Wallpaper art

Wallpaper art.

   Wallpaper art. Photo:Thrifty Decor Chick 

Looking for affordable art? Wallpaper mounted on canvas makes for an inexpensive alternative, and a project that anyone can do. A piece of fabric, quilt top, and scrapbooking or wrapping paper would also work well. Canvas frames come in a wide variety of sizes.

Sarah of Thrifty Decor Chick shares her wallpaper art tutorial below.

  Any type of wallpaper can be used. Photo:Thrifty Decor Chick

1) Use leftover wallpaper or purchase wallpaper at garage sales and thrift stores or on sale at local retailers such as Lowe's and Home Depot. Textured wallpaper adds depth and dimension. No need to paint if you select colored or patterned wallpaper.

2) Follow the prepping directions on the wallpaper package (i.e. roll up the paper and soak in water and fold, etc).

3) Place the wet wallpaper 'face' down on a towel. 

Staple wallpaper to the canvas frame. Photo:Thrifty Decor Chick

4) Center the canvas on the wallpaper, and pull wallpaper to the back of the frame.

5) Staple the wallpaper as you would if you were upholstering a seat or wrapping a gift.

6) Trim any excess wallpaper that is hanging beyond the frame.

7) Check for air bubbles and and smooth out.using a foam brush or sponge roller.

   Painted and glazed wallpaper. Photo:Thrifty Decor Chick

8) Let wallpaper dry completely before painting.

9) Depending on the paint color selected you may need to do two to three coats. Use a foam brush or sponge roller to apply paint.

10) Allow paint to dry completely between coats.

   Photo: Thrifty Decor Chick

11) Using a small paint brush and metallic glaze highlight the raised textured areas.

12) Simply add wire by stapling it to the center of the frame.

   Wallpaper art. Photo: Thrifty Decor Chick

Supplies: Wallpaper, canvas, staple gun, staples, paint, glaze (optional), paint brushes, and towel.

Project Cost: $32; wallpaper $12, three canvases $20 (with coupon), all other items on hand
 

For more info: Thrifty Decor Chick, Lowe's, Home Depot, Archiver's, Dick Blick Art Materials

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Send your thrifty shopping and decorating tips to thriftyshopping@hotmail.com. If you live in Minnesota, let me know if your neighborhood is having a garage sale or your favorite local store is having a special event or sale.