Decoupage was derived from the French word “decouper”, which means “to cut”. Decoupage is the ability of adorning an item by putting together and pasting colored paper cutouts onto it. After which, the combined cutout papers are painted with layers of varnish. Decoupage originated and became very popular in the eighteenth century. The said pastime was said to be enjoyed by Marie Antoinette and Queen Victoria when it first became popular.

Almost any item or plane– be it wood, metals and ceramics– can have some decoupage work. Any paper, magazine cutouts, and pictures can be utilized for decoupage. Different kinds of paper will need various preparations. The cutouts may first be put onto a firm surface, serving as “draft” for the ultimate decoupage. If the decouper has already seen the semi-finished design, then it is ready for gluing on to the final material. After gluing the cut outs, special paints or varnishes are then utilized in order to come up with desired creative effects.

Decoupage probably once started as a imaginative cover up some blemishes of old articles, now it has changed into a well-loved pastime in the whole world. Actually, people of all ages have been hooked to this craft.

The rise of the fame of this art among simple hobbyist and the expert decouper is not a shocker. This art can be accomplished with various types of raw materials, even the ones that are already destined for recycling. Any type of paper can be utilized such as old postcards, magazines, newspapers, or books. In other words, the materials needed for this activity are so inexpensive, the beauty of the end product depends on the imagination and execution of the artist.

The most wanted subjects of decoupage artists are flowers, birds, angles, butterflies, fairies, and other themes that go with nature. Themes that are about Mother Nature tend to calm the senses, which makes it famous among artists.

Anyone can start a decoupage artwork at home or in school. The materials are easily obtainable and any novice can start working on a simple subject. As you continually do this pastime, you will have an idea on how to move forward to more demanding subjects.

Visit our website for more information on how to decoupage and how to decoupage .

AskAnissa: My 14 year old daughter is part of the school's theater club for more than a year now and she really exemplifies her love for drama and acting. Next month, their school will have a stage play and she will play as the main character, I'm so nervous but I'm sure she could play her character well. As a mom, I would really love to put her makeup on during the play but I'm afraid I might overdo it. I would like to ask for some tips on how to do stage makeup on my daughter. Hope you can give me the best advice. Thanks! -Anonymous

Answer: First things first. Do not overdo her makeup. Stage makeup by nature is already excessive for it needs to be seen from several yards away and in inconsistent lighting. When applying stage makeup on your kids, keep in mind that you are just defining to what is already present and you don't have to work on it too much, she might look like a zombie and not a stage player.

Here are some techniques on how to do theatrical makeup.

Apply a hypoallergenic facial moisturizer about 10 minutes before applying a stage makeup. Pick out a greasepaint foundation that is similar to her skin tone, and smear it evenly using a makeup sponge dipped in water and squeezed first. Ensure an even application to lessen shadows from stage lights.

Next, apply blush color similar to her cheeks' natural color. Smile and apply blush to the apples of the cheeks, sweeping up and out in the direction of the hairline.

Apply light blue or violet shadow over the full eyelid. Choose three complementary colors, applying the darkest shade next to the eye, the medium shade over the eyelid crease, and the lightest shade beneath the eyebrow.

Lining the eyes with black eyeliner makes them really stand out and more expressive. Use a dark liner to outline the top of the eye, just above the lashes and extending the line at the outer corner in an upward motion toward the temple. To line the lower lid, start at the outer corner of the eye and draw a thin line under the lower lashes.

Apply black and waterproof mascara on the top and bottom lashes, and allow the lashes to dry for a few seconds prior to blinking.
Use a light red lip liner.

Brush lucent powder. The powder should keep the makeup from running under the lights.

All set. Hit the center stage and break a leg!

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AskAnissa: I’m 14 years old and a middle child. I have 2 lovely sisters and very supportive parents but the problem is since back then, I’m the black sheep in the family. I usually don’t get along well with my siblings and same goes to my parents. I don’t follow what they say and I talk back when I don’t like what they’re saying, I just think I’m not a good girl at home and I don’t why. Do you have any ideas on how can I be a better version of myself at home? – Anonymous

Answer: I don’t think you’re as bad as you think since you still appreciate their kindness to you. Let’s look at it this way: Sometimes, during adolescent stages of growth, teens follow their own rules thinking that they are right and that they can be in-charge of themselves without the support of their parents as well as their sisters.
Don’t see yourself as a black sheep in the family for it drives negative energy. Maybe, you’re really unique and you trust yourself much to handle everything but later you will realize, you’re still a teen and you still need your family’s support. Anyway, you might want to try these relationship rituals and enjoy high-quality time with your family and rekindle the family bonding you’ve missed.

1. Be a better daughter
Have real conversations with Dad and Mom. Even if you’re not totally interested in what they are doing or how their day went, pretend. Just sit there and let them unload on you. Hey, how many times have they sat there and listened to your troubles? Return the favor! Pretty soon, you’ll learn to cherish your little talks and you won’t have to pretend anymore.
2. Be a better sister.
Do something you used to do when you were kids. Did you ride your bikes together every afternoon? Set up an inflatable pool in the garden every summer? It will remind you how lucky you are to have shared all those fun, silly times and how lucky you are to have siblings.
Always cease the day with the people you love. Time is precious and you don’t want to miss a thing that you might regret all your life.