Découpage From the
French
'découper', meaning simply 'to cut out', découpage is
the
creative art of assembling and composing paper cut-outs on objects for
decoration. Découpage is thought to have had its origins
in 17th century Italy, where paper cut-outs were placed on
painted
backgrounds as an inexpensive alternative to hand-painted furniture
which was then being imported from China and Japan.
Découpage
using
hand-coloured prints in the classical style of the 18th century remains
popular, as does the influence of Chinoiserie and Japanese
lacquer-work. Contemporary découpage is practised on a
wide range of objects from boxes to screens and including ceramics,
ostrich eggs and glass. The range of techniques and finishes is
enormous and continues to grow as new products are developed.
From the simple design to the highly complex, découpage is a
limitless and accessible art which continues to go from strength to
strength
 was
formed in 1993 with the aim of
promoting the art of découpage and providing information and
resources for découpeurs countrywide. The Guild provides
information on all aspects of découpage from preparation and
finishing techniques to design, encompassing all products, sources and
découpage publications. Through its judging programme and
standards of excellence the Guild encourages the highest standards of
traditional découpage. The Guild organises regular
meetings and workshops for members and actively promotes the exchange
of ideas and experience through contact with fellow découpeurs
not only in the U.K., but also in Italy, Denmark, South Africa, Canada
and the USA.
Through
its publication 'Short
Cuts', the Guild provides reviews of products and publications,
together with access to papers and materials generally unavailable in
Britain. Guild meetings are held six times a year, and at these
pleasant social occasions workshops are held and techniques
introduced.
All members are provided with detailed instructions on techniques and
design from leading découpeurs.
The
Guild offers a mentoring
programme for new members and can be contacted at any time for advice
on découpage queries. The Guild organises annual
competitions for fine work and encourages the highest standard of work
through its judging programmes. The Guild
provides details of and access to the widest range of papers, books and
materials from all over the world.
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