I admit, for the past few years I have been the cobbler whose children have no shoes. While focusing on making other peoples’ homes beautiful I have greatly neglected my own. So, in order to rectify this disconnect, I have declared the summer of 2009 the year I make my home a true reflection of myself.
The wall over my bed has been empty since I moved into my place three and a half years ago. I guess I have an issue with commitment.
However, I knew I could create a unique solution to this problem without breaking the bank.
Colorful paper is a great and inexpensive way to spice up a wall. I went to Paper Source, but you can go to any specialty paper store, and bought three different pieces of paper. To keep the look cohesive I picked paper with a similar color-scheme. I also kept them unified by choosing all floral prints.
Just like choosing textiles, if you select two papers with similar colors and prints, opt for one large print and one small. If you have trouble mixing and matching…it took me about a half hour because their selection was so amazing…ask a sales associate. He or she is usually more than happy to help.
I spent a total of $15 at Paper Source.
I then went to Michael’s and picked up six 9×12 inch canvases for $6 apiece. I would suggest bringing your paper with you to double check they will fit the canvases you choose.
Attaching the paper was easy:
- I cut each paper in half so I had 6 pieces total, one for each canvas.
- I wrapped each canvas with the paper like it was a present. Work on a flat surface to ensure you tightly wrap each canvas and the paper does not wrinkle.
- I used both glue and tape on the back of the canvas to affix the paper.
Note: I made an effort to make each canvas unique by arranging the same prints differently. For example, I placed one large decal in the center of one canvas but did not center the decal on the second canvas.
You can get even more creative when hanging your new wall art. While you can hang them in straight rows I decided to offset mine.
It would also look great if you choose different shaped canvases and assembled them on your wall in a geometric pattern.
In the end I created a distinct look in my bedroom for $55 and a few hours of work!
One room down…
Katie Rogulski is our go-to gal for all things design, from choosing a paint color to installing a light fixture. Send her all of your design questions and comments and she’ll will do her best to help you design a fabulous pad without breaking the bank! Katie@PoorLittleRichGirls.com
It’s here! Spring Fashion Preview Week at 
June 30th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Thank you!! Decorating can be so expensive, but these are adorable and cheap! Can’t wait to try it
June 30th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Hi Katie- Would this work with fabric too? I have some old pillows that have a fabric that I love, but the pillows are old and limp now. I’d love to be able to re-use it for a project like this!
July 1st, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Hi Mandy,
I love the idea of taking something old and giving it new life!
Using fabric is a great idea, you will just have to be more careful when attaching it to your canvas because it is thicker than paper (obviously) and wrapping it like a present will make your fabric bunch at the edges and look less clean.
1. Try placing your canvas face down on the fabric and then cutting square pieces out of the fabric at each edge of the canvas. The edge of your cut fabric should touch the edge of your canvas. When you are done your fabric will look like a cross with the canvas laying flat in the center.
2. When you wrap the canvas the edges of the cut fabric should touch, but not overlap. This will keep your wall art from looking lumpy.
3. Also, be sure to use a glue strong enough to hold the canvas and fabric together.
Good luck and I’d love to see the end result!
Katie