Subject: concept of shabby chic and country styles. decoupage any surface using one of these styles.
Target: Learn to create an antique effect on various surfaces- abrasions, cracks.
Materials: Any item, napkin (printout, decoupage card), primer, acrylic paints, acrylic varnish, PVA, scissors, brushes, decorative items, optional - one-step/two-step craquelure.
And here it is master class by Olga Znamenskaya:
By mastering the decoupage technique and applying the basic principles of shabby chic, you can create a new cute little thing from almost any object and material. So, from an ordinary gray heart you can make a magnet frame for a refrigerator. It will not only make you happy every day, but will also help preserve memories and feelings.
For work you will need
Blank cardboard blank
Acrylic paint - dark brown and white
Sandpaper
Napkins for decoupage
Decoupage glue or PVA glue
Matte varnish for decoupage
Rubs
Decorations: flowers, stamens, rhinestones, pearls
Scrapbooking paper
1. To get started, take a blank of binding cardboard of any shape (1-2 mm)
2. Paint the workpiece on both sides dark acrylic paint
3. After complete drying, you need to rub the edges and corners with a candle, as well as in those places where future abrasions are necessary. Be sure to shake off the remains of the candle (preferably with a brush) - there should be no white crumbs left!
4. Apply white paint (directly over the paraffin in several layers until an even color is obtained.
5. Now, using fine sandpaper or a nail file, you need to wipe off the paint in those places where the paraffin was.
6. Add splashes and dirt with dark acrylic paint, patina or glitter mist.
7. Choose a napkin for decoupage with a suitable pattern (ideally rose prints), cut out the motif and apply it to the workpiece using the decoupage technique. If desired, add shadows using paint or pastels. (tip: don’t pay too much attention to areas that will be covered by photos or paper)
8. Cover the workpiece with matte decoupage varnish (you can coat it with transparent one-step craquelure). The background is ready.
9. Select a photo. Select and cut out the backing from scrapbooking paper. Glue it to the center of the workpiece. Transfer a few rubs onto the decoupage surface and add decorations as desired.
You can make a magnet frame for your refrigerator by sticking magnetic tape on the back. Or a hanging frame by making holes with a hole punch and inserting a ribbon.
Or put together a whole album using the blanks as pages.
Shabby chic(English shabby - worn, shabby)– the name of a style in interior, decor, fashion. The name itself can literally be translated as “shabby shine” or “shabby chic,” which reflects its essence. American style appeared in the late 1980s; its author is Rachel Ashwell. Rachel Ashwell). She started by decorating items purchased at sales and flea markets. old furniture, at the beginning for own home. Over time, the hobby turned to new level, sales have begun. Furniture restored in soft, light colors has become very popular. Over time, Ashwell created a number of accessories in the corresponding style for furniture; the range expanded from tea sets to textiles. 
The shabby chic style was greatly influenced by the vintage style. Vintage (from the French vintage - wine aged for many years) - a direction based on the combination of modern and old, and sometimes even antique objects in the interior. Shabby chic can be called vintage turned inside out, since the interior decor in the shabby chic style suggests a kind of protest against excessive luxury. 
The essence of the style is that furniture and interior items are artificially aged. Shabby chic - shabby chic. Items can be both antique and new, painted predominantly light pastel shades and in places worn out, with delicate roses or birds, or without patterns at all, a lot of delicate textiles, napkins, pillows, bedspreads, covers on chairs and armchairs. 
Basic elements of the Shabby chic style:
- use of gentle pastel colors: boiling white, ivory, soft pink, light blue;
- objects used in decoration should have a worn effect - several layers of paint should be visible (as if the table or stool had been painted many times), patina;
— pastoral motifs are used as ornaments, which are similar to shabby chic and the “rococo” style - roses and angels pastel colors;
— forget about geometric patterns! Only “classics of the genre” are acceptable - thin stripes or checkered patterns;
— hand-made is only encouraged;
- use of traditional, high-quality items from natural materials.
Flowers are a very important part of this style, especially rosebuds. Leftover fabric, old sheets, old curtains and other fabrics can all be used to create your style. Use them for pillows upholstered furniture and woven rugs. 
In decoupage, the shabby chic style is very popular. Furniture, plates, boxes, mirrors, and wall panels are decorated in this style. For work they use various aging techniques, smoky (shadow) decoupage, volumetric decoupage, less often - deco patch, gilding and gold leaf, but only if these elements do not overwhelm the overall meaning of shabby: bright hues with an advantage of boiling white, pastel accents, a feeling of light, spaciousness, romance, a soft touch of antiquity. 
