We all strive to do our bit with regard to recycling and although most people may not be trained art critics, they know what they like, so why not try to create new objets d’art out of items that you are able to recycle? It seems like the perfect solution to help the environment and to convey your artistic creativity.
There are several ways of doing this, but one of the easiest is decoupage. Decoupage is the art of sticking bits of paper (pictures, words and shapes) onto other items. So, all you need to be going is some old magazines, a pair of scissors, some glue and something to decorate.
Things to decorate can literally be anything: boxes, table tops, headboards, walls, ceilings – anything. The first thing to do is to thoroughly degrease the surface to be decorated and perhaps ‘rough it up’ a little with sandpaper, so that the glue has a good key.
Whilst you are doing this, think about the theme of the artwork. What do you want to express? Is it for yourself or is it a present for someone? Where will it hang or where will it get sited? Are you going to include words or merely pictures? Are you going to cut things out of magazines or use your own photographs?
Animals and flowers are always nice. So is scenery. However, a dog-lover may prefer just dogs on his gift, a lover of sailing may like pictures of yachts and the coastline. The opportunities at this stage are infinite. Cut out sufficient pictures (and words) to cover your surface.
Then arrange them on the surface. Play around with the placement of the items until you are happy with the overall effect and then stick them down using plenty of glue. Make certain there are no air bubbles under the pieces of paper. It does not matter if the pieces of paper overlap; in fact it can result in a pleasing effect.
Leave the artwork to dry truly well. There must be absolutely no dampness in the paper before proceeding to the next step or you will ruin the effect. If there are any bubbles, cut them with a razor blade and squirt glue underneath before rubbing them flat.
Next cover the whole surface with either a transparent glue or varnish. It is normal to use clear, gloss varnish, but you can accomplish a different impact with matt varnish and you can immediately ‘age’ the item by using stained varnish.
Carry out trials using different seals for different effects. The seal will protect the papers, keep them from getting wet and produce a lovely effect. It is better to add a number of layers of sealing varnish, because this will give greater protection and add a certain ‘depth’ to your artwork.
Shoe boxes make ideal starter items for decoupage. A decorated shoe box may be used to save coins in or to house odds and ends. Such a waterproof box is useful in the kitchen to place tissues in or as a sewing box.
Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on a number of subjects, but is now involved with large boxes for shipping. If you want to know more go to Where Can I Buy Shipping Boxes?