Using Decoupage to Create a Unique Do-It-Yourself Gift for Any Occasion

Looking for a creative homemade gift? Use these project ideas to create a one-of-a-kind decoupage gift for anyone!

Looking to make a truly unique homemade gift for someone? Consider using decoupage for a special creative touch...it is so easy to use, and in no time, you can make them something that they'll cherish for years to come!

Decoupage is the art of decorating surfaces with applied paper cutouts. Using the cutouts, you apply a decoupage medium to glue your pieces flat to the surface of your choice. The surface is then heavily varnished so that the edges blend in with the background, making the cutout appear as if it was painted onto the surface. Your primary goal with this process is to get the motifs as smooth and flat as possible.

There are several ways to create inexpensive cutouts:

Greeting cards - cut out images from old cards that you've received
Wrapping paper - save paper from gifts that you've opened, or buy it new
Photographs - use real photos or print pictures on regular paper using your home computer. Try using family photos or images that you find on the internet.
Maps - Check thrift stores or use old maps that you already have
Wallpaper - Use scraps of wallpaper (also works great to create pieces that match a room!)
Sheet Music - Use song titles or cut out sections of music bars
Stickers - Especially work great when creating something for a child
Magazines/Newspapers - Cut out your favorite images from a magazine or newspaper
Scrapbook paper - Check your local craft store scrapbook aisle for many different designs
Leaves/Flowers - Flat leaves or flowers make beautiful decoupage material. Try putting them between the pages of a heavy book for a few days to make them as flat as possible

Now that you've figured out what you are going to put on a piece, you need to decide what piece that you'll use. Try one of these ideas:

Any box - from a simple brown box that you purchase at the craft store to a shoe box that you have at home...use your imagination!
Picture frame - Add to the photo within a frame by decoupaging something within the same theme to the frame. For example, if you have a picture of your child on the beach in the frame, decoupage a picture of the beach with the water onto the frame.
Wooden jewelry box - found at craft stores
Card Stock paper - decoupage cutouts to paper to create your own homemade cards
Stationary paper - images decoupaged to the top of fancy paper make a great stationary gift
Furniture - any piece of wooden furniture can have cutouts added to it...try a table top or kitchen chair
Photo Album - make a unique front page for a cherished photo book
Wall hangings - try putting your touch on a shelf or clock

Whatever you decide to use, make sure to have fun with it. If you made it with your own two hands, you can be sure that they'll appreciate it!

About the author: Tiffany Blom is the publisher of http://www.do-it-yourself-gifts.com where you can find many inexpensive creative homemade gift ideas for any occasion. Her unique site includes free projects, ideas, and instructions for people of all ages. Find your next gift project there!

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