Victorian "scrap", or also known as lithography, were used in Victorian times by both children and adults for various past times and collections. Coloured printed papers and embossed die cut Scraps first appeared at the beginning of the 19th century in the form of engravings in black and white and tinted by hand, these appear in many early scrap books and then were embelleshed over the years. Color printing came into play in 1937 and chromolithography and scrap manufacturers appeared mostly in Germany and Great Britain. Raphael Tuck was among the best known. These pre-cut scraps were relief stamped and embossed to give them a three-dimensional look and feel. They are sold in sheets connected with small strips to join them together often for just a penny.
Collections of scraps and ephemera also were pasted into special scrap albums and Victorians mixed calling cards, greeting cards and any pictures they liked and wanted to keep that were special to them. This was also a very good way of marking the fashions of the period. A lot of people group their collections by themes or special occasions , Christmas or birthdays, with verses and poems. The Victorians were very romantic and loved sentimentality and keepsakes and many of the scraps carry a romantic theme.
Scraps are used for decoupage, collage, art projects, gift cards, valentines, dressing screens, decorating furniture, decorating small trinket boxes, fans, tabletops, trunks etc. These are also used for Victorian ornaments, Christmas deorations, scrap booking, graphic arts, stickers, and whatever your imagination can create.
These scrap papers are faithfully reproduced from the original antique scraps and made in the traditionl way still. These are lovely to collect or to use in the making of Christmas ornaments or greeting cards. Papers are die cut and embossed mostly from Germany many were made in West Germany. Adults and children alike enjoy collecting and using scrap paper.
A brief history of decoupage...
Decoupage is a 20th century word which comes from the French word decouper meaning to cut out. Paper cutouts are reassembled and designed and then glued to a painted or gilded surface. The most traditional technique includes applying 30-40 layers of varnish which are sanded to a beautiful smooth sheen. However, cutouts may also be applied under glass or alternatively raised to give a three-dimensional appearance. With such a long and varied history, it is not surprising that decoupage is still evolving with new styles.
With its colorful origins and variety of techniques the possibilities for this fascinating art form are infinite, offering scope for endless hours of creativity as well as enjoyment.
We are proud to be one of a handful of stockist in Europe and the UK of the most beautiful decoupage papers for decoration, embeleshment, card making, art projects, restoration, scrap book ing, hobby, craft , and to be used on furniture, jewellery box's, Christmas gifts, decorations, with a variety of glazes, supplies and crackle varnish which hopefully we will be stocking soon
