Absolute Beginner's Decoupage: The Simple Step-by-Step Guide (Spiral-bound)

~ Alison Jenkins (Author) "ALTHOUGH YOU CAN decoupage a surface painted with a single color, most projects will benefit from a more adventurous background..." (more)
Key Phrases: excess oil paint, glue spreader, decoupage projects (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The art of decoupage is explained simply and clearly in these inspiring pages, enabling even novices to master all the basic techniques needed to create an endless array of beautifully decorated pieces. 200 color illustrations.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 96 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill; Spi edition (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823000559
• ISBN-13: 978-0823000555
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #684,515 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Satisfied Decoupage Absolute Beginner, June 16, 2000

By	Carolyn K. Frenger (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

For any person who has even a passing interest in learning the art and craft of decoupage, this book is for you! Alison Jenkins' colorful and easy-to-follow guide to "creating beautiful decoupage" delivers on its promise of being simple to use. When I first opened the book, I was in awe of the color photographs and immediately got ideas on what projects I wanted to try. I found the instructions on how to use the book very easy to follow, the step-by-step techniques instructions highly appreciated and the large photos and diagrams well-designed and user-friendly. As a librarian, I also appreciated Ms. Jenkins' inclusion of what artists can use as source material and what might not be of use due to copyright constraints. Finally, the ready-to-use sheets of decoupage templates and motifs that are included in the book are an added bonus! If you are looking for unique and functional things to make and give as gifts or keep for yourself, look no further than this book!

54 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All You need to know to get started, August 3, 2000

By A Customer

Being new to the art of Decoupage, I needed a sourcebook that explained the craft step by step. This book walked me through with color images, instructions, and supply lists for each method. There were also a variety of techniques, some of which I had not been aware of. Got my creative wheels turning. Should keep me busy for awhile. A good starting point for anyone!

50 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat helpful, but dissappointing, January 10, 2002

By A Customer

As a complete beginner, I was hoping for the most basic of basics but this book seem to include projects I personally would not consider for beginners. I wanted your basic wood jewerly box, simple designs, etc.to start with but that wasn't the case. One review I read before purchasing this book indicated that the author covered the topic of copyright infringment, but I saw barely any mention of that. I now have a few completed projects I am in doubt about. I think this topic should have been covered more thououghly as I don't think people want to be sued. Some of the directions seemed incomplete. Example, one project for a glass vase showed the designs placed on the inside. Personally, I thought that sounded wrong. I would have thought the designs would be placed on the outside to be kept away from more water exposure but no explanation was given as to why the designs were placed on the inside. I also found the information about sealing surfaces incomplete. There is incomplete/barely/or none on surfaces such as plastic, fabric, paper. As a beginner, I would like to know how to prepare any surface. This book seemed more for an intermediate decoupage artist.