Decoupage Honor

Arts & Crafts

Requirements

1. What is Decoupage?

   Answer: Decoupage (from the French 'to cut out') is a technique for decorating surfaces (wood, glass, metal) with paper cutouts glued on and protected by varnish. It originated in China (12th century). — Queen Marie Antoinette was an enthusiast of decoupage in the 18th century — she popularized the technique among the French nobility, creating a fashion that spread throughout Europe; today it is a popular technique in craft studios and on Pinterest. The cutouts can come from napkins, magazines or decorated paper; its heyday was in 17th-century France with the nobility.

2. Present the history of this technique, including its country of origin, development and as many curiosities as can be found.

   Answer: Decoupage originated in China, around the 12th century, where peasants cut out colored papers to decorate lanterns, windows and objects. The technique arrived in Europe in the 17th century, first in Italy (Venice), where craftsmen imitated oriental lacquered furniture (very expensive) by gluing cutouts and covering them with several layers of varnish — thus arose the name 'arte povera' (poor people's art), because it simulated Chinese lacquer at a low cost. It reached its peak in 18th-century France, being appreciated by the nobility, including Marie Antoinette and Madame de Pompadour. The very term comes from the French 'découper' (to cut out). Curiosities: 'decoupage' literally means 'cutout'; in Victorian England it became a popular pastime among ladies; today it is used to renovate furniture, boxes, glass and metals, combining napkins, decorated papers and photographs. — The term 'decoupage' comes from the French 'découper' (to cut out). In 17th-century Italy, it was called 'arte povera' because it imitated Chinese lacquer. In Brazil it arrived with the European immigrants of the 20th century and became popular in Adventist studios and craft fairs after 1990 with the scrapbooking boom. Today it is a popular handicraft technique worldwide.

3. Make a list of the materials and equipment needed for decoupage.

   Answer: PVA glue, acrylic varnish, brushes, scissors/craft knife, sandpaper, decorated paper, base, template. — White PVA glue is the most used because it is water-based, safe, transparent after drying and non-toxic. Brands such as Acrilex Decoupagem and Cola Tenaz Branca are popular in Brazil. The final acrylic varnish can be matte, glossy or satin — it protects the paper from moisture. The base can be wood, glass or metal; paper towels help with cleaning.

4. Describe the appropriate way to clean each tool used.

   Answer: Brushes: warm water + soap right after use. Scissors/craft knife: damp cloth. Sandpaper: tap it. Glue: seal well. — Dried PVA glue is difficult to remove — that is why immediate cleaning is essential to preserve brushes. For water-based varnish, water still works; but if it is a solvent-based varnish, you must use thinner or turpentine. Well-cleaned brushes last for years in family craft studios. Residue on the sandpaper falls off when tapped.

5. Describe how to prepare the wood or metal object for decoupage.

   Answer: Wood: sand finely, remove dust, seal. Metal: alcohol, light sanding, anti-rust and base paint. — The sealer on wood prevents it from 'drinking' the glue and getting stained. The white primer on metal ensures adhesion and uniform color — without it, the original shine can interfere with the result. For kitchen items that will be washed, use polyurethane-based (PU) varnish, more resistant to water and heat. Use fine 200/320 sandpaper and base paint in the desired color before gluing.

6. Explain 3 ways in which printed material can be used in decoupage.

   Answer: 1) Cut out and glue figures. 2) Tear the edges (aged effect). 3) Overlay papers in layers (layering). — The 'layering' technique is the most advanced — it combines transparent papers (rice paper/silk) with opaque ones for a 3D effect. Brands such as Litoarte and Toke e Crie sell ready-made papers for decoupage in Brazil. Aging the edges uses fine sandpaper or hand-torn edges to create a handcrafted look.

7. Explain the step by step of this technique.

   Answer: 1) Prepare; 2) Cut out; 3) Double gluing; 4) Position/smooth; 5) Dry 2-4h; 6) Varnish 2-3 coats. — The critical point is smoothing the paper without bubbles — use your fingers from the center outward or a card. If a bubble appears after drying, prick it with a needle and apply glue underneath. The 2-3 coats of varnish protect against wear and give a professional finish. Wait for it to dry between each coat (~2h). Prepare = sand and seal; glue on the piece and on the back of the paper.

8. Following the basic steps, complete 2 of the following objects:
   • Keychain
   • Bookend
   • Bottle
   • Tissue box
   • Object of your choice

   Answer: Choose 2 from a keychain, bookend, bottle, tissue box or free choice. Apply the complete technique. — A glass bottle is easier for beginners (smooth surface, no porosity). MDF bookends and keychains are popular in Adventist studios — raw MDF takes glue and varnish well. The choice of paper should harmonize with the theme of the object: floral for something delicate, geometric for something modern. Document with photos of the before, the process and the final result.

9. One of the objects prepared while fulfilling requirement 8 must be given as a gift to an elderly member of the community or during a visit to a nursing home.

   Answer: Visit an elderly person (at church or a nursing home), give them an object as a gift, share a verse, listen, and pray together. — Visiting the elderly is a mission valued by the SDA Church — James 1:27 cites 'to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction' as pure religion. Nursing homes accept visits with prior scheduling; many elderly people live in loneliness and any contact is precious. Suggested verse: Psalm 71:9 or Isaiah 46:4 about old age. Document with a photo and a written account of the encounter.