What is Decoupage ?   (From Wikipedia)

Decoupage (or découpage) is the art of decorating an object by gluing colored paper cutouts onto it in combination with special paint effects, gold leaf and so on. Commonly an object like a small box or an item of furniture is covered by cutouts from magazines or from purpose-manufactured papers. Each layer is sealed with varnishes (often multiple coats) until the “stuck on” appearance disappears and the result looks like painting or inlay work.
The traditional technique used 30-40 layers of varnish which were then sanded to a polished finish. This was known in 18th century England as The Art of Japanning after its presumed origins.

Materials

Coasters with case. Paper mache over wire frame (newspaper, wheat paste), painted, with
decoupaged wildflowers.

Common household materials can be used to create effects. Here is a short list of supplies:

* Something to decoupage onto. Examples include: furniture, photograph albums, plates,
ceramics, shelving, frames, mirrors.
* Pictures to decoupage with. These can come from myriad sources: newspapers, magazines,
catalogs, books, printed clip art, wrapping paper, greeting cards, fabric, tissue paper, lace.
* Cutting utensil. Scissors, craft knife (X-Acto) or razor blades can be used.
* Glue. Standard white glue works best if it is diluted with a little water. Specialty glues can be
found in most crafting stores.
* Smoother. Popsicle sticks work well. A brayer is a specialized tool like a miniature rolling pin
designed to help remove wrinkles, remove excess glue and smooth pictures.
* Glue Spreader. Many things around the house can be use for this: cotton swabs, paint brushes,
sponges.
* Rags, sponges, tissue paper to help wipe up glue and other clean up.
* Sealer. Glue or other decoupage medium can be used as a sealer. Alternatively, polyurethane,
spray acrylic or other lacquers are usually used.
* Examples of MDF wood boxes decoration with  paper.

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