The Art of Decoupage

Ok. If you are a creative then you understand the importance of growth and elevation in your craft. And so we are always on the hunt to outdo ourselves. Well, for SS20 collection I wanted to do just that. The process is no different than all of the other collections that I have put together. But the main objectives are to tell a story, maintain the quality of products while showing evolution. I'm always looking for ways that I can be better.

ken.co.via SS20 'BLOOM' Collection promo

As you are looking for the next 'thing', there are many trials and errors. And boy, have I got many. But as I peruse the addictive Pinterest, I stumbled upon the art of decoupage. Artist and crafters alike were all sharing there amazing pieces using this technique. I was intrigued. Intrigued enough to take a quick trip to my neighborhood craft store, and... you guessed it, complete a decoupage piece as well.

Decoupage oyster shell lapel pin.

Created by Kencovia Jean-Baptiste

@ken.co.via

As I borrowed further down the rabbit whole, I wanted to know more. Découpage is a 20th century word which comes from the French word découpeur meaning to cut out. Paper cutouts are reassembled and designed and then glued to a painted or gilded surface. It has a long and fascinating history that can be traced back to a variety of styles from many distant countries. Over the centuries it boasts many famous practitioners including Marie Antoinette, Madame de Pompadour, Lord Byron, Beau Brummel and more recently, Matisse and Picasso.

As far back as the 12th century, Chinese peasants were creating paper cutouts in vivid colors to decorate windows, lanterns, gift boxes and other objects. This Chinese practice and expertise with scissors is thought to have come from Eastern Siberia, where cutout felt figures and designs were decorating objects in the tombs of Siberian nomads. However, it is the late 17th century lacquer work from the Far East, mostly in the form of furniture, which we tend to associate with today’s découpage.

Decoupage cuff bracelets.

Created by Kencovia Jean-Baptiste

@ken.co.via

However, in time, because of excessive demand and the fact that many people could not afford the works of the masters, an alternative form of decoration developed. Drawings from the artists of the day were cut out, glued down and covered with lacquer to resemble original paintings. From this derivation came the alternative term l’arte del povero-poor man’s arts. During the 18th and 19th centuries this art form flourished throughout Europe.

Many women in 18th century England became very adept with scissors and were engrossed with the art of decorating with cutout images under lacquer. This and the general skill of lacquering were known in England as Japanning. In 1760 a certain London printer, Robert Sayer, produced a much sought-after book called The Ladies Amusement or The Art of Japanning Made Easy. The book contained 1500 illustrations for artist craftsmen, but it was particularly popular with leisured ladies who loved to color, cut and paste the charming drawings.

Decoupage SS20 'BLOOM' Collection

Created by Kencovia Jean-Baptiste

@ken.co.via

In 19th century England, during the Victorian era, hand coloring and intricate cutting out gave way to the more sentimental, florid collage-style of this art form. This coincided with the introduction of Valentine cards, decorative and embossed papers and braids to embellish surfaces such as screens, lamp bases, linen boxes and much more.

With such a long and varied history, it is not surprising that découpage is still evolving with new styles. With its colorful origins and variety of techniques the possibilities for this fascinating art form are infinite, offering scope for endless hours of creativity as well as enjoyment. (decoupage.org)