Vintage Decoupage Crafts

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Date:

Instructions: Remember cutting out pictures and gluing them onto everything? Test your knowledge of the decoupage craze!

1.
What is decoupage, at its most basic definition?
A
The art of decorating surfaces by gluing paper cutouts and coating them with finish
B
A method of fabric dyeing
C
A form of wood carving
D
A type of painting
2.
From which language does the word 'decoupage' originate, meaning 'to cut out'?
A
Italian
B
German
C
French
D
Spanish
3.
What type of clear finish was traditionally applied in many coats over decoupage to create a smooth, lacquered look?
A
Varnish or lacquer
B
Wax
C
Shellac only
D
Polyurethane only
4.
What common household item was a popular surface for decoupage projects in the 1960s-70s?
A
Glass windows
B
Wooden plaques, boxes, and trays
C
Concrete blocks
D
Metal pots and pans
5.
What type of scissors were preferred for cutting out intricate decoupage designs?
A
Paper trimmer
B
Kitchen scissors
C
Small, sharp curved scissors
D
Pinking shears
6.
What source material was commonly cut out and used for decoupage designs?
A
Greeting cards, gift wrap, and magazine pictures
B
Fabric scraps
C
Newspaper only
D
Wallpaper samples only
7.
How many coats of varnish might a serious decoupage artist apply to achieve a perfectly smooth, glass-like finish?
A
Just 1 coat
B
5-10 coats
C
2-3 coats
D
15-30 or more coats
8.
What was done between coats of varnish to create the smoothest possible decoupage surface?
A
Nothing — just let it dry
B
Buffing with a cloth
C
Light sanding with fine sandpaper
D
Applying more glue
9.
Which popular white glue, used by many crafters for decoupage, could also serve as a sealer and finish?
A
Craft paste
B
Rubber cement
C
Mod Podge
D
Elmer's Glue
10.
What problem occurred if air bubbles were trapped under the paper during decoupage?
A
The varnish would crack
B
Bumps and wrinkles that ruined the smooth finish
C
The glue would not dry
D
The paper would change color
11.
What decorative technique, related to decoupage, involved tearing rather than cutting the paper edges?
A
Collage
B
Paper weaving
C
Torn paper decoupage (dechirage)
D
Paper mache
12.
What classic gift item was commonly made using decoupage on a wooden box?
A
A candle holder
B
A picture frame
C
A jewelry box or trinket box
D
A bookend
13.
What Victorian-era images, often featuring flowers, cherubs, and romantic scenes, were especially popular for decoupage?
A
Watercolor paintings
B
Victorian scraps (chromolithograph prints)
C
Newspaper clippings
D
Photographs
14.
What step was essential before gluing paper cutouts to a wooden surface?
A
Wetting the wood
B
Drilling holes in it
C
Sanding and sealing the wood surface
D
Painting it black
15.
What tool was used to press out air bubbles and smooth the paper during decoupage application?
A
A brayer (roller) or soft cloth
B
A spatula
C
A paintbrush handle
D
A hammer

Answer Key

Question 1

A. The art of decorating surfaces by gluing paper cutouts and coating them with finish

Question 2

C. French

Question 3

A. Varnish or lacquer

Question 4

B. Wooden plaques, boxes, and trays

Question 5

C. Small, sharp curved scissors

Question 6

A. Greeting cards, gift wrap, and magazine pictures

Question 7

D. 15-30 or more coats

Question 8

C. Light sanding with fine sandpaper

Question 9

C. Mod Podge

Question 10

B. Bumps and wrinkles that ruined the smooth finish

Question 11

C. Torn paper decoupage (dechirage)

Question 12

C. A jewelry box or trinket box

Question 13

B. Victorian scraps (chromolithograph prints)

Question 14

C. Sanding and sealing the wood surface

Question 15

A. A brayer (roller) or soft cloth

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