Activity goals
Introducing children to the technique of découpage, a decorative art designed to embellish objects with scraps of paper glued and covered with a layer of vinyl glue. Develop coordination, precision and creativity through the choice of decorative materials and the application of glue.
Material needed
- PRIMO vinyl glue in a bottle with flow-control nozzle
- Scraps of paper (magazines, wrapping paper, printed images)
- Flat brushes
- Objects to be decorated (cardboard, wood or glass boxes, notebooks, plastic vases, etc.)
- Scissors (with a rounded tip for the little ones)
- Varnish or vinyl glue diluted with water (optional, for a glossy final effect).
Activity
Before starting the activity, we recommend explaining to the children that découpage is an ancient art technique that allows them to decorate objects with paper cuttings and glue. It is a way to transform simple materials into works of art!
- Choosing cut-outs
Invite children to choose their favourite pictures, patterns or colours and cut them out carefully. They can create while following a specific theme (e.g. nature, animals, geometric shapes) or choose different images for a more diverse effect. - Preparing the object to be decorated
Provide children with the object they are going to decorate and ask them to choose the position of the cutouts, deciding how to arrange them on the space available. Encourage exploration of different arrangements before starting to glue. - Gluing the cutouts
With the help of a brush, show children how to apply a layer of vinyl glue to the surface of the object, gently place the cutouts and press lightly to remove any air bubbles.
Once the layout is complete, apply a further layer of vinyl glue over the cutouts to fix them and create a glossy and protective finish. - Finishing and drying
Allow the work to dry thoroughly to prevent the paper from becoming damaged. If you want an even more glossy and resistant effect, apply a second layer of glue or a clear varnish. - Observation of the final work
When the object is completely dry, invite children to share their creation with the class or family, explaining how they chose the pictures and why.
Educational benefits of the activity
- Fine motor skills development: Cutting and gluing small paper cut-outs helps improve precision and eye-hand coordination.
- Patience and attention to detail: Découpage requires time and attention, teaching children to take their time to achieve a beautiful and lasting result.
- Artistic and sensory learning: Through the choice of materials and the combination of different textures, children develop visual and tactile awareness.
- Satisfaction and self-esteem: Completing a complex decorative project increases self-confidence and satisfaction.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Invite children to choose pictures that have personal meaning or represent themes they love. This makes the final work even more valuable.
- Starting with simple, flat objects (such as boxes or notebook covers) helps children become familiar with the technique before moving on to curved surfaces.
- Protect the work area with tablecloths or paper to prevent glue from ruining delicate surfaces.
- Remember to wash the brushes at the end of the activity.
Découpage with PRIMO vinyl glue in a bottle with flow-control nozzle allows children to explore a unique decorative technique, creating personalized and long-lasting compositions. A technique that stimulates manual dexterity and offers rewarding results, ideal to keep for oneself or give to others as a gift.
Find out many more creative techniques with PRIMO vinyl glue bottles in the Creativity - Ideas section of our website.