Shabby chic decor items: also antique. Antique clocks, bronze, faded paintings in antique frames, old televisions, gramophones, vases, candelabra, an antique telephone, various small objects from past eras, even a rusty charcoal iron. Flowers enliven the interior, but again in aged pots or even boxes. Since the shabby chic interior does not express a specific style, the decorative items will be those whose “aging” expresses the style you have chosen. There may be aged country items, as well as various classic styles. 
In any case, it should be remembered that the shabby chic style prefers a demonstration of quality and good taste in everything. Shabby chic in the interior is a combination of two incompatible concepts - beauty and shabbyness. The style takes inspiration from antiques, and plays with the same antique finish. 
The shabby chic style is not afraid to show defects as a result of the ruthlessness of time in relation to objects, but on the contrary, it openly demonstrates it. Do not confuse a shabby chic interior with a junk dealer's home. Shabby chic style uses traditional, high-quality items made from natural materials. The antiquity of such items only increases their value. 
Shabby chic design can be called bold. This interior design solution is not suitable for everyone, and even then, one room or a thematic area of the house is often done in this style rather than the entire apartment or house. The shabby chic style is suitable for people with an artistic streak, creators, photographers, painters, or studios. 
The shabby chic decoupage trend appeared when retro style began to come into fashion—or rather, to return. Then glamorous ladies in vintage outfits with vintage accessories began to appear in the “society”; things that were artificially given a touch of antiquity began to come into fashion. In the homes of rich people, interior items appeared that were given a fashionable look with the help of an aged surface.
It is believed that Ashwell Rachel came up with the creation of this vintage style, but many designers believe that she simply patented the name “ decoupage shabby chic” and opened a network of boutiques under this brand.
This style has a lot of Scandinavian and French motifs, echoing purely English severity and laconicism in colors.
Decoupage in retro style - shabby chic - this is not a technique! This is the name of the style! The technique is about giving things an aged look.
Decoration in shabby style
When decorating in a specific retro style, the following rules are observed:
- Since shabby is translated from English as shabby, this means that things will age in a certain way: creating small abrasions and a patina of antiquity using uneven coloring; in some places you will have to make small cracks, which will violate the integrity of the surface and polishing;
- Shabby colors are delicate, pastel, pleasing to the eye. The presence of a white color is required, which is more like the color of boiling milk;
- There must be a place in the interior floral motifs: Roses are especially in demand. Striped patterns are also acceptable delicate flowers, angels are welcome.
A special technique helps create a shabby effect by simply repainting the boxes in White color or by drawing flower pictures, you won’t achieve chic.
The method of aging the surface - craquelure or the paraffin method - is not used in all cases. The thing should not seem dilapidated - it should look quite durable, brought back to life. You need to maintain style - nothing more.
Each master prefers his own techniques for changing appearance things, so it’s better to explain the essence of the shabby chic decoupage technique with the help of examples.
Master class for beginners
You should start decoupage lessons with the simplest thing: try to change the appearance of a special blank. In the future, it will serve, for example, as a frame for a mirror.
You need to prepare in advance:
- thin spatula.
- a piece of light fabric;
- clear acrylic varnish;
- a simple pencil;
- special decoupage glue;
- scissors;
- white paint - quality does not matter;
- shabby chic pictures for decoupage, applied to three-layer napkins or handkerchiefs;
- cotton pads;
- alcohol liquid;
- preparation of the required shape;
The workpiece must be degreased with alcohol. Then it is painted generously with white paint on both sides so that the base does not show through. Waiting to dry.Make a pattern on a napkin with a pattern - for this, the edges of the workpiece are outlined with a simple pencil - be sure to make allowances for the seams.
Glue carefully, removing bubbles using a piece of clean cloth - if you smooth the surface with your fingers, even clean hands may leave greasy marks. The edges are processed with a spatula until everything is dry - removing traces of seams - they should be perfectly smooth.
With the same spatula you can create artificial abrasions along the edges. Then everything is coated with transparent varnish in several layers and after drying the frame can already be hung on the wall.
And what it will be located around, around a mirror or a picture, the decision is made independently.
Shabby Chic (shabby chic) is a style that uses light tones and pastel shades, and uses flowers to create a theme.
You can create an interior like the one in the photo above using the Shabby Chic technique. This technique is used to age items, creating a shabby chic effect. Nowadays, Shabby Chic has become very popular, because it gives light objects a touch of antiquity, romance and mystery.
Perhaps this style does not suit you for some reason. In this case, we advise you to study and start working on new things as soon as possible!
Ways to use Shabby Chic style in beautiful decoupage
In the picture above you can see one of the options for souvenirs that you can create for your loved ones and friends.
