Decoupage is a craft where identical prints of the same picture are individually cut out, shaped and built one on top of each other, using silicone glue as a spacer; to form a delightful, three dimensional picture.  This picture can then be varnished to give it a porcelain effect.

The ideas from which 3D Decoupage originate, or Paper Tole as it is known in Canada and America, have been around for a very long time.

Probably one of the earliest examples was found in Russia, in the 15th Century; it was of a flower.  The petals were made from dyed leather and were raised one on top of each other, using twigs as dividers, thus giving what would have been an otherwise flat subject an extra life like dimension.  Today, we use silicone glue as a divider, but the principle is still basically the same.

In the 1600's Italian cabinet makers imitated the work of Eastern lacquer craftsmen by using cut out prints and engravings on painted backgrounds and then covering them with lacquer.

Similarly, in the 1700's French craftsmen cut delicate designs from paper prints and used them to decorate beautiful pieces of furniture, heavily varnishing each design for protection.  This craft was known as Decoupage, hence it's name today.

There have been many changes through out the years, but never has 3D Decoupage - Paper Tole - been as popular as it is today.  Whichever way it is done, in classes, in groups or individually, it is definitely the craft of the nineties.

Relaxing, creative, addictive, artistically rewarding, this is a craft of many moods, so why not join our friendly group here at Bedworth Arts Centre on a Monday afternoons at 1.00pm. £3.25 / Session