Decoupage. Disaster or delight? Done right, I say its definitely a delight. Decoupage is very simple. Take a box of any shape. I say going with a more unique shape or size is more fun. Then you paste an assortment of pictures (always from magazines or newspapers) all over the box. To separate decoupage form a simple collage, you want to overlap pictures and try to pick images that appeal to you, regardless of whether they make sense together. The final touch, that establishes it as decoupage, is the varnish or lacquer.

The varnish is called a decoupage medium. Basically, its just watered down glue. If you want to buy special decoupage glue you can at a craft store but plain old white glue that’s been diluted works just fine. The other option is to use a lacquer. That’s a fancier name for clear spray paint. Just like hairspray holds your hair in place, spray acrylic holds your decoupage design in place. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Got a craft you’re an expert in and want to share? Email me and I may just include it in a future issue— melissaleaman@hotmail.com