Decoupage cards. To a beginner in this type of needlework, this phrase will say little. But the masters will immediately understand that we are talking about professional material for creating exclusive decor items.
Correct card
Decoupage cards in the arsenal of required items of this type of needlework include every master. As a rule, acquaintance with the art of applique on interior items begins with the use of special napkins. The latter differ from ordinary ones in that they have a three-layer structure and an unusual thematic pattern. As a rule, they can be purchased not only in needlework stores, but also in ordinary household departments.
Unlike napkins, decoupage cards are thematic images specially designed by designers that are printed on thick paper. But this list of specific features does not end there.
Each card has its own special structure, the choice of which depends on what kind of surface it repeats. For example, it may be skin.
In addition, professional material has a special density, which averages 87 grams per square meter. This thickness provides cards with a clear advantage over napkins - the ornament depicted on them is easier to cut, which is quite relevant in the case of a motif with many tiny elements. It should also be noted that decoupage cards may published both on plain paper and on rice. As a result of working with the latter, you can achieve a transparency effect, which will undoubtedly give a special charm to the finished product.
And the last of the obvious advantages of the cards is that they are published in A3 format. This size allows you to fix a large number of images of the same subject, and therefore, create a whole line of decor items, combined in a series.
Work with a decoupage card - the basics of skill
Regardless of the type of card, you should start by soaking the pattern in water. Depending on the weight of the paper, the process can take from one minute to five. For a rice view, two minutes for the thickest sheet will suffice.
After soaking, the card is gently blotted with kitchen paper towels in order to remove any remaining water. And prepare the surface in order to attach decoupage cards.
How to glue? In this matter, the opinions of the masters differ. But still, most agree on the following method. The prepared surface is sanded and generously coated with specialized glue. The wrong side of the motive is also lubricated, after which it is fixed on the subject of decoration and left to dry completely.
After a sufficient time has passed for the card to be attached, the edges of the product get rid of excess cards, if any. Then coated with a special varnish.
Decoupage Card Tricks
Skilled decoupage masters offer some useful tips on working with cards.
Tip 1. Sometimes it is impossible to find the motive that is necessary for the implementation of the decoupage project. In this case, you can use a homemade card. To do this, the selected motif is printed on thin glossy photo paper.
Tip 2. Decoupage cards are sometimes too dense to create a painting effect, and therefore, before starting work, use the sandpaper to thin the edges of the workpiece. With proper operation, you can create a three-dimensional effect of the picture.
Tip 3. To level the decoupage card on the surface, it is best to use a thin construction roller.