Decoupage on cardboard: step-by-step instructions for beginners

Decoupage is a technique that allows you to decorate objects by applying a finished drawing on them. The history of this design method goes back to the 17th century, when it became widespread and rapidly gained further popularity. But if initially decoupage was used to add visual luxury and high cost to furniture and decor, now it is used to decorate any items, from toys and jewelry boxes to large interior items.

The word decoupage is derived from the French découper, which literally means to cut.

With the help of decoupage, old and seemingly objects that have outlived their own, acquire amazing beauty, bloom with bright colors and forever retain a piece of the master's soul, delighting the eye for many years to come.

If you are just starting to get acquainted with decoupage and comprehend this art, you should not immediately take up complex techniques and buy expensive materials. When starting to hone your skills, it is recommended that you first try something light, such as decoupage on cardboard.

This technique does not require large material costs, since the necessary materials can be easily found in any home, and the process is simple and does not take much time.... Everyone can cope with this, and the result will pleasantly surprise and delight with its beauty and originality.

Creative people know that an original thing can be made from any, at first glance, ordinary or already unnecessary object. So, for example, an old cardboard box, which wasted space and collects dust, can turn into a beautiful box. We offer step-by-step instructions on how to do this.

You will need:

• cardboard box;
• paper napkins;
• PVA glue;
• scissors;
• brush;
• acrylic lacquer.

First of all, you should prepare the basis for your future casket. An old shoebox or gift box will do.

Colored cardboard is not recommended for use, as the drawing may be poorly visible on it upon completion. It is also undesirable to use gloss due to the fact that glue will not adhere well to it.

After you have found a suitable box, clean it of dust and dirt and repair tears or other damage.

Decoupage is somewhat similar to applique, so we will apply the drawing in the same way. Ordinary paper napkins with a beautiful pattern are best suited as an applique item. There are other options, such as a decoupage card, but for your trial creation it is better to use a more affordable option.

Select several napkins with the same or different patterns and cut out the desired areas.

Take your time, act slowly and carefully so as not to inadvertently damage the surface itself or the drawing. If your child is engaged in decoupage, do not leave him unattended while he uses scissors.

If you do not want the drawing to have clearly defined contours, you can not cut the napkins, but tear them with your hands. Due to the torn edges, the napkin will more smoothly fall on the surface and merge with the background.

When you have decided on the future picture that you want to make from napkins, you can proceed to the next step. This type of paper is already quite thin, although it consists of 3 layers, but for decoupage only the top one is needed - colored. Separate it carefully from the bottom two. If you cannot do this due to uneven edges, remove the layer before cutting out the drawing..

Next, we proceed directly to decoupage. First, it should be noted that this decoration technique differs from the usual application in that the glue is applied not to the surface to be coated, and not even to the seamy side of the element to be glued, but on top of it.

It goes like this: first, you should attach a section of the napkin to the place of the box where you want to place it. And already on top of it, you apply glue with a brush. You should not rush, as the napkin, due to its structure, can tear and stretch, which will lead to the fact that the drawing will simply deteriorate.

Run the brush gently from the center to the edges, and repeat this operation until the paper is snug against the cardboard.

Repeat this step until you have completely covered the box.

The lid can be of a different color, have a different pattern, only partially covered or not covered at all. Do not limit your imagination, create the decor that suits you.

After the work is completed, you need to wait until the box is completely dry and cover everything on top with acrylic varnish.

Ready-made decor item can be additionally decorated stickers, artificial gems, decorative ribbons or dried flowers, cover with patterns or designs.

The dusty old box has become an elegant box, which is suitable for storing valuables and for decorating the interior. And a gift packed in such a box will be even more valuable for the person to whom you present it.

Once you've figured out the basics, there are other decoupage methods you can try. Among them are decoupage cards. These are drawings made on special paper.It is thin enough to fit on any surface without problems, and at the same time durable, which does not allow it to tear in the process of creativity. These cards can either be purchased from a craft store or ordered online. Their cost, of course, exceeds ordinary paper napkins, but the quality, originality and sophistication of the drawings will not leave anyone indifferent.

The only drawback of this paper is that it is denser than napkins and makes it difficult to make fuzzy contours.

The way of working with decoupage cards is not much different from the way napkins were glued, but there are some peculiarities.

Some masters advise first to lower the card into water for a minute or two, believing that this way it will stick more reliably.

When dealing with decoupage cards, you should use appropriate glue, which is also sold in art stores or dilute PVA in a 1: 1 ratio, if there is no special one.

The glue is applied not only over the paper, but also preliminarily on the surface itself. It is necessary to cover the surface with a thin layer, apply a decoupage card, and then cover on top with another layer of glue.

Do not be afraid to pour too much of it, as once it dries completely, it will no longer be visible. On the contrary, if there is more glue than required, it will be easier for you to place or move the card without fear of tearing or stretching it. Make sure that the paper does not wrinkle and that the glue does not bubble up.

The process is quite painstaking, requiring extreme concentration, however, not as complicated as it might initially seem.

If it happened that there was no glue at hand, or you became too lazy to tinker with it, there is a way in which you will not need it.

This method is good for flat surfaces, however, requires preliminary preparations.

You will need:

• thick cardboard cut in the shape of a circle;
• white acrylic paint;
• brushes;
• paper napkins;
• iron;
• acrylic lacquer.

First you need to prepare the cardboard. You can buy blanks from a craft store or cut the circles yourself. They should be covered with white paint in two layers. This is done in order to smooth out all the irregularities as much as possible and give the future product a more neat look. The drawing looks much better on a white background than on a light brown or dirty gray.

After the first coat of paint has dried, it is necessary to cover the cardboard a second time, and at this point closely monitor the drying of the paint. The moment it stops leaving marks on the fingers when touched, but remains a little sticky, the moment comes for the next stage.

The selected napkin must be removed from the extra layers, leaving only the one on which the drawing is located. Then you need to use the iron and iron the napkin to remove wrinkles or creases.

When the drawing is ready, it must be placed on cardboard and covered with a regular white napkin on top. Iron again at a low temperature, this time without being afraid to use steam.

When finished, the napkin adheres tightly to the cardboard without any glue, without bubbles or unevenness.

The edges of the napkin that have gone beyond the cardboard circle can either be trimmed neatly or glued to the wrong side.

The finished product is covered with acrylic varnish for fixing.

For information on how to turn an ordinary box into a beautiful box, see the next video.