What's Your Color Score?

Here's a fun test to tell how well your eyes see color.  I scored a lousy 27.  But after I got categorized by age and gender, I felt much better about my score.

What's your score?   Take the Test Here

What's Hot, What's Not.

Yes, I like this image.  I chose it to feature on our artwork pages, however I don't really understand why it's so very popular out-selling so many images that I, at least, like just as much...maybe more.

And, that's just part of the reason why we've decided to maintain a page of our our Bestselling Artwork in 2010.

It's not exactly fair.  Some of the artwork has been listed longer than, say, the Birds Category (which just got listed a few days ago). So, the 25 CUSTOMER FAVORITES currently listed on this page will likely change soon.

For some, it's an interesting study of what's hot.  For others, the list will probably create an urge to assert their own decoupage style.  

But whatever the end results turn out to be, we're certainly enjoying watching which 25 images stand out in front of the crowd!

Valerie Keane Amazes Me

Now and then, when a customer repeatedly purchases a product, I get curious about what they are creating.  At least this was the case with Valerie Keane who emailed me recently for a rather large quantity of my preferred decoupage finish.  But, when Valerie sent the image that you see above, my first response was to email back..."are you certain that you sent a pic of the backside of the plate???"

Yes, all my favorite clipettes, what you are viewing there is the side of Valerie's plate that faces the wall!

It's very sweet of Valerie to give our varnish the tiniest, wee bit of credit for it's little contribution to the backside of her plate.  But really...

Speechless.

Join The Online Yahoo Conversation

YAHOO MESSENGER

It's easy to download at Yahoo Messenger.

Next add durwinriceontroostavenue to your friends list.  (That's us.)

Then talk, talk, talk about your decoupage adventures.  We're not always here but then, we're here a lot!

Happy Cutting

Avoiding Lumps and Bumps Under Glass

Anonymous asked: "Howdy.......how can I avoid lumps and bumps from the paper bunching up around curves under glass?"

Armed with a little knowledge about glue under glass, suddenly we are talking about how to make paper (which is flat) mold itself to a glass under-surface that is NOT flat.

 

Darts.

Yes, darts.  If  you're making anything with fabric that needs to shape around a curved mother-in-law, you never think twice unless, of course, you think twice about how many darts you are going to have to cut to create the garment to fit the creature.

Paper is just a bit more tensile that fabric.  So, cut darts where you need them.  Hide them miraculously along the lines of leaves or a flower petal or some other line in your artwork that will overlap whatever is next to it.

And, use a little extra glue.  It helps fill in the space between the curved glass and the flat paper.

You can also deal with the "overlaps" by simply cutting and using smaller pieces of artwork as in this project demonstration by Kjara.

That Was Easy

New at Amazon.com

What's the Best Glue to Use Under Glass?

Susan asked "What is the best medium to use for under glass? I do a lot of under glass and often get those spots that detract from the final product."

When dry, those "spots" are shiny areas where there is not enough glue.  Either you left a pocket of air in the glue OR you worked out too much glue as you were removing the pockets, aka bubbles of air in the glue.

The steps to a flawless application under glass are:

1)  Use a lot of glue.  It's white and opaque but all you need to do is spread it evenly (using your fingers) and then with glue between the art and the glass and with extra glue on your fingers (and on the back of the paper) gently press and move the pockets of air out from between the glass and the art.  But, be careful not to press too hard.  If you push or scrape away too much of the glue, it might look great while wet but, when dry, it will leave behind those ugly spots.  Aim to get an even distribution of the glue between the paper and glass without leaving behind any (even tiny) air bubbles.

2)  Some papers with "breathe" air.  Yes, your bubbles are gone but, until its dry on the back, they might reappear!  You can avoid this by accelerating the drying by leaving the glass in an open window or placing it in front of a fan.  If its a decorative plate, put it face down on a coffee can with the rubber lid on top.  You can also choose to copy your artwork onto a heavier bond paper (I recommend a 28lb weight).  Some authors recommend "sealing" the paper with a spray sealant before gluing however, I think it's just an extra step to sell you a product that is not essential to your glue success.  Yes, I've glued just about every kind of paper on the planet successfully without ever sealing one!  Plus, if you craft a lot, you should take care not to inhale too many products with too many alien chemicals.