You can use this style to decorate boxes, frames, dishes, mirrors, wall hangings and various furniture. It can save your old furniture, breathe life into it new life, and will also help you create with your own hands original gift for friends and family. Using the Shabby Chic style, you will understand that creating unusual things with your own hands at home is very simple and also very pleasant.
Understanding pictures for working with decor
Pictures for decoupage created in original style Shabby Chic can be different. It can be various flowers, roses are most often used. You can combine several types of colors to create compositions. “Aging” accepts a floral theme without pronounced geometric patterns; only checks and stripes are welcome, but they should not stand out when used.
Just look how great this style looks - it's just a masterpiece!
The picture can be torn out of the napkins - but try to keep the edges uneven, this will make it less noticeable that the picture is glued on. Another picture can be cut from wallpaper or cut from fabric. Remember, a picture for decoupage should be classic, elegant and delicate.
We decorate wall clocks using creative techniques
Consider using this style to create a clock, like in this photo:
- MDF watch blank;
- Stencil with numbers;
- Tassels;
- Clock mechanism and clock hands;
- Napkin for decoupage.
- Bitumen varnish.
- Palette.
- White acrylic primer.
- Glue for decoupage.
- Acrylic paints.
- Circuit.
- Household sponge.
- Craquelure varnish.
- Acrylic matte varnish.
- Sandpaper.
- Pastel to rub over cracks.
Step-by-step master class with description and photo
Step 1: Cover the workpiece with white acrylic primer using a sponge, repeat this procedure three times, but only after each layer has dried. After this, the workpiece will look like in the photo below:
Step 2: We tear out the design we have chosen from the napkin and carefully glue it to the workpiece. We wait until it dries and sand it. It should look like in the photo:
Step 3: Since the background turned out to be very light, we make it more beige, as in this photo:
Step 4: Draw the details of the picture where it is most needed. You can also add small details.
Step 5: Using a stencil and a sponge, apply the numbers with brown and black paint. In this photo below you can see how to do this.
Step 6: Using a smaller piece, we separate the future translucent layer. We outline the smaller blank with a pencil as shown in the photo:
Step 7: To create a translucent layer, mix acrylic varnish with the paint we used for the background (1 part paint and 1-2 parts varnish). We cover the numbers with this composition several times. There is no need to overdo it; the numbers should be visible after covering them with the composition. Something like this, as in the photo below:
Step 8: Using the stencil, apply the numbers again, on top of the old numbers. Let them dry and cover the surface craquelure varnish maimery 753. You need to cover it in two layers. The effect will be more better. We wait until it dries and cracks appear.
Step 9: After the varnish has dried, rub the cracks in the outer circle with pastel gray, and the inner circle is brown pastel. We wash the surface under running water, dry it and coat it with pastel spray varnish.
Step 10: On a piece of paper, cut out a circle equal in diameter to the inner circle of the clock. Walls that are very thin need to be strengthened. This will be a stencil, thanks to which we will be able to highlight the line with numbers using bitumen varnish. The stencil should look like the photo below:
Step 11: Apply bitumen varnish along the edge of the stencil, and also apply varnish along the outer edge of the clock. As shown in the photo:
Step 12: Using an outline, we decorate the end with a three-dimensional pattern. Paint it with the background color. Then we coat it with bitumen varnish. It should look like the photo below:
Advice experienced craftsmen: This stencil technique is beneficial to use - it’s fast, beautiful and easy!
Step 13: Cover the clock with matte acrylic varnish 6 times. Each layer must dry well. We insert the clock mechanism and select the hands.
The clock in the Shabby Chic decoupage style is ready. You can decorate your home with this watch or give it as a gift to your loved ones or friends.
If you love the gentle comfort of your grandmother's house, the atmosphere of warmth and trust, roses and angels, pastel colors and old furniture, if you like the leisurely passage of time, then this is the place for you. Style shabby chic designed to immerse you in the atmosphere of the good old English village.
Farmers Mary and Sid are not rich, their business is average, neither shaky nor good, so they can afford to buy new furniture They can not. Savvy Mary came up with the idea of buying used furniture at auctions, painting it again and putting it in order. Soon the house of the young couple was unrecognizable: bright spacious rooms, furnished with crisp white furniture, decorated with draperies in pinkish-white colors, turned old barn into a cozy family nest. And it’s okay that the furniture is not new, and the curtains and tablecloths were bought from Mrs. Grace, and the entire interior has a slight touch of wear and tear - this is its highlight.
From simple to complex
Style shabby chic invented by English designer Rachel Ashwell. She often loved to stroll through flea markets, sales and buy old furniture. At home, Rachel “conjured” it for a long time, and as a result, new “old” chairs, armchairs, chests of drawers and sideboards, and other household utensils were obtained. At first, the designer decorated her “finds” for her own home and family. Later, Rachel realized: her furniture turns out to be very beautiful and cozy and is popular with other people.
