Brighten Your Home with Decoupage

Decoupage is an age old art form that has been around for centuries. Most recently it became poplar again in the US around the year 2000 as the shabby chic decorating style took hold of the country. Because the process of decoupage could be tricky, home decorators quickly tired of it. Fortunately, with a few simple adjustments, the art of decoupage has become easier, making it a great way to spruce up your older furniture and accent pieces.

A decade ago, decoupaging an item meant wrestling with tissue paper and glue. The tissue paper would wrinkle and move around and only the most patient person could get a result they wanted to live with. You could use thicker papers like magazine and images on printer paper, but it took a lot of work to keep the images from peeling later. Simply changing the paper you work with will make decoupaging your furniture or home accent piece easy. Most wrapping papers are heavy enough to not wrinkle during the decoupage process, yet thin enough to not peel off later.

The first thing you should try to decoupage in your home is an old wooden chair. You know, that chair that's still study, but not real pretty to look at. It's time to bring it back to it's former glory. To recreate the chair grab a few rolls of coordinating wrapping paper, a pair of scissors, and Mod-Podge decoupage glue. Clean the chair, and paint it if necessary, and then you will be ready to get started.

Cut out a piece of wrapping paper the size of the seat of the chair, and dry test it to make sure it will fit. Next, apply the layer of glue to the chair seat and carefully glue the paper in place. Do the same to other flat surfaces of the chair like back rungs, and arms and legs (if they are flat). Allow the glue to dry, then apply several coats of Mod-Podge on top of the glued on paper. When your project is dry, you can add an optional coat of varnish.

Once you get the hang of decoupaging flat flat surfaces, you can experiment with round surfaces like chair legs, and recycled cans. In the meantime, you can decoupage chairs, shoe boxes, and dresser drawer fronts to give old items a burst of color and new life.

Decoupaging is a great trend that is cropping up everywhere and will be popular in the coming years. It is being referred to a paper quilting in First Magazine's February 21, 2011 edition. First Magazine recommends using pretty juxtaposing patterns together as you would with a quilt. If you are looking to perk up a kitchen, sunroom or even a bedroom, decoupage is a craft you definitely want to try.