When you want to display pictures or photographs, you don’t always have to frame them. You can use decoupage techniques and paste them on any medium. Just make sure that the base of your object is clean and wax free, and your picture works best when it is a photocopy. The ageing technique on this metal plate works brilliantly on this surface and produces a unique look.

Recycled items

• Metal plate
• Fruit picture from the internet or wrapping paper

Method

A. To age this plate, use the ageing technique as described in my book “From Drab to Fab” on page 10.

Ageing

You will need:

• Kettlebraai or outside fireplace
• Charcoal
• Firelighters
• Matches
• Oven gloves
• Barbecue equipment
• Rust activator

1. Make a fire with the charcoal, firelighters and matches. Place the metal object directly over the flames or coals.
2. Wearing oven gloves, use tongs to remove the object from the fire. Take care not to drop it, as it will easily distort when hot.
3. When the object is cold, wash it thoroughly under running water to remove any traces of ash.
4. Dry the object with an old cloth. It is now ready for decorating.
5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using rust activator.

B. To decoupage the fruit onto the plate, use the decoupage technique in my book “From Drab to Fab” on page 13.

Decoupage

You will need:

• PVA or modge podge (sealant)
• Small sharp scissors
• Water-based varnish and brush

1. Before you cut out the image, first coat it with sealant, then leave to dry.
2. Cut around the edge of the image with the small pair of scissors.
3. Decide how you want to arrange the images on the object.
4. When you are satisfied with your layout, paint some sealant on the reverse side of the image. Place it in position, press down gently and rub over it with your fingers to smooth away any air bubbles and excess glue. Paint two coats of sealant over the surface for protection. Allow the first one to dry before you apply the second coat.
5. The beauty of decoupage is that if you do not like your design or layout, you can always re-do it before applying the final layer of varnish. To do this, just soak off the water-based sealant and image by submerging the object in water. Make sure the surface of the object is properly dry before you start again.
6. When you are satisfied with your object, apply the final layer of varnish. This serves to protect the object, as well as your decorative work, from heat and water damage.