Mannequin Madness is a favorite shopping site for crafters and makers because of the wide variety of dress forms and mannequins that we carry for all kinds of projects. Today, let’s focus on the history and basic technique of decoupage.

All of the photos featured here are designs from an extraordinary decoupage artist by the name of Cori who sells them on her Etsy called Starview Sonnet.

Cori’s work is extraordinary and although she does not buy her dress forms directly from us to we do have the same style of dress forms that you can use as your canvas to create your own designs.

We frequently have used and boneyard dress forms for sale at discount prices which makes it affordable for those who are just learning how to decoupage.

We sell new dress forms in a variety of sizes on different style stands. Our wasp waist mannequin forms like the ones in the shape below are are best sellers for decoupage.

We have a Decoupage on Mannequin Forms board on Pinterest with fabulous examples of decoupage projects from around the world to get you inspired.

Here is a little trivia about the history of decoupage:

Derived from the French word découper, which means “to cut up,” decoupage is the art of decorating objects using paper cutouts, paint effects, decorative details, and layers of lacquer and varnish. From small household items like trinket boxes and vases to large pieces of furniture, decoupage is a fun and easy way to embellish just about any object.

The origins of the craft of decoupage can be traced back hundreds of years to several folk cultures, most notably in China, Japan and Poland. However, decoupage reached its pinnacle in 18th-century Europe when preprinted designs were sold commercially for customers to use on furniture and other household items.

Over the centuries decoupage boasted many famous practitioners, including Marie Antoinette, Madame de Pompadour, Lord Byron, Beau Brummel and more recently, Matisse and Picasso. By the 1960s, decoupage had made its way across the Atlantic and everyday Americans were starting to decoupage ordinary household items into beautiful works of art. Today, there is a renaissance going on within the world of decoupage, and this centuries-old technique is experiencing a stimulating revival throughout the world.

 

Decoupage Process

The decoupage process can be learned fairly quickly and the possibilities are endless.

Author