Decoupage versus Decals
Pros and Cons of Decoupage and Decals

Decoupage vs. Lazertran Waterslide Decals
Decoupage and decals each have unique advantages and best uses.
When deciding which technique to use - decoupage or decals - consider the finish look that you want. Decoupage is extremely versatile and can be used to decorate just about any type of hard surface.
However, if you want a smooth finish and especially if you want to make multiple identical items, decals may be a better choice - as in Rebecca's project idea for personalized wine gifts.
I am giving some homemade wine as a wedding gift and would like to decoupage the invitation to the bottle. Do I have to decoupage the whole bottle.
How would I go about doing this to look good?
Thank you.
Rebecca
What a lovely idea!
Here is a tutorial I did for decoupaging labels onto spice jars.
It is difficult, if not impossible to decoupage without having some brush strokes show. Using a sponge brush and thinning the decoupage medium help.
If you are printing the labels yourself, you might be happier with the results using LazertranWaterslide Decals.
It will be a much simpler project and I think the results will look more professional.
Nothing against decoupage - it's just that a wine label should usually have an elegant and clean look.
If you use Lazertran Inkjet Decals, any white parts of your design will remain white - which I think is a good thing for a label. If you print with a laser jet printer and use the original Lazertran Decals, white areas of the label will be transparent when applied.
You can read more about Using Lazertran Waterslide Decals here.
Here is a list of all decoupage related articles on The Artful Crafter.
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.
Absolute Beginner's Decoupage: The Simple Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Beautiful DecoupageBy: Alison Jenkins
Collage Discovery Workshop: Make Your Own Collage Creations Using Vintage Photos, Found Objects and EphemeraBy: Claudine Hellmuth
930 Matchbook Advertising Cuts of the Twenties and Thirties (Pictorial Archive Series)
By: Trina Robbins
New Decoupage: Transforming Your Home With Paper, Glue, and Scissors
The Victorian Scrap Gallery: A Collection of over 500 Full-Color Victorian-Era Images
Decoupage: A Practical Guide to the Art of Decorating Surfaces with Paper Cutouts