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Decoupage Photos

How to Add Photos to a Decoupage Project

I would like to decoupage photos of my mom's grandchildren on wood which I would like to hang by her room. How do I do this?

Can I use actual photos?

I would like to include some fabric as design to my decoupage.

Is this okay? Please let me know how to do this.

Thanks so much.

Cecille

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You’ll find the Basics on Decoupage in this article.

To answer your question on using the actual photos, I’ve gone to my two favorite decoupage gurus: my decoupage bible, Durwin Rice’s New Decoupage and contributing editor, Kay Davies, our resident decoupage expert.

Thicker papers (like photos and some magazines) leave edges that are hard to conceal. Durwin uses laser copies, rather than inkjet, because the ink is less subject to bleeding … and, I guess, because he can afford to.

Kay Davies also uses copies in her work, but she uses an inkjet printer for its convenience and affordability. She has developed techniques to minimize ink bleed. Read her Decoupage Tips.

So the experts’ paper of choice for decoupage is plain old copier paper. Whether laser or inkjet – the weight, thickness and strength are ideal.

If you wanted to use the photos for their glossy finish, that is not necessary. It is the final sealant coat that determines the finish. A gloss seal gives a gloss finish and matte seal gives a matte finish.

By adding fabric to your design, you are getting more into the realm of collage, but yes – absolutely – you can do that.

Thin fabric takes decoupage very well. Check out these Fabric Decoupage Candle Holders. I want to show you these to illustrate how you can give dimension to the fabric.

The fabric does not have to lay flat. You could add wrinkles or curls and even fray some of the edges.

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Recommended Reading

These books are excellent resources for decoupeurs. Not only do you get tips and techniques, but also artwork that you can use in your own projects.

New Decoupage: Transforming Your Home With Paper, Glue, and Scissors By: Durwin Rice The Victorian Scrap Gallery: A Collection of over 500 Full-Color Victorian-Era Images By: Dee Davis Absolute Beginner's Decoupage: The Simple Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Beautiful Decoupage By: Alison Jenkins Collage Discovery Workshop: Make Your Own Collage Creations Using Vintage Photos, Found Objects and Ephemera By: Claudine Hellmuth 930 Matchbook Advertising Cuts of the Twenties and Thirties (Pictorial Archive Series) By: Trina Robbins Decoupage: A Practical Guide to the Art of Decorating Surfaces with Paper Cutouts By: Dee Davis

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