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Let's Begin To Decoupage Your Life
Cutting is one of the three decoupage fundamentals. And the basic tool for this is a good, sharp pair of scissors. Ideally you should have a pair of scissors devoted only to decoupage so that they will stay sharp and clean. Old, rusty pair of scissors from the garage just won’t do. Cutting is one of the two fundamental acts of decoupage and to really do this well you’ll need a pair especially dedicated to it. Pamper your decoupage scissors. Keep them clean and sharp by letting them bite through a sheet of sand paper once and a while. Don’t expect your special scissors do the dull work of everyday life and still be able to make all the precise little cuts that raise decoupage to an art form. No. Let your decoupage scissors be just for your craft. There is no great secret to choosing a good glue for decoupage, plain white glue (PVA or polyvinyl acetate) will do for most projects. But if you’re just getting started you may want to choose a decoupage glue that sets more slowly so that you can position your cuttings with greater precision. All varnishes, on the other hand, are not the same. You’ll want get both a water and an oil based varnish. Ideal for complementing bright colors and for use on wood and glass surfaces; water-based varnishes dry quickly to form somewhat scratch and heat resistant coatings. Oil based varnishes tinge their surfaces yellow, endowing warm colors with that steadfast look of antique furniture. When using oil-based varnish you may want to go to the extra expense of a spray since this method of application goes on more easily and dries more quickly. Whereas one type of glue will do for almost all projects you’ll want both a water and an oil based varnish. Decoupage pros and hobbyists also use a group of tools for applying and cleaning glue and varnish. Although some decoupage practitioners prefer paintbrushes, most hobbyists find cotton swabs or buds the best and least expensive choice for applying glue in decoupage. Paint brushes--no matter how small or well made--lack precision, create messes and are a nightmare to wash off and maintain. Keep a small, wet square of cloth at your work area for removing the stray blobs and dribbles of glue that are the inevitable occupational hazard of decoupage.. Although scissors are the main cutting tool, most hobbyists also include a craft knife as part of their decoupage tool box. Craft knives can trim and shape the complicated boundaries and details where the dual blades of yours scissors run into trouble. To allow your craft knife to cut laser straight segments you’ll also need a metal ruler, and whenever performing these and other cuts, use a cutting mat to protect the smooth surface of your decoupage work area. An assortment of other tools also comes in handy when detailing your decoupage projects. Tweezers, for example, are essential for grasping miniature cutouts. A craft roller is the professional’s choice for eradicating air bubbles and flattening edges, although many amateurs swear by the more down to earth Popsicle stick for these tasks. As you become a more sophisticated decoupage artist, you will develop your own set of preferences and idiosyncrasies when it comes to the tools of your craft, and these will help define your individual style. Wendy Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Wendy is a Decoupage Fanatic and encourages you to visit www.decoupageyourlife.com for more information on creating beautiful and unique decoupage art. |
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