Free Decoupage Papers

Free Decoupage Images Online

When you're looking for free decoupage papers for your next project, remember that the Internet is a wonderful resource for thrifty crafters. You can find free decoupage images available for download from the following Web sites:

• Norma's 3D Designs has free decoupage graphics for a variety of themes, including angels, fairies, animals, babies, butterflies, children, flowers, teddy bears, and holidays.
• The Lilac Garden has a beautiful assortment of decoupage artwork as well as free poems to use in your projects.
• Backing Papers for Free has downloadable graphics suitable for all sorts of paper crafting projects, including decoupage.

Although they are not intended for decoupage, free digital scrapbooking kits make great sources of inspiration as well. Simply print the items you wish to use onto the paper of your choice and proceed with your project. You can find digital scrapbook kits at these Web sites:

• The Digi Chick
• Cottage Arts
• Gaucho Girl
• Digital Scrapbook Place
• Scrapbook Bytes
• Two Peas in a Bucket
• Shabby Princess
• Digital Design Essentials

Depending upon what type of project you are working on, a simple Google search for "free clip art" should also turn up a number of images that can be used for decoupage.

Other Sources of Free Decoupage Papers

While the Internet can be a great source of free images for your decoupage projects, there are plenty of other ways to gather materials for your project as well. Here are a few options for free decoupage papers to consider:

• Magazine clippings: Magazines have a variety of images for decoupage, ranging from photos of people to the pretty landscapes found in home and garden magazines. If you don't subscribe to many magazines yourself, ask friends and family to save old issues for you. In many communities, the local library will also have a box of old magazines that are available for free or in exchange for a small donation.
• Wrapping paper and greeting cards: Many people simply throw away these items, but thrifty crafters know wrapping paper and greeting cards can gain a second life as material for decoupage projects.
• Postage stamps: Stamp collectors know that postage stamps are like miniature works of art. Consider saving all the canceled stamps from your junk mail for use in a decoupage project; stamps make a particularly great motif for a decoupaged desk organizer.
• Vacation memorabilia: If you love to travel, remember that maps, ticket stubs, postcards, and travel brochures make great sources of free decoupage images. This can be a wonderful way to create projects that are highly personal.
• Children's artwork: Parents know that organizing children's artwork can be a challenging task. If your child draws just one picture per day, that's over 300 images to store by the end of the year! However, these pictures can be a unique basis for your decoupage projects. Make a keepsake box to give your child's grandparents or decoupage the top of an old table to create a fun and funky centerpiece for your child's room.
• Photos: Adding pictures of your family and friends gives your decoupage project a personal touch. When working with photos, however, most people choose to copy the images onto thinner paper that is more flexible and less likely to buckle when the adhesive is applied.

Decoupage Project Ideas

Once you've gathered images for your project, you may find yourself wondering what to make. LoveToKnow Crafts recommends visiting the following links for ideas and inspiration:

• The DIY Network has a nice directory of decoupage projects that have been featured on past episodes of its crafting programs.
• Blackberry Designs has several sample decoupage projects with a vintage look.
• All Free Crafts showcases simple decoupage projects that can be completed in just one afternoon.