How are Libi Astaire's Decoupage Pieces Created?

The starting point for each Libi Astaire design is a piece of text from the Jewish tradition. Inspiration may come from a teaching of a Chassidic master such as Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, a verse from one of King David's psalms or a prayer found in the siddur (Jewish prayer book).

The next step is to search out images from more than 1,000 years of Jewish art and design - including Jewish medieval illuminated manuscripts, hand-embroidered Torah binders, paintings of great 19th century European-Jewish artists, and early Israeli artists. Motifs drawn from other European or American sources may also be employed in the design.

Once the various design elements have been cut out and pieced together, the design is applied to a wood base that has been painted and then gilt-edged with several layers of gold paint. The final step is applying the varnish, and each piece receives as many as 20 coats of lacquer to achieve the desired in-lay look.

Because each piece is entirely hand-crafted, it can take anywhere from 3-6 weeks to complete. But once it arrives at your door there is no need for framing - it comes ready to mount on your wall. And each piece comes with its own informative description about the text and images.

Close Window