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As part of our ‘Reuse and Recycle’ blogs this one is all about diverting your magazines, old wrapping paper, catalogues and pretty much everything printed from the bin and using it as the basis for decoupage decoration.
Simply put, decoupage is using printed material that would otherwise be destined for the recycling bin, cutting out pictures, shapes or motifs, creating a collage and gluing to an object before finishing off with a coat of varnish. All very ‘Blue Peter’ but lots of fun and very satisfying!
Decoupage is a technique that can be used to personalise most items found in your home, from bottles to furniture, and can be as simple or complex as you like. It is also a brilliant way to reuse printed items as any type of printed paper is acceptable. Have a look about and you will find half used sheets of wrapping paper (brilliant as it is the right thickness and comes with tons of different designs both traditional and modern), magazines, greeting cards, wallpaper and even napkins, all ideal for cutting up and gluing in place. Indeed, decoupage is now so popular as a craft that you can even buy pre-printed sheets on different themes.
Recycle your eco-printing for new decoupage projects
The beauty of decoupage is that it doesn’t matter what you use for your decoration it is always going to look great – whether it is a riot of colour and textures, a more considered colour range or even black text from old books and newspapers.
Thank you to Red Gecko, Brighton for allowing us to use this brilliant image
My own decoupage attempts have been limited to decorating old shoe boxes, but as well as being an opportunity to reuse old print there is of course the wider recycling opportunity – of items that would normally become bin bound. There are many websites offering tutorials on the application of decoupage on everyday items including old tin cans, plastic wet-wipe tubs, jars, bottles and I even saw shoes and a teapot!
