How to Craft with Fabric Decoupage

Senior Care in Shelter Island NY

If you’re considering starting out with art therapy for your elderly loved one, there are a lot of different options. Some may require a bit of artistic ability, or at least your loved one might think that’s the case. The great thing about doing decoupage is that it’s unique and it’s really easy to do.

Gather Supplies

You’ll need the following to start your own fabric decoupage project:

• Scissors
• White glue or decoupage glue
• Brushes, sponge brushes work best
• Spare fabric
• Something to decoupage, preferably wood or cardboard

You can use fabric, glue, and an item you want to decorate that you already have on hand. There’s no need to go out and find new fabric or anything fancy. This is a great way to use up fabric scraps or to “save” a garment that you or your loved one enjoy but that is worn out. Simply cut your fabric into small shapes, around 1 inch in size, and you can store them in a bag or basket until you’re ready to tackle the project.

Prepare the Supplies

When you’re ready to get decorating, you’ll need to spread out some glue. You can use plain white glue on a paper plate that you thin with a small amount of water. Decoupage glue also works well, but it can be more expensive than plain white glue. If you don’t already have fabric cut up, you and your loved one can start there. Cutting the fabric into squares keeps everything uniform, but try to cut the fabric into odd shapes, too, for more interest. You don’t have to do anything special to the item that you want to decoupage.

Play and Create

Once you’ve got everything ready, it’s time to play a bit. Spread a thin layer of glue in the area you want to start placing fabric. Spread a piece of fabric in the glue and press it down. Go over the fabric with the sponge brush and a little more glue. Be sure to overlap the fabric pieces to avoid leaving blank spots. When you’re done, simply let the glue dry.

This is an easy activity for your loved one to do and it’s one that you can do while you talk and catch up or that you can do silently.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional senior care in Shelter Island, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.