How to Decoupage: A Beginner's Guide

Today we’re going to delve into the wonderful world of decoupage - it sounds fancy doesn’t it? And you can create some really beautiful and elegant results with this craft technique. But it’s probably one of the most simple and straightforward arts to master! 

In its simplest form decoupage is the art of decorating by sticking layers of paper or fabric onto an item or card. In this guide we’ll be looking at decoupage in papercraft and cardmaking - walking you through the foundations of this craft so you can start decorating with decoupage!

What is decoupage?

Ready for a short history lesson? Decoupage comes from the French verb ‘decouper’ which translates to ‘to cut out.’ As a craft it is centuries old, dating back to the 12th century, it continued to the Victorian era when decorative cards, boxes and furniture were often decorated using decoupage. Decoupage has stood the test of time and remains popular today, often used to decorate furniture, lamps, picture frames and other interior design items. 

One of the reasons decoupage has stuck around is because it is a very simple and versatile technique. You can use any just about any material you like from magazine clippings and wallpaper to a patterned fabric and photographs. It’s easy to master,  requires few special tools or tricks and creates fabulous, personalised results! 

What is decoupage in cardmaking and papercraft?

Decoupage in cardmaking, or 3D decoupage as it is sometimes known, is creating a layered effect with pieces of card or paper using three-dimensional adhesives. This a fantastic and simple way to create stunning and eye catching centrepieces for your cards! 

What tools and supplies do I need for decoupage?

As we mentioned earlier, you can use just about anything when it comes to classic decoupage - a newspaper clipping, a letter, the wrapper from a tin of soup - whatever takes your eye! And, you can decorate pretty much whatever you fancy - glass, metal, ceramics and more. 

Today though, we’re focussing on decoupage in cardmaking and papercraft and have drawn up this handy guide to some key tools and supplies to help you achieve the best results:

• A card base- pick any size you like to fit with your cardmaking vision! 
• Adhesive -  there are a few to choose from, you can use Foam Pads for a beautiful raised look, or Collall 3D Glue Gel, which comes with a handy syringe for accurate application 
• Decoupage dies- we have a fantastic range of dies that are just perfect for creating stunning decoupage effects. 
• Decoupage topper pad or decorative paper or card - topper pads are ready printed with beautiful designs, or you can pick contrasting colours and patterns to layer up! 
• There are also a whole array of beautiful decoupage books - filled with gorgeous images and sentiments ready to be cut out and arranged however you like! Take a look at this range from Hunkydory, available from Crafter's Companion
• Scissors - if you’re not using any dies, a sharp pair of scissors or a craft knife and cutting mat will be vital! 
• A die-cutting machine - if you are using a decoupage die, you’ll need a machine to cut out those intricate shapes!

Decoupage Dies and Topper Pads

We mentioned these products earlier but thought they needed a little bit more explanation as they’re super useful and super easy to use when it comes to decoupage! 

Each die set is partnered by a matching topper pad - which is decorated with beautifully illustrated images in the same shape as the dies. So you can die-cut your decorated decoupage shapes with perfect precision, ready to pop onto your cards! Here are few ranges to take a look at: 

• Gemini Floral Decoupage Collection - a whole bouquet of matching die sets and topper pads, including:
  • Floral Spray:  Die Set& Topper Pad
  • Classic Rose: Die Set& Topper Pad
  • Peony Blooms: Die Set& Topper Pad
• Sara Signature Caring Thoughts
  • Decoupage Set 1 
  • Decoupage Set 2 
  • Topper Pad

And, to make things even easier - there are also die-cut topper pads available  - already cut-out and ready to pop straight onto your projects! 

• Nitwit Bloom with Grace - awash with warmth and elegance 
• Nitwit Pawsitivity  - packed with cute cats and happy pooches! 

A step-by-step guide to decoupage

It’s time to get started! Here’s a handy guide to creating decoupage designs for beginners. (PS-You don’t need a die-cutting machine if you’re cutting by hand so it couldn’t be simpler to dive straight in!)

• Use scissors or a craft knife to cut out all of your individual pieces, you can use as many or as few as you like and in whatever shape,colour or pattern you choose! 
• Using a pencil, lightly number the back of each shape so you can remember in which order to layer them up
• It’s time to start layering, find the base piece and stick this directly to the front of your card base 
• Use Foam Pads or 3D Glue Gel to stick the next layer onto the base piece
• Continue to layer up your pieces, making sure  they are straight and in the correct position 
• You can add extra embellishments and  sentiment stamps to your card according to the occasion and you’re done! 

How to decoupage using a Decoupage Die and Topper Pad

• Choose your die and the matching  topper pad 
• Line up your die with the corresponding shape on the topper pad - look for the number on the topper pad image and line it up with the matching number on your die to line up with perfect precision! 
• Lightly secure the metal die to the topper pad sheet with Low Tack Tape
• Repeat this process for as many of the die cut designs you’d like to use 
• Create your plate combination according  Sandwich Guide in the instruction manual and roll through your die-cutting machine 
• It’s time to start layering, find the base piece and stick this directly to the front of your card base 
• Use Foam Pads or 3D Glue Gel to stick the next layer onto the base piece
• Continue to layer up your pieces, making sure  they are straight and in the correct position 
• You can add extra embellishments and  sentiment stamps to your card according to the occasion and you’re done! 

We hope this guide to decoupage has helped de-mystify this craft technique for you. It’s such a versatile art and once you’ve mastered the basics you’ll be itching to decoupage more and more! 

If this post has got you thinking about taking a closer look at decoupage, why not tune into the below episode of The Craft Class on Crafter’s TV to find out even more and learn how to create amazing effects!

For a warm welcome to all sorts of craft techniques, join us for more episodes of The Craft Class on Crafter’s TV to unlock your creative potential!

If this post has helped you get started with decoupage we’d love to see your finished projects on social media. Share your photos with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #crafterscompanion.