Decoupage can be used on furniture, boxes and other containers, vases, lamps, decorative screens, trays, tinware and tableware. Each type of surface needs to be treated and prepared in the best way considering the properties of that particular surface. Typical types of paper used could be gift wrapping papers, wallpaper, tissue papers, and pictures from magazines.

After preparation of the surface, a base coat of some type of paint is applied to the surface. Let your creativity rule what you use as a base. It could be plain paint, or one of the various decorative techniques such as sponging, crackling, or designs you create with a paint brush. Cut out your paper patterns After the painted surface is thoroughly dry, glue the paper to the surface. At this point, you might decide your creation needs a border of ribbons, leaves, flowers or a garland made from paper or hand painted. Finish with varnish. (Be sure to choose low- or zero-VOC [volatile organic compounds] and low-odor varnishes and paints. Most major paint companies, such as Benjamin Moore, make these products.)

Start small. Maybe you have just wallpapered your bathroom and you love the floral wallpaper. You might want to cut out some of the flowers from that paper and apply them to a circular, cardboard powder box which could be displayed on your vanity. Use a small, very sharp pair of scissors to cut out the flowers. Decide how to treat the base. Use an all-purpose glue to make your own design with the flowers. Now varnish, then stand back and enjoy your creation.

An excellent book on the subject is Decoupage and Decorative Paint Finishes by Rubena Grigg (A Readers Digest Association, Inc. publication). The book is beautifully illustrated, has instructions on how to prepare and finish and decorate a wide variety of surfaces and lists of all the tools and equipment one needs to get started.