This lovely folding table is decorated with images from ancient folk-lore and mythology of the Ancient Celts and Nordics, combined with the romantic imagery of the Pre-Raphaelites. It is great as a side table, bathroom table or bed-side table, and is handy for moving around or taking on trips. Decoupage (or découpage) is the art of decorating an object by sticking paper cut outs onto it in combination with special effects, such as gold leaf, paint, etc. Usually a small object like a box or picture frame or an item of furniture is covered with pictures cut from magazines or books or from specially designed papers (creating a type of collage or Photomontage effect). Each layer is sealed with varnishes (often multiple coats) until the "stuck on" appearance disappears and the result starts to look like painting or inlay work. The traditional technique used 30-40 layers of varnish which were then sanded to a polished finish. We have a workshop in our home in Sheffield. We source, buy and reclaim and repair unwanted pieces of furniture from around the city and then I recycle them by decorating them using the Ancient technique of 'Decoupage'. I learnt (and became fascinated by) this technique whilst completing my degree in Fine Art (Combined and Media) seven years ago, and I have been developing and perfecting this unusual skill ever since. I generally work on smaller pieces of furniture, and a piece can take me up to two weeks of intense work to complete. I use several overlapping layers and lovingly apply literally hundreds of images, and then usually two layers of pva glue, two to three layers of French Polish and three to four layers of lacquer or other waterproof clear varnish (to create real depth). Each piece has it's own feel and is a one-off and unique object d-arte, as well as a functional object. I use humour, juxta-positioning, and perspective in my work to create pictures, feelings and scenes. The finish on each piece will depend on many different factors (including the condition of the object when it comes to me, the type of paper and images I use, the time between varnishes and paints, and so on. I have to wait a day between each layer of pva, and a day between each layer of paint or lacquer, so the whole process is quite time consuming, but very rewarding as it produces such enchanting results. I also enjoy looking out for new themes and images to use, and interesting objects to give a new lease of life to. We generally prefer people to pay by Paypal, but we also accept postal orders and banker's drafts, or cash on collection. We are happy for people to collect larger items, but we are also usually able to arrange for them to be delivered. If in the Uk, we will deliver within 7 working days of cleared payment. Postage and packing is approximately £50 per 20 kilos (within the UK). If outside the UK please email or phone us to enquire, and we will work out a price for you. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, either by email or by phone (you can phone Fiona on 07846169372). We also may be able to complete commisions (decorated with a particular theme, or for a gift or occasion). We can email you larger images of items if you need them. Thanks for visiting our Web page. I hope you enjoy looking at our shop, and do email us on crystalabun@yahoo.co.uk, or ficarruth@hotmail.com if you have any questions.

I completed my degree in Fine Art (Combined and Media) with Hons six years ago, and have been practising in my studio in Sheffield ever since. My main influences are the movements of Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism and Symbolism. I also enjoy taking inspiration for my work from day-to-day experiences and travelling. I am fascinated by Anthropology and Ancient Mythology and Folk-lore and love to merge images from different cultures and countries, and spiritualities. I also like to use images from my own dreams and subconscious. I use a variety of media (including melted wax, pencil, charcoal, oils, pastels and acrylics. I have taken part in and had several exhibitions in and around Sheffield, and recently have completed various commissioned pieces. I have painted people as goddesses and angels, in a Pre-Raphaelite romantic portraiture style, and have most recently been asked to create an expression of love for a wedding. I am available for (and enjoy) commissions, and I am happy for you to contact me with any ideas you have in mind. Much of my work is figurative, but I also enjoy abstract form and colour work. Most often my work mixes strong Symbolism with a touch of Surrealism or humour, but I also specialise in expressive portraiture. I enjoy the challenge of capturing a personality of my subject or the 'essence' of a person.