The main features of the style shabby chic are:
Delicate pastel colors: boiling white, ivory, soft pink, light blue;
The presence of a worn effect, which shows several layers of paint, the effect of antique furniture with a patina of time;
The main motifs used as designs on furniture, textiles, dishes and other accessories are roses and angels, also in delicate colors;
Geometric designs are not welcome; sometimes slightly noticeable stripes or checkered patterns are acceptable;
Furniture slipcovers are also a hallmark of Rachel Ashwell's style.
Chic, shine, beauty!
Today, the covers of many fashion magazines are full of interiors in the style shabby chic, it is becoming more and more popular. And it’s not surprising, because this is one of the most democratic styles, allowing you to independently make a stylish cozy furniture, accessories. This is especially true in times of crisis. The main thing is not to be afraid to try and experiment.
And old furniture, as you know, will endure anything. It is important to follow the rule: if you are going to furnish a room in the “shabby shine” style, then it is best if all the interior items, walls and small details are designed in this style. Because one detail or two is not enough and will look inharmonious, not creating a true shabby chic atmosphere.
As a derivative of style shabby chic, technology also stood out shabby chic, which allows you to decorate various objects, from furniture to photo frames and even... garden watering cans.
If you liked the shabby chic style trends, and your hands are not afraid of new things, then it’s time to start experimenting. Experiments in this style are good because they are economical and do not take much time.
For your first steps, old “junk” furniture, a photo frame, wooden box- in a word, any thing that you don’t feel sorry for. If you get the hang of it and get the hang of it, you can move on to more “monumental” items. For example, decorating an old grandmother’s sideboard or chest of drawers.
First, let's figure out what we need in the process:
1. Acrylic paints - white, brown, red (can be found both in special stores for decorators and in regular hardware stores).
2. Brushes (if your item is rather large, then larger brushes).
3. PVA glue.
4. Sandpaper of different grits.
5. For decoration - three-layer napkins with roses or angels (optional).
6. Acrylic matte varnish.
7. The item itself (it can be new or old, if new, then unpainted). Good things are sold at IKEA - these are new ones, and old romantic pieces are sold at a flea market, at a neighbor's grandmother, or you can find them in your own corners. Very often I see good old furniture near garbage containers - this is generally a treasure trove of everything vintage and interesting.
Let's, for example, “remake” the old boring stool. If it is covered with varnish or paint, sand it thoroughly. The best thing old layer remove with a coarse abrasive - it will be faster. Then, having blown away the remaining dust and debris, we cover the entire surface with primer (a mixture of PVA and white acrylic enamel). Let it dry. Next, cover it with brown acrylic paint. It’s better to use 2 layers, especially if the acrylic is not very opaque (a little transparent). Each layer should dry thoroughly - it is better to leave it overnight.
After the brown paint has dried, cover the edges and corners with a layer of paraffin or wax, for which we use a candle. This is done simply - rub the surface of the candle thoroughly over your stool along all the convex places and hollows (if there are carved elements). And we pay special attention to the places where the paint has peeled off.
Preparing the paint for the final layers. First, choose a color. If it is pure white, then we cover the stool with the finished paint. If your choice fell on ivory or soft pink, then you need to mix white paint with others. The main thing is not to add a lot of dye to the white color - just a few drops of brown or red will create the desired tone. Experiment.
The painting will also be multi-stage with breaks for drying (it is important not to rush here). As a rule, this is 2-3-4 layers, depending on the hiding power of the paint ( Brown color should be completely covered with white, without gaps). We leave last layer dry properly.
So, in front of us is a stool completely covered with light paint; the finger does not stick to it. The most interesting point. We will give our “masterpiece” a shabby look. For this we take sandpaper, you can do it at 800, you can do it coarser - whatever is more convenient for you. Do not take one that is too large - the abrasions will be torn and rough. It’s best to go over it with a little coarser sandpaper, and then “smooth it out” with 800 grit. We sand the places that we rubbed with a candle.
As a result, White paint wears off, revealing brown. Before your eyes, a brand new stool is “aging.” It is important that the rubbing is smooth and even, without pieces of paint sticking up. To make it more natural, you need to sand unevenly - somewhere harder, and somewhere slightly touching.
Clean the surface from dust. Next, we either cover the stool with matte varnish, or first decorate the seat with a rose or an angel using the decoupage technique. After gluing the flower, we also coat the entire stool with varnish. It is advisable to apply several layers, allowing time for the previous layer to dry.
That's it, your new “old” stool in shabby chic style is ready!
Liliya Khlebnikova