I have been a member of the Ohio Valley Chapter of the Natioinal Guild of Decoupeurs (now called Decoupage Artists Worldwide) since 1986. I had started creating decoupage pieces in the early 70′s but only heard about the Guild in the mid 1980′s. It is very interesting how I discovered decoupage. I was playing bridge at a friend’s home and saw a beautiful picture on the wall. I asked about it and she told me that her daughter had made it. She was a student at Ohio State University and learned decoupage there. I was immediately interested in learning. I had been a musician all of my life and never dreamed of being an artist. I saw an article in our local paper about a class in decoupage and that was the beginning of my career.
I was Secretary, Vice-President and President of the National Guild of Decoupeurs. I held that office two times. It was so rewarding to be in contact with all of the members from around the world. I helped chair a Convention in Columbus, Ohio with Lois Jenkins, and then I had a Convention in Wooster, Ohio in the early 2000′s. Decoupeurs came from all over the world.
I am a Master Decoupeur in the Guild. I came up through the steps of Apprentice, Layman, Journeyman and Master. It took me 15 years to achieve this status. I have made many pieces of decoupage including a desk, several tables, a screen, a sewing cabinet and many pictures and pieces of glassware. I made two DVD’s for the Guild…..one on Decoupage Under Varnish and one on Decoupage Under Glass. They are available through the website.
Decoupage is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I LOVE DECOUPAGE!!!