Hobby Ideas

Hobbies and crafts have become one of the most engaging new family interests. Everything from handmade jewelry and tole painting to knitting and woodworking have been turned into a venue for making extra money or simply an activity of enjoyment. The human desire to create something with our hands is as old as the earth. As far back as history has been recorded, people have been noted to create things using what is available in their environment. Decoupage is one such craft that fulfills that deep desire to create and make beauty from their surroundings.

By definition, decoupage is simply the gluing of printed paper onto an item to create a special effect. This procedure is sometimes used to freshen an older piece of furniture. Sometimes this procedure has been used be to recreate a child’s stool or small handkerchief box that had been handed down from grandma. Decoupage can be used to create something new from an old item or it can be used to create a uniquely new item made from scratch. Decoupage is easy to do and with just a few easily accessible materials, can be a fun project from start to finish.

It is thought that decoupage was first seen in France around the 17th or 18th century. In its simplest form, pictures are cut out and glued on to the structure that is to be decorated. After this is done a procedure of applying adhesive, then sanding, then applying the adhesive then sanding until the picture has been sanded completely flat. Materials needed for this project can usually be found around the house. The process for completing a project takes no special training. However, it does take time and patience as you wait for the adhesive to dry between each sanding.

Choosing a surface to decorate is the first thing to think about. Almost any flat surface can be used. Some examples might be furniture, serving trays, table tops or small boxes. After choosing the project, it is time to select the pictures. These can be found almost anywhere. Greeting cards, wrapping paper, magazines and even fabric can be used. Collect the following supplies and you will be ready to start your project: scissors or craft knife, standard white glue, a smoother like a tongue depressor or brayer to remove excess glue, paper towels to wipe up spills and any type of decoupage glue or sealer.

After collecting all of the supplies it is time to start the project. First paint your project if needed. You might want to to use a wood stain or a colored acrylic paint that coordinates with your color scheme. Next, trim around the prints you have chosen and glue onto the project surface. Make sure you move them around and have them where you want them before you glue down your prints. Let the glue dry completely and seal with a coat of your chosen sealer. After this dries, sand it down with fine sand paper and apply another coat of sealer. Continue to follow this sealer, sanding process over and over until you achieve the desired dramatic effect. If you are looking to try a simple project to brighten a box or piece of furniture, try decoupage you may be pleasantly surprised at what you create.

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