How To from the book New Decoupage...Page 53

 

<<--Previous Post - Page 51

13.  Put your work in a frame and hang it up for all to see.

     There are two important things to remember when gluing under glass.  First, when working the paper into place and removing air bubbles, don't press too hard or you may permanently damage your work, and I don't mean only tearing the image, although that may happen.  Excessive pressure can also remove too much glue.  The glue-less areas will be shiny streaks between the glass and the image.  These streaks are especially offensive when you look at the piece on the oblique.  So leave hard bubble pushers--like credit cards, spoons, and your fingernails--out of this.  Use only the pads of your fingers, and keep your touch firm but light.
     Second, don't use a wet sponge to clean up extra glue; use a damp sponge.  If a wet sponge touches the edges of the paper image, water might seep in between glass and image causing unsightly channels to appear after the work dries.  Just in case that happens, a good thing to have on hand is a piece of swimmer's towel  If you've never seen one, ask any kid who swims.  He or she is likely to display a bunch in designer colors.  They look to me like colorized, synthetic versions of the chamois we used to use to dry our Chevrolets.  Use either a piece of swimmer's towel or a chamois to soak up excess water.
     Gluing under clear glass is much easier than most people think.  My advice to you is to experiment and learn from your mistakes and successes.  Choose and use products that work well for you.  If you simply apply yourself to the task at hand and are willing to risk some minor failures at first, your continued efforts will pay off.

Adhering Images to the Top of a Surface

It took me years to figure out what's shown on these next two pages.  Ever since I got my first paste-pot, I've been collecting information on how to glue something perfectly onto the top of an object (and I'll be you have too) so no doubt it's tempting to think we know all there is to know about this aspect of decoupage.  But hold on--if you take a few minutes to study this lesson carefully, you just might learn something.  So pick up your scissors, some wrapping paper, an old mustard jar, some Elmer's, and your brayer, and take it all to your kitchen sink.  It's going to take about 5 minutes and make the rest of your decoupage career a lot easier, and that's a heck of a good thing.

                                  Next Post -- Pages 54-55