DIY Decoupage Jar Organizes Stylishly
A decoupage glass jar using Mod Podge and tissue paper offers a stylish way to hide clutter, posted February 13 with a full DIY guide. Other trending DIY projects include a dowel headboard for bedroom customization and shoebox-to-storage bin transformations using rope and wrapping paper.
- The art of decoupage dates back to 12th century China, where peasants used cut paper to decorate lanterns and windows. It later spread to Europe in the 17th century, becoming popular in the courts of Italy and France. - In 17th-century Venice, decoupage was known as "lacca contrafatta," or counterfeit lacquer, and was used by cabinetmakers to imitate the popular lacquered furniture from China and Japan. This technique was also referred to as "l'arte del povero" or "poor man's arts." - Famous historical figures who practiced decoupage include Marie Antoinette and Madame de Pompadour. In the 18th century, Mary Delany, at the age of 71, began creating detailed and botanically accurate paper mosaics of plants. - The craft saw a revival in the United States in the 1960s, becoming a popular way to decorate household items like boxes, trays, and lampshades. - Mod Podge, a popular decoupage medium, is a brand of water-based, non-toxic PVA glue that also acts as a sealer and finish. While it is highly water-resistant, it is not fully waterproof. - The term "decoupage" comes from the French word "découper," which means "to cut out." The traditional technique involved applying 30 to 40 layers of varnish, which were then sanded to create a smooth, polished finish.