HobbyCraft - Craft Techniques

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3D Decoupage

• Set of prints

• Silicone glue

• Decoupage scissors- curved or straight

• Craft knife

• Tweezers

• Shaper tool – 'hockeystick'

• Plastic sponge or craft style paint brush

• Cutting mat

• Cold glaze or varnish

Optional extra:

• Box frame

Our simple step by step instructions will guide you through the art of 3-D decoupage.

Method

Select your design

Choose a set of prints - pre-packed sets usually include five identical copies of a print. This will give you enough different levels to your picture. If it is your first attempt at this craft, choose pictures, which have a clear outline around the images. These are much easier to cut out than those with images that have blurred edges. It is an idea to look for a picture that has a definite background and foreground parts to the scene, giving the effect of dimension.

Always cut along the outline of the piece you require at a 45 degree angle. This will give a clean edge with no white paper showing on your cut-out piece when you silicone it onto your picture. If a white edge does show, just colour edge with appropriate colour crayon.

Cutting

A large part of the work in decoupage is in cutting out, therefore it is most important to use a sharp cutting instrument. This will ensure that you get clean edges and precise cuts.

You will need decoupage scissors - curved or straight, a craft knife or an artists scalpel. You may find it easier to cut roughly around the shape with scissors then trim it with a scalpel or craft knife.

Diagram of best cutting position

Always cut with the knife or scissors on the right hand side of the area you are cutting (if you are right handed). This will enable you to see the edge clearly and cut accurately. For more fiddly shapes you may prefer to use a craft knife towards your body. A cutting mat can be used to protect your table top, providing a non-slip surface for cutting.

Layering

When you have selected your print, decide how your picture should be layered. Always work from back to front, starting with the background and build up to the foreground. Your first print is used as the base so no cutting is needed on this one. With the next print, cut out the complete picture removing any background that shows through the centre of the image. With the rest of the prints, cut out the detail you require for the middleground and foreground. For scenes featuring people, cut the figures from the background then ‘dress’ them – the top layer will often be the face or hat for example.

Shaping diagram

Shaping

After you have finished cutting out the pieces and before gluing them on in layers, a sharper tool can be used for added effect.

Place cut-out piece on shaping pad face down and, with gentle circular motions from the centre, rotate shaping tool until desired shape is reached.

Feather cutting technique

Feathering

When you are cutting out birds and animals, they look more realistic if you feather round the edges. This is a cutting technique achieved by making small cuts of varying length close together round the edge, so that your pieces look like feathers or fur.

Cut at 90 degree angle following the shape of the feathers. Start to cut about a quarter to a third of length of feather first - you can always make cut longer if you wish. Place on shaping pad and shape as required.

Applying silicone glue

Glues

Silicone glue is clear drying, it holds its shape and does not run or shrink. This glue is used to layer the cut-out pieces of your print.

1. To apply silicone, place nozzle to paper (print), squeeze lightly on tube and lift, leaving quarter of an inch depth of silicone.

Silicone glue positioning

2. Silicone only the area to be overlaid (covered) by the print you are adding. Space each 'blob' about half to three quarters of an inch apart to give good support for the print you are adding. Make sure that you don't apply silicone too close to the edges as it may show.

3. Place cut-out piece to cover the area that has been siliconed and check that the position is correct.

Building decoupage layers

4. Tap down lightly to required 'spacing' between layers and once again check positioning. Leave to 'cure'.

5. After 5-10 minutes repeat this procedure for the subsequent layers, leaving a gap of about 5mm between each one.

Tweezers are used for handling tiny pieces of the design and a cocktail stick can be used for applying small amounts of sealant.

Varnishing

When you have completed your picture cold glaze or varnish can be used to highlight certain areas and give the picture the appearance of a porcelain plaque. It should be applied with a small, soft, craft-styled paint brush or plastic sponge. Use two or three coats (allowing to dry between each one) depending on the finish you require.

Framing

If you wish to frame your work a box frame is essential to accommodate the depth of your work. The glass will provide protection from dust.

The information contained within this craft technique sheet is presented in good faith, but no warranty is given, nor results guaranteed. Product quantities and selections may vary at each HobbyCraft Superstore. Products are subject to availability and not all ranges are available in all stores. Before making a special journey please contact the store direct to check that they have your required product in stock. HobbyCraft Group Ltd disclaims all liability from any injury to anyone using this craft technique as a result of improper safety precautions. Since we have no control over physical conditions surrounding the application of the information herein contained, HobbyCraft Group Ltd disclaims any liability for untoward results.