3) Sometimes "found" papers have colored ink on both the front and back of the paper.  These papers are prone to wrinkles.  You can pre-empt the wrinkles by soaking them in a basin of water until the artwork "relaxes" wrinkle free.  (Or photocopy them onto 28lb paper.)  When soaking, the paper gets extra delicate and prone to bubbles.  You can counterbalance the problems by using extra white glue on the backside of the paper and still get good results.  I'm not saying its easy but it can be done.  Until you practice, practice, practice and get to that level of glue skill you are probably best advised to photocopy these images.

The best glue is whichever glue works best for you.  I get best results with all the white craft (PVA) adhesives.  Elmer's Glue All is the most famous.  Do not try to substitute Elmer's School Glue or even their "decoupage" medium.  And that advice holds for Mod Podge and Martha's decoupage medium, too!  These "decoupage" glues have limited applications.  More about that later.

And there you have the glue basics but after teaching hundreds of students and also after training several "glue experts" in my studio, let me offer this one last bit of advice.

If a nuance to this technique works for you, you should (excuse the pun) stick with it!  Nobody plays the piano exactly the same and no two gluers end up gluing exactly the same either.  So, you now know the basic principles of what you are aiming for but exactly how you get there is really up to you. 

Next, let's hear from all the glue experts out there!  What works best for you?

Durwin

What's It About Decoupage That's Making You Frown?

Maybe you're looking for a new decoupage paper.  Or, perhaps you just want to know which is the best glue to use.  Then there are those shiny spots on your plate and what made the pink paint smear behind the big crackle that wasn't really big.  You're ready to sell your decoupage art but where, when and how and who should  you talk to and what should you ask?  

Send me your questions here or, tell others what you have perfected and already know how to do.  We'll post it all, and yes we're moderating the comments but not because you are right or you're wrong.  Rather we do it since it's so easy to spot what is special and not annoying spam.

Ask!  Ask!  Ask!  Ask!

It's Just a Great Little Book

Nothing to cut up here. No artwork to put under a paperweight or decorative plate.

Just a great book about community building and gardens and the people who tend them.

This book comes to mind this morning as I return from the Center High School greenhouse where hundreds of plants grown by the CHS Life Skills students are now looking for the perfect spot to spend the rest of their summer.

Yes, hundreds!

Buttons (The Field Guide) Arrives Today

Ages ago, on a web site now far, far away I used to post books that (in my opinion) were great books to cut up! Yes, take out those Fiskar's and do them some serious damage. After all, they're still in print and the publisher wants to sell more so everyone wins!

More recently, I've started a blog page to feature some new books I've found that I think make for great, creative decoupage experiences. My first is this Buttons Field Guide. I started to talk about it a couple of days ago here, and now today I've got some serious cutting to do because I am planning to make something beautiful with it very soon!

Our Ebay Store: Shipping vs. Shipping

Now that our decoupage store is entirely located on Ebay (not the auctions) it is worth mentioning again some of the important changes.

Particularly shipping.

We made the choice to locate our papers, glass, wood blanks and supplies at Ebay because the site is very, very efficient. The links always work and the shopping cart does what you want it to do...except sometimes it doesn't calculate the correct shipping.

Think about it, you've added one sheet of handmade paper (about 3 ounces & 1/2) to your dome paperweight (1 lb) and then an artwork print (less than an ounce) then a decorative gift wrap (2 ounces) and a tube (or box if you add a plate) and sometimes too quickly that Ebay cart doesn't entirely know what to do with calculating your shipping cost.

So, because we strive to be fair and offer you the best shipping experience we can we strongly RECOMMEND that, when you are ready to conclude your order, you REQUEST AN INVOICE from us. (Just ignore that shipping calculation even knowing they are trying their best.) Because, when you Request an Invoice, we can then weigh your order and respond to you with the very best shipping options (an most economical) before you check out and commit to purchase.

If ever, you find the cost of getting our goods more than you consider getting the goods is worth, you can even then say "no way" and we'll cancel the order. No objections. No complaints.

Because, it's ALL about Making Something Beautiful.

So relax, have fun and happy cutting!

Now You Can Match Your Table Setting...Nice

Making Cappuccino Without the Money Machine

It's a rainy day here in Kansas City and that's excuse enough for me to slow things down a bit and drink an extra cup of coffee (or two). In fact, I was ready without the rain, considering that I spent most of the day yesterday digging a really big flower bed intended for some Sparky marigolds. Just me, a spade and a robin who apparently has a very hungry family to feed.

Is it possible to overfeed a nest of young robins?

