DECOUPAGE is the art of decorating an object by gluing colored paper cut-outs onto it in combination with special paint effects, gold leaf and other decorative elements.

Normally, an object like a small box or an item of furniture is covered by cut-outs from magazines or from purpose-manufactured papers. Each layer is sealed with varnish (often multiple coats) until the "stuck on" appearance disappears and the result looks like painting or inlay work. The traditional technique used 30 to 40 layers of varnish which were then sanded, in between each layer, to a polished finish.

IT'S MUCH EASIER NOW: Just apply decoupage glue to the surface of your object then smooth on the rice paper. Starting in the center of the sheet and push outwards with a cloth ball or fingers to eliminate wrinkles and bubbles. Coat with more decoupage glue or other finishing medium and allow to dry.