Decoupage and Gilding

Decoupage on Canvas

Choose the size of canvas you wish to use.
Choose your photocopy ensuring that it is the correct size.
Paint the edge of the canvas frame a colour appropriate for the photo. At least two coats.
Sandpaper if necessary.
Apply glue as per manufacturers instructions. I usually apply to the canvas and to the picture.
Gently place your photocopy on the canvas making sure that you are not holding onto the edges which can tear.
Starting in the centre, smooth down the picture using a piece of paper towel. You can also use a rubber roller to ensure the copy is glued properly.
Wipe off any surplus glue.
Apply at least 3 coats of modge to your picture allowing at least 20 monutes drying time in between coats. Use a nice soft brush to apply the modge and apply as evenly as possible.
Once your modge is dry and your picture smooth, apply two to three coats of varnish. Water based or a spray varnish is fine.
Hang your picture of the wall.
There are a number of possible variations. Instead of the small frames, one could use a larger one or one of the new modern deep frames. You could enlarge your copy and then cut it into 4 pieces to make a “window” type effect. You could use mosaic pieces around the border. You could gild the edge.

First clean and sand the object that you are going to decorate. Paint black. Once paint is dry, sand.
Apply Wundasize to all the areas you wish to gild, apply sparingly. Apply a second coat to ensure even coverage Allow to dry for about half an hour until tacky to the touch but not wet.. The size dries clear. Check first whether your size is water based or not. Clean your brush accordingly.
Coat your hands in baby powder before applying the leaf. Cut your gold leaf into manageable pieces, or if confident enough, apply whole sheets to your surface. If tears or cracks appear fill them with loose bits of leaf called skewings, or allow the undercoat to show through. Use your brush to help apply and smooth the leaf.
Once the entire surface has been covered to your satisfaction, burnish with the piece of cloth. Seal with an oil based spray varnish or a polyurethane varnish
At this stage you may want to glue on embellishments such as mosaic pieces or little clay inserts.

For further information you can contact Carol Tait at Ladybird Craft on her email: ladybird@mweb.co.za