You have just finished papering your walls in a beautiful new designer wallpaper, but your find yourself with leftovers and no idea how to use them. In this article, I will share seven simple tips for getting the most bang for your buck with your leftover wallpaper.
1. Use leftover wallpaper to create a wastepaper basket that matches your room decor.
To create the wastepaper basket simply measure your paper around the wastebasket to determine the size. Cut the wallpaper to the correct size to fit your project. Use glue to attach the wallpaper to the wastebasket. Decoupage medium seems to work the best for this project. Make sure to start on one side of the wastebasket and smooth out any bumps in the paper as you proceed around the basket.
2. Create custom gift wrapping.
Instead of purchasing wrapping paper at the store, try using your leftover wallpaper as a gift wrap alternative. Simply use the leftover wallpaper as you would use a traditional wrapping paper product and viola, instant style.
3. Make creative gift tags to coordinate with your gift wrap.
By cutting creative shapes out of your wallpaper you can make custom gift tags that will coordinate perfectly with your designer wallpaper gift wrapping.
4. Create a decorative lamp shade to match your room decor.
First, purchase an inexpensive plain lampshade at your local thrift or discount store. Next you will want to measure your wallpaper and trim to fit your lampshade. Use a decoupage medium to affix the designer wallpaper to the shade. As with the wastepaper basket, you will want to start on one end of the lampshade and work your way around, making sure to smooth out any bubbles in the application.
5. Line a shelf or cupboard with leftover wallpaper.
Instead of using contact paper, try using some of your leftover wallpaper for an instant shelf liner. Simply trim the wallpaper to size and attach to your shelf with double stick tape for an instant completed project. Removable mounting squares also work well for this type of project.
6. Make your own book covers.
Because wallpaper is so durable, it lends itself well to providing a wonderful cover for your well loved novels. Use as you would other book covering mediums and make sure to reinforce the corners with additional tape so that the cover stays secure.
7. Design your own book marks.
Use an Xacto knife to cut out shapes from your leftover designer wallpaper. Use a decoupage medium to apply the wallpaper cut outs to a thick sheet of card stock. After you finish your book mark design, try adding some ribbon or decorative fiber tassels to complete the project for a finished look.
Don't forget to reserve some of your leftover wallpaper for repair jobs and patches.