I have no idea yet how many mouths we've got, the nest is very high among some electricity poles. It's just pretty wonderful that this time of the year (when I have this compulsion to dig) coincides so perfectly with this robin's need for worms. I dig a trench while he's at the nest, then step back to rest and watch him hunt in my ditch until his beak is full. I'll admit it took me a couple of days to figure out that I ought to share some of my earth worms with this guy. Still, up until that day, we were able to forge a friendship solely based on the grubs that I tossed his way.

Which has nothing to do with a cup of coffee other than the fact that I've got one here near the keyboard as I type. But, since we're busy sharing good things, here's a simple recipe that might make your morning a bit more cheery. Cappuccino (which is basically Espresso with some frothy milk) isn't that hard to concoct on your own without an expensive cappuccino machine.

The steps? Brew your coffee extra strong. Heat a cup of skim milk and a teaspoon of sugar in your microwave and then whip the milk up to a froth before you add it to your mug of coffee. (A blender helps.)

Step-by-Step:

• 1 cup of skim milk
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 1/2 cups of strong, fresh coffee

1. Brew your coffee strong. Blend the sugar and the milk and heat it for 1-2 minutes in your microwave.
2. Blend the heated milk + sugar mix in your blender for 1 minute or until a fluffy foam appears.
3. Pour the coffee into your cup, two thirds full, and top it off with the heated froth

Now drink up and get chatty. The world is ready for you to participate.

A Great Day To Cut Up Some Gift Wrap Papers

We already mentioned here the new Florentine Paper designs that arrived on our shelves recently. And, some of you have already made a dent in that inventory.

As we're packing orders, it's been tempting for us to tuck in some extra paper samples of the designs that you did not order because, for all the virtues of the web, it just doesn't sometimes fully explain the beauty of something that you hold in your hand.

How many samples? That's been the discussion. So, in order to keep things fair we've determined to tuck in one 5" x 7" "temptation sheet" for every full sheet of paper in your order. That's big enough for the front of a greeting card or to add to one of your collage designs.

Which samples? Most often similar samples to the papers within your order. Order the filagrees and you're likely to get some similar feathery designs. Order fruit and we'll add some more edibles. And then, sometimes we might just mix things up with some pretty color combinations.

Let's face it. Sometimes you just have to close your eyes and give your dreams up to the decoupage divas.

Welcome Back to DurwinRice.com

This New Decoupage blog is now taking all hits from DurwinRice.com because we're again making some important changes to our world of paper, glue and scissors.

In short, we're moving all our products over to one easy shopping site...to our Ebay Store. And in the interim, if you can't find what you want using the store's search box, send us an email about what you are looking for and, if we've got it, we'll create an Ebay listing just for you!

While you are there you might want to take a look at all the new Florentine papers that recently arrived from Italy!

Then, of course, follow this blog if you want to really keep up-to-date with what's next and what's new in our rooms full of New Decoupage.

Email to request a workshop: customerservice@durwinrice.com

My Biggest Box To Date

For years now I've been telling people to get creative. To pick up an interesting box at the flea market, take it home and re-invent it with scissors, paint, paper and glue. And, many of you have already learned how that habit can easily get out-of-control. Is your basement full of interesting garage sale discoveries that you intended once to decorate? Is your spare bedroom now home for a plethora of exciting projects that have yet to get your full attention?

It's a common mistake among creative types, I think. Too many ideas. Too many possibilities and sometimes you just have to close the door and focus on one thing. Or, the burden of it all can become overwhelming and you won't ever get anything done.

Same goes for artwork. Sometimes you can just collect too much and then find it's very, very hard (if not impossible) to get started on that project because underneath what you're looking at this moment might be something better and more beautiful.

So, get on the ball folks and get busy at something! Because the world needs more beautiful things.

And, what am I doing you ask? It's my biggest box to date. I didn't exactly carry it home from the Flea Market but somehow it found me and now I'm spending lots of time removing the lid (aka roof) so that it might possibly someday be turned into something beautiful.

But just because you are going to finish your project before I finish mine shouldn't make you feel like taking any pressure off yourself.

Go ahead now! Make something beautiful today.

Attention Bay Area Decoupage Enthusiasts

Came across this in the blog comments section recently and wanted to let you know it's legit...I know the writer from a couple of CA workshops a few years back. (Yes, there's been a plethora of Blog Spam recently and if anyone knows what to do about that, your advice is welcome.) Meanwhile, I wanted to post this on the Blog so more would see:

Hello Durwin and decoupage-lovers. I need help. I live near San Francisco and I have taken two of Durwin's classes and loved them. Sadly, my medical issues are taking from me the ability to do decoupage. But I have so much deco stuff ... I'd really like to find some person (people) in my area that would like to get a real good deal on the extensive supples I have. I just have no space to store it all anymore and I hate that all these lovely papers are going unused.

