Marlies Benjamin -
Tiger Pattern Decoupage Pendant.
Size: Pendant circle is 60mm, silk ribbon is 45cm long
Price: $95
This is a time consuming craft which is very demanding of patience, precision in cutting, varnishing and sanding. However the most pleasure I derive from this craft is the the design process and the cutting. Designing involves finding the shapes and motifs that suits the shape of the article. I source my motifs from Italian and Japanese wrapping paper which must be very fine as thick paper will demand even more layers of varnish.
Once I have cut and placed the motifs onto the painted surface, the varnishing begins. Each single layer must dry in a dust free room with no humidity, then sanded with extremely fine sand paper. This process can be repeated 15 times for jewellery pieces and 120 times for boxes and vessels. The process can take from weeks to months so I manage a timetable for the completion of my pieces.
The finished work must be smooth to the touch, flawless and glossy. The finish of all the varnishing and sanding must resemble an enamelled painting.
Care: Wipe with tissue after use, wrap in tissue, and place in small plastic bag when not in use
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About Marlies
After many years of cross-stitching - wall hangings, tablecloths and cushion covers followed by hand quilting, I discovered decoupage some 27 years ago.I continue to enjoy the process of creating beautiful pieces: inspiration, research, pattern cutting and painting in my home studio invariably listening to background music, mainly tango.
My morning walks, accompanying my Whippets, observing nature in Centennial Park is my motivator.
Highlights of my hobby were winning many firsts and seconds and two years of Decoupage judging at the Royal Easter Show.
I hope you will be as delighted owning one of my pieces as I was designing and creating it.
You can see more of Marlies's work here