Christmas presents do not have to come straight off a shop shelf.
With a little imagination, paper, glue and a suitable object, you can create a personal gift that family members and friends will treasure.
Decoupage is an enjoyable craft that lets you transform everyday items with decorative papers, napkins, fabric or cut-out pictures.
The word comes from the French découper, meaning “to cut out.”
Designs are arranged on a surface, fixed in place with a special adhesive and sealed with further coats. The result can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, making it a lovely project for beginners as well as experienced crafters.
What can you decorate?
Many clean, smooth surfaces can be used, including wood, glass, ceramic, metal and some fabrics. For a first Christmas project, try a small wooden box, picture frame, trinket dish, plant pot or a plain decoration for the tree.
These can become thoughtful presents for a friend, a relative, a teacher or someone who enjoys a particular hobby.
Choose papers that suit the person receiving the gift. Floral patterns might be perfect for someone who loves gardening, while maps, music, vintage illustrations or favourite colours can make a present feel especially personal. Christmas napkins and festive papers are another option, but your design does not have to be seasonal: a useful gift can be enjoyed all year round.
Getting started
You will need an item to decorate, paper or other lightweight materials, scissors, a decoupage medium and a soft brush or foam applicator. Specialist kits are available from art and craft shops, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and eBay. Check the kit instructions to make sure the glue and sealant are suitable for the surface you have chosen.
First, clean and dry the object. Cut out your chosen shapes and arrange them before you begin gluing, so you can see how the finished design might look. Brush a thin layer of medium onto the surface, place the paper carefully on top, then smooth it gently to remove wrinkles and trapped air. Work slowly, especially around corners and curves.
Let each coat dry fully before adding the next. Several thin coats usually give a neater finish than one thick one. Follow the product instructions, and add extras such as ribbon or beads only when the sealed design is dry.
Start with a small project and allow yourself time. Little imperfections are part of the handmade charm, and you can often cover a mistake with another piece of paper. Most of all, enjoy the process. A decoupaged gift is more than a decorated object: it is a present made with someone in mind, and a lovely way to add a personal touch to Christmas.
Incidentally the decoupage cat shown was the first item I ever made from a decoupage kit I bought to try my hand at the craft. I think he turned out rather well!
If you have someone in your life who is interested in crafting you can buy them decoupage kits as Christmas gifts. Maybe next Christmas they'll be presenting you with a decoupaged gift that they made themselves?
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