These supplies include glass plates bought from your site, all kinds of paper esp. gorgeous mulberry bark Washi papers that I bought direct from Japan, a fat binder full of images I have collected and personally pre-cut ready for projects, other images sources (calendars, books, napkins, etc) and other useful decoupage things.

I can't possibly get back what I spent on all these items but I'd be willing to let it all go for $100; or break up the lot to cater to those interested in only certain things. If you live in my area you can come see it. Please email at DavCat14@aol.com

Durwin, I've loved the classes and wish I could continue. Love love love your work!

Fall In Love With Decoupage

Happy Valentine's!

NFTW: The Decoupage Plate Art

One of the first obstacles that most decoupage students encounter is the art choice decision.

“I love this image that I found in an art magazine…but the image is rectangular and my plate is round. What do I do?”

Okay, first thing that you need to understand is that you, as the decoupage designer, are in charge here. It is you who is going to take images from a myriad of places and cut them up and reorder them onto your plate. It can be simple, or it can be complicated but most importantly…it needs to be fun.

So, let’s start with the simplest of simple plates. Here’s an 8” round clear glass plate with a 1.5” border around the base.

This plate is perfect for easily framing a favorite image or photo. And, here’s an image that you like. A page that you tore out of a fine auction catalogue. You may think that cutting it down to the plate's size will destroy the image but really you are only focusing on its most important features, the subject matter…a beautiful mother and child sharing an intimate moment after the child’s bath.

Hmmm, you think. This might be the perfect gift for your next-door neighbor whose children you fear are staining your upholstery.

So, armed with your new optimism, you are ready to cut it out to fit the bottom, flat part of the plate. And, as is always the case there are a myriad of ways to accomplish this task. You could measure, use a compass and cut a template out of acetate or card stock and use that. You might find the rim of a bowl in your kitchen, or a can, that is the perfect round size. We found this tall glass cylinder at a thrift shop (someday it will be a lamp) but meanwhile it is the perfect round size and shape to cut the artwork down to the size we needed. It’s fun to look down from the top and focus in on just the part of the artwork that you’re going to use and it makes you realize that yes, it’s okay if you don’t let the mother get to keep her feet.

Now trace around. You might use a pencil for fear of staining your artwork with ink. But we prefer an ink pen which leaves a darker line which is easier for us to see well in the wee hours when we have decided to make a plate. You'll cut that line of ink away anyway.

Once you’ve cut, you might realize that your art circle is a little bit bigger than the flat base of the plate. This is good! After you glue it on, and it is dry, you can cut the excess away cleanly with a straight edged razor blade making you the first in your crafting circle to achieve a PERFECT circle in the center of your decoupage plate.

And, there you go! You've made the most difficult design decision of your morning and you are ready to glue. It's maybe not the original painting in its entirety, but its going to look really, really good on your new decoupage plate.

Upcoming Notes From The Workshops:

The Decoupage Plate: Gluing the art.

Designing coasters and ornaments.

Notes From The Workshops (1999 to 2009)

News For Sticky Hands Everywhere:

Here's the plan we've been at work on for you and for anyone interested in learning more about the how-to craft and fine art of decoupage.

We're now rewriting our story.

Yes, while we really thought that we'd covered everything meaningful (and then some) in "New Decoupage", we still get asked frequently (very frequently) how to do this, that or the other when it comes to decorating your home with paper, glue and scissors.

Also, too we get told often, by many of you, about New Decoupage discoveries that are simply too good not to share.

So, this afternoon, as soon as our photo studio delivers accompanying photos we're publishing here on this blog the first pages of what is to become the Koran of cutting: Notes From The Workshops.

That means the best...the very best lessons that we learned from the past 10 years of decoupage study in workshops across the country.

And, also the simplest. The veritable A, B's, Z's of the craft and also too, the most complicated pains and perils of coming up with your new ideas for your new creations.

And, there my friends, in the coming days, we will together look at ways to join all our talents in order to come up with the BIG KABOOM.

Learning how to get that sky-rocketable idea that eludes you this morning unstuck from your unique personality and leaving even you inspired by what happened today.

It's all in the mind, you know!