Tips & Techniques

Get all the tips, tricks & techniques on a range of craft activities here!

CleverPatch is currently closed until 6/1/25. Orders will be processed upon our return.

Decoupage Basics

New to decoupage? Decoupage is the process of gluing cut out or torn pieces of paper onto an object, usually in combination with collage materials such as paint and glitter, then coated with a clear gloss finish. Follow our tips below so you can become a decoupage pro!
  • Step 1Choose an item to decoupage. You can decoupage a range of surfaces including paper, wood, canvas, papier mache, plaster, ceramic, glass or even Mod-Rock!
  • Step 2Choose the materials you would like to use for decoupaging, for example confetti, paper pieces, tissue paper, or printed paper. You can even recycle old paper projects or newspaper clippings! Keep in mind the thickness of the materials you choose - it is best to use thin materials such as tissue paper, confetti or low gsm paper for surfaces that are rounded or odd shaped.
  • Step 3Cut or tear your chosen materials into small pieces, shapes or around designs. Adult supervision is recommended when using scissors.
  • Step 4You might like to plan a design or experiment by adding pieces to your chosen object as you go.
  • Step 5Apply glue to your chosen surface with a glue brush. Place pieces of your decoupage material over the glue and brush over the top to smooth any bumps. It is best to use small pieces if you are covering a curved surface. Continue applying glue and your decorative pieces onto the surface, overlapping as you go. Once the surface is covered, allow to dry.
  • Step 6You might like to decorate further by adding glitter or paint to your design. Apply glue to the areas you would like glitter and sprinkle the glitter over the top. Tip any excess glitter back into the shaker tub. Allow to dry completely. Paint any areas you would like painted and allow to dry.
  • Step 7Apply a coat of glue or gloss finish over the surface to seal the layers of materials on the surface. Allow to dry. It will dry with a slight shine!
  • CleverTip: If you have used glitter, you may need to gently dab the gloss finish or glue over the top to avoid pulling any excess glitter off the surface. Allow to dry.
  • Step 8You now have the basics to decoupage anything your heart desires!

Materials used in this activity

Confetti - 15g Pack
Optional
Product Code: 10004
EACH $2.19 (inc GST) $1.99 (ex GST)
24 or more $1.64 (inc GST) $1.49 (ex GST)          
Increase value Decrease value
Tissue Paper Squares - 12.5cm - Pack of 480
Optional
Product Code: 10069
EACH $14.29 (inc GST) $12.99 (ex GST)
5 or more $10.71 (inc GST) $9.74 (ex GST)          
Increase value Decrease value
CleverPatch Junior PVA Glue - 250ml
Optional
Product Code: 10364
EACH $5.49 (inc GST) $4.99 (ex GST)
36 or more $3.84 (inc GST) $3.49 (ex GST)          
Increase value Decrease value
PaperPopz - Pack of 1,500
Optional
Product Code: 12840
EACH $38.49 (inc GST) $34.99 (ex GST)
2 or more $30.79 (inc GST) $27.99 (ex GST)          
Increase value Decrease value
Product Code: 15518
EACH $3.84 (inc GST) $3.49 (ex GST)
Increase value Decrease value
CleverPatch Tacky Glue - 250ml
Optional
Product Code: 16494
EACH $10.99 (inc GST) $9.99 (ex GST)
12 to 23 $9.89 (inc GST) $8.99 (ex GST) 24 or more $7.69 (inc GST) $6.99 (ex GST)
Increase value Decrease value
Product Code: 17914
EACH $12.86 (inc GST) $11.69 (ex GST)
3 or more $10.66 (inc GST) $9.69 (ex GST)          
Increase value Decrease value
CleverPatch Gloss Finish - 240ml
Optional
Product Code: 18797
EACH $10.99 (inc GST) $9.99 (ex GST)
6 or more $7.14 (inc GST) $6.49 (ex GST)          
Increase value Decrease value
Marbled Paper Pieces - Pack of 2,624
Optional
Product Code: 20678
EACH $16.49 (inc GST) $14.99 (ex GST)
3 or more $10.71 (inc GST) $9.74 (ex GST)          
Increase value Decrease value
CleverPatch Acrylic Paint Tubes - 75ml - Set of 14 Colours
Optional
Product Code: 20811
EACH $52.47 (inc GST) $47.70 (ex GST)
3 or more $41.47 (inc GST) $37.70 (ex GST)          
Increase value Decrease value
Watercolour Designs Craft Paper - Pack of 40
Optional
Product Code: 21100
EACH $16.49 (inc GST) $14.99 (ex GST)
5 or more $10.71 (inc GST) $9.74 (ex GST)          
Increase value Decrease value