane and let dry at least 24 hours. You may either brush or spray the polyurethane, but make sure you apply thin even coats wiping with a tack cloth between each coat.

When you can no longer feel the edges of the cutouts you may begin sanding between coats. Use #600 wet / dry sandpaper and be sure to use a tack cloth. Sand in one direction. Leave to dry before adding more polyurethane.

There really is no set rule for the number of coats, use your own judgment. A tabletop would of course need more protection than the legs or sides depending upon the use of the furniture.
This is really just an outline of the basics. Later I will go into more detail on each step and as always you may ask questions.

Clic to enlarge

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Where does my inspiration come

The inspiration of many of my works comes from the pieces of furniture themselves. Most of the furniture I decoupage is recycled. I purchase used furniture and gives it a second chance at a new life. Only furniture that is solid wood and is sound (no major repairs needed) is purchased. Each piece is given thorough cleaning. Any old varnish and/or paint are stripped off. Then I go over each piece with a fine-tooth comb: any holes are filled, all joining points, legs, drawers are checked and reinforced, if needed. Then each piece is sanded smooth and primed with a high quality primer. At this point they are ready for decoupage. Then I apply decorative papers to create pieces of functional art with an eclectic collage effect combined with the use of vibrant paintwork to form original and imaginative "one of a kind" items.

New technology in acid-free and lignin-free paper has made "Decoupage" even more popular as a hobby. Today's papers are colorfast, easy to tear-off and usable on any surface. They can be applied to wood, metal, papier-mach, plastic, ceramic, glass,fabric, acrylic,wax, wicker, carboard and stone!

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History of Decoupage

What is Decoupage?
Decoupage is the art of decorating surfaces with paper cut-outs. Decoupage comes from the French word "decouper" which means to "to cut out" There are two types of Decoupage, flat which is when paper motifs are cut out which are then glued flat onto a surface and heavily varnished so that the edges blend in with the background as if the design as painted on. The second method "3D decoupage" is an alternative method which gives a feel of depth and volume. This makes the design to look life like, which a flat design is unable to achieve

History:

some believe that it originated in Europe dating from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, which became popular in the seventeenth century Venice and then spread throughout Europe. Masters painters were employed to hand paint furniture, but this became so expensive that painters, engravings were bought instead and hand coloured, the pictures cout out and then glued to plain furniture and varnished to look as though the furniture had been painted. This process was called poor man's art and flowed through to others parts of Europe and the U.K. It was particularly enjoyed by ladies of the French court and was named Decoupage, this being a derivative of the French word découper meaning "to cut".

My interest in decoupage emerged in 1994. I was fascinated by this art and from then I became very observant of all decoupaged furniture I could find at art galleries, craft exhibitions, markets, etc. Eventually I picked up the scissors as an avenue to express my creative self.

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