Decoupage images
It's best to avoid very thin images as they may tear. It's also preferable to avoid papers that have images on both sides, because when glued, the image on the other side may show. Images can be scanned into your computer and printed; this is useful if you want to color them yourself.
If the image you plan to use is printed on paper that is too thick, it is possible to thin the paper. This often applies to calendars or greeting cards.
The quickest method is to split the paper in half with a nail and carefully peel it apart. Using very fine sandpaper, rub the back of the print smooth and apply a coat of sealer.
Alternatively, apply a few coats of varnish to the face of the print, allowing each coat to dry. Soak the print in tepid water for a few hours, remove it and lay it face down on a piece of waxed paper. Using a damp finger, gently start rubbing away the paper. Be careful not to rub through the print. Sand the print carefully and seal.
Popular images are often under copyright. The length of copyright varies from country to country, but is normally until seventy years after the artist's death. Copyright of artwork is owned by the person who produced it, or by the company or organization they assigned it to. If you use images for decoupage without permission from the copyright holder, you could be infringing the law. Using part of the image or changing it doesn't absolve you, as infringement is determined by what has been copied, not what has been changed.
If you want permission to use a copyright image, you can start by contacting the publisher of the work where you saw the image. Often, you will receive permission at no charge if you're using the images for your personal use. If you're making items to sell, you may have to pay a fee for the rights to use the image, if permission is granted. In practical terms, you're only likely to run into problems when making items for sale.
The rights of copyright owners don't extend to re-using items that contain copyright images. Cutting up gift-wrap or magazines won't cause you any problems, unless you use copyright images such as those from Disney. However, remember that most images on the Internet are under copyright and can't simply be printed and used without permission.
The general rule is that if you're making items for your own use, or to use as gifts, then you will have no problems. However, if you are making items for sale, you need to familiarize yourself with copyright law so that you can ensure that you only use copyright free images, or gain permission for those you use.
