Customer Reviews

Manning on Decoupage

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When Hiram Manning discovered in a French chateau the lost art of decoupage he became a life-long disciple and articulate evangelist of this ancient craft. In this chatty, anecdotal and inspiring book Manning attempts to take the reader on a step-by-step journey towards making a treasured heirloom from humble craft materials. Through Manning's example many talented craftspeople have discovered a fascinating hobby whose potential is only limited by the imagination. There are newer, more up-to-date books on Decoupage on the market using modified techniques and the latest technical know-how which should be consulted before the reader follows Manning's " councils of perfection". The sources of supply are way out of date, his language can be irritating and patronising - with a certain dated camp humour, but I guarantee that any reader who studies the many black and white illustrations, as well as the colour plates, will find themselves longing to follow Manning's example and become a slave to the scissors. I have read" Manning On Decoupage" seventy one times and still I find it inspiring. One not to miss

This is a reprint of a classic. The author and his mother ran a Manhattan studio, teaching and selling all things having to do with decoupage, including this book. The photos, especially the photos of Manning's extraordinary scissor work, are informative and inspiring. Some of the advice, however, is terribly obsolete. The advice about gluing is appropriate only for very high quality rag papers. Apart from teaching how stunning effects can be achieved with artful cutting, probably the most valuable aspect of this book is its insights into the decoupage design process.

I find Manning's introduction about his "rediscovery" of decoupage to be annoyingly self-serving and a very narrow view of the long and diverse history of decoupage.

You will love or hate this book, but if you are into decoupage then you should own a copy.