Classes Available • Home Parties Available
Decoupage: The French word originating from the verb decoupeur, meaning "to cut out" can be dated back to the 17th Century. It was a popular hobby for ladies all across Europe. In fact Marie Antoinette and her court ladies were doing just that as they snipped away at originals by famous artists of the time. The art of Decoupage involves cutting out a chosen design, gluing it onto an object then layer finishing it, creating the image as if it were painted on.
Toni Cioto, Artist, Instructor has been decoupaging for over 15 years.
My interest in
this art started part-time as a hobby in the early 90's. After
leaving a successful corporate management career in sales, marketing and
training, I decided to pursue my love for this craft more fully. I
reside in Millbury, MA with my husband and have a working studio in my
home.
I am a self-taught artist and have only begun to read the decoupage books now that I am teaching the craft. What I have found in books not only confirms my techniques but also confirms how I overcome the challenges of working on different surfaces. Over the years I have worked with all types of images including, calendars, cards, wrapping paper, tissue paper, fabric and paper napkins. I have experience and enjoy working on various surfaces such as: glass, wood, muslin, plastic, wax and terra cotta.
In the past five years, decoupage has been my full-time passion. You can find my creations in local artisan shops and gift stores in Massachusetts. In 2004 I brought my line to corporations and shows in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. (E-mail me for events or shops in your area).
About My Gift Line
Many of you, my customers, have already seen and purchased my products and asked when I was going to create an on-line gift catalog... Well, here it is! I am extremely happy to be able to offer my line on a regular basis to you from your home!
By far I enjoy working on glass the most, therefore, I have selected the items in my catalog, which I believe will serve as lovely, unique gifts or add to your home decor. I use only top quality glass products that are individually hand blown (no, not by me, I'm a Decouper, not a Glass Blower!) making each unique. All artisans of Decoupage Designs by Toni, and myself take great pride in offering our customers unique gifts and quality products at affordable prices. Special orders are welcome! Please come inside and see our wonderful gift line.
About My Designs...
Ninety-nine percent of my gift items are decoupaged with paper napkins. Some designs are made of tissue paper. I use top quality three-ply napkins that you see in gift stores. I have found that the ink on the three-ply napkins make for a sharper visual effect as I bring the napkin down to one-ply (yes, you heard right, one-ply) before I decoupage it onto the glass. Selected napkins are cut and glued to fit onto the particular item. Once laid out it is layer glued, sanded, and finished with layers of polyurethane.
Decoupage Classes
Learn the art of decoupage right in your home with your friends. I love teaching decoupage to others and have had lots of fun with different groups such as; garden clubs, women's clubs, newcomer's clubs, assisted living centers and more. Remember "Acquiring knowledge to create is far more valuable than acquiring an individual item"
Please call (508) 865-3807 or e-mail me for information. Day or evening classes are available.
Home Parties
Earn cash by hosting a "Decoupage Designs by Toni" home party with friends and family. Please call (508) 865-3807 for information. Day or evening parties available.
Thank you for visiting Decoupage Designs by Toni. Come back often for new selections!