Decoupage comes from the French word 'cut' and originated in the 18th century.
In its early years decoupage may have been considered a child's craft as it involves cutting pieces paper and layering them on top of each other to create an image that is 3d.

Today decoupage is becoming more and more sophisticated and quite often I have seen larger decoupage images framed as pictures around peoples homes. The effects decoupage has may make it look complicated but it is actually really simple.

It is important to have the right tools when creating decoupage images for card or scrapbook projects I would strongly recommend you invest in a pair of high quality curved scissors and when cutting remember to have the curve away from your body.

Keep the hand holding the scissors still apart from opening and closing the blades to cut the paper, you will get a far better result if you move the paper and guide it to the scissors rather than the other way around.

You may need to use a scalpel or craft knife when cutting intricate parts of decoupage or parts from inside the image its self. If you do use a craft knife make sure you have a cutting mat underneath before you cut.

Once you have cut your images out the next step is to create layers to go on top of each other, those that have been creating decoupage images for sometime may use silicone gel to layer the images on top of each other but beginners to decoupage will find foam pads are a great way to start.

Remember you do not want to see the foam pads when the image has been stuck down so take care not to place them too near the edge of your cutting.

Then simply layer the images on top of each other to create a stunning 3d look.

Decoupage sheets can be easily purchased on the internet or in craft shops some of which will come with step by step instructions making it even easier for you to know exactly what and where to cut.

You could also try finding your own images on the internet and simply repeating the design at least 4 times then printing on high quality inkjet paper, you will need to be careful with copyright issues if you do decide to try this.

It is also possible to purchase decoupage disks or cd where the images are all ready there all you need to do is print, cut and stick them together.

Decoupage is becoming more and more popular to crafters, if you are new to card making it is something that is simple but extremely effective for card projects giving them a really professional look.