Decoupage is the decoration of a surface with cut-out shapes or illustrations. The cut-outs are often protected with many layers of varnish, ensuring that the end result is both decorative and hard wearing.

Decoupage is a twentieth century word derived from the French découper, meaning to cut-out. The origins of the practice pre date the term by thousands of years. Cutouts were used to decorate objects discovered in the pre-Christian tombs of Siberian Nomads. 12th century Chinese peasants used the technique to adorn windows, lanterns and other objects.

The roots of today's practice stem back to 17th century Europe when the demand for fashionable lacquer work from the Far East outstripped supply. Venetian cabinetmakers employed apprentices to hand tint prints and engravings which were cut out and applied to furniture to make it resemble the Eastern imports.

Decoupage also provided an effective means of recreating the decadent look of hand painted furniture and decoration much favoured by wealthy 17th century Europeans. The work of popular master painters was reproduced and skilfully coloured, cut and stuck to form intricate designs. By the turn of the century, decoupage had even become a fashionable amusement for ladies at court.

In Victorian Britain, the intricate scissor work and hand colouring of previous centuries were superseded by collage techniques still popular today. Decorative and embossed papers were used to create pieces with sentimental appeal such as Valentine cards and keepsakes. The use of specialist papers continues to the present day.