When you think of decoupage, do you conjure up images of school pictures glued to pieces of wood that your 3^rd grader brought home as a Christmas or Mother’s Day present or of her handprint cut out and glued to some plaque? If so, then keep reading!

When decoupage first burst onto the scene, it was a favored art form and pieces very expensive to obtain. Are you having a hard time remembering when it was so? That is because I am referring to the 1600’s, a time when decoupage was reserved for kings and the wealthy. Soon, folks just like you and I were swallowed up in the decoupage craze, trying to recreate the ever so popular artwork and over time (200 years or so) decoupage had lost its esteem and favor.

Decoupage did make a small comeback in the 1970’s, but as things like the ‘glue gun’ and cheap craft paints emerged, appreciation and desire for the craft was once again lost.

Decoupage today is rapidly, once again becoming accepted as a respected form of art, not the second rate craft it was once know for. Some decoupage artists are selling their pieces for thousands of dollars, being showcased at fine restaurants and are guests on many decorating shows across America and the world.

I have been addicted to decoupage for 10 years. For me, the base piece determines the finished result. Meaning, when I see a piece that I feel compelled to decoupage, it usually tells me what it wants to become.

I am very intrigued by vintage pieces. I love to find vintage bottle, saucers, bowls and the like at yard sales or 2^nd hand shops so I can decoupage them. Old pieces can be made to look new or older, or dressed up or down, depending on your taste.

Decoupage can suit any taste or style, there is no limit other than your own imagination, and even then you can fudge. See something you like? Recreate it… Not happy with your initial results? Soak it off and start over! There are no mistakes, only techniques to be learned! Give decoupage a try! You just might like it.

Note: MJ Filbeck & Co. specializes in Decorative Tile & Reinvented. Vintage Pieces and can be found at the following location.

MJ Filbeck & Co.

FLOWERS THAT PRESS THE BEST: by Lee Hough

As you are wandering through your garden or woodland area, keep a sharp look out for flowers that press really easily. Whites, ordinarily, are hard to keep their color, although micro-waving methods are effective with those. Make sure the flowers and foliage you are picking have just opened: the fresher the flower, the better the color will keep. Pick flowers at mid-day to prevent excessive moisture, like from dew. Avoid flowers/foliage with bug holes -- they could, potentially, carry insects that will infest those, as well as any others you press. Micro-waving, and keeping your flowers in an airtight container, with a flower drying compound, will prevent that problem.

A few flowers that keep their colors well, and are easy to press are some of the following:

Delphinium (These flowers have been found in Egyptian tombs)

Larkspur Pansy Coreopsis Cosmos (although, in pinks and whites, color will fade)

Simple, five-petaled roses. Miniature roses Scila Squill

Wood Anemone Rue Anemone

Foliage: Ferns Grasses Thin and delicate vines and tendrils Fall leaves

These are just a minimal of flowers and foliage to press. Look around; enjoy nature -- and pick that flora!

New Items in Farm Fresh Department

LAS has been busy this last month on new items to add to her Farm Fresh Department. There is a cute little textured Teddy Bear done in wood. A small terra cotta bowl with wooden lid done in red over black has been added to the pottery department. A trio of small round wooden boxes filled with potpourri is just too cute for words. Wanting something to sit in that empty corner shelf? Try adding one of the fish statues. She also has some cute dust collectors such as apples, partridges, cats, and roosters, done in her offbeat style with wonderful colors. There are three sets of candle holders made from recycled material. No need to worry about turning over the first set of candle holders. This set is heavy and wide and painted gold. Beautifully ornate and can set those big fat candles. The second set is slender and is done in the gold tones. This set has that ornate look of old. The third set is done in bright copper color and has a rounded shape. Don’t forget to check out her great yard art. Add a rooster or Flower plant poke to a garden. New items are constantly being added throughout the month, so check in often.