Painting with Paper
Megan Reed Design brings collage art to life with carefully chosen imagery and artisan papers. Each piece is hand-cut and découpaged in layers onto glass and other surfaces, turning everyday items into what I like to call "Functional Art." My work includes unique accessories like clutches, cuffs, and earrings, as well as striking home décor, including glass trays, bowls, and vases. I describe my process as “painting with paper,” where craftsmanship and creativity come together to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces.
All my creations are made in my Northfield, Illinois studio, where I source, cut out, and design each piece by hand. I embrace two guiding philosophies: "always be creating" and "don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good." The first pushes me to approach everything in life, not just art, with a creative mindset. The second helps me avoid getting stuck in perfectionism, allowing me the freedom to create without overthinking—because overthinking is a creativity killer!
What is Découpage?
The word "découpage" comes from the French "decouper," meaning to cut out. Its origins trace back to East Siberia, where nomadic tribes used cut-out felt to decorate tombs. By the 12th century, the practice spread to China, where paper cutouts adorned lanterns and windows. By the 17th century, decoupage became popular in Europe, especially in France and Italy, and was dubbed “the art of the poor” for its affordability compared to painting. If you're a "découpager," you’re creating art by gluing items to surfaces. Yes, it sounds like something you learned to do in kindergarten– BUT IT IS SO MUCH MORE!
