Decoupage (day-coo-parj) is from the French word couper, which means to cut. The term refers to the technique where surfaces are decorated with pictures of cut out paper and buried in layers of varnish.

Almost anything can be covered by decoupage: wood, metals and ceramics are the most common surfaces. Any paper item can be used, though it may need preparation before cutting. The arrangement is laid out and images glued to the surface and varnished. Finish coats of wax or specialty varnishes can be used to produce different effects.

Decoupage is often used to cover defects on damaged thrift-store finds. Lamps, trays, picture frames, and furniture can be given a new lease of life with decoupage. Because decoupage is versatile, requires few materials, and can be done by beginners, it has become an extremely popular hobby.

Although you can buy supplies made specifically for decoupage, you can also use supplies that you probably have lying around the house. This makes decoupage one of the cheapest crafts around.

Decoupage is now one of the fastest growing crafts worldwide. It requires relatively little capital outlay, can be done from home, and appeals to people of all ages.

Decoupage is an old and venerable art form, and you can see examples in many dating back many hundreds of years. It was extremely popular in the eighteenth century, and became popular again during the late Victorian era. Today, decoupage is rinsing in popularity, and new technology and easy access to computers means that it's easier than ever to create new images.

For a step by step guide on how to do anything and everything with decoupage, please visit Karen Le Blanc's website http://www.decoupage-secrets.com