Tutorial: How to Hang Wallpaper

For the past few weeks, I've been sharing my many recent basement updates with you and today I've got another one....  

{How to Hang Wallpaper}

The basement had been the one space in my home that was in major need of sprucing up, hence my many recent DIY project posts.   Last week, I debuted my new Mom Cave / Craft Area that I recently created on a slim budget, and received some amazing and encouraging comments.  BUT, before the new desk went into place and the new shelving was hung, I wanted to give wallpapering a try (this was my first wallpapering experience ~ I know, crazy...who hasn't hung wallpaper before?!).  I didn't wallpaper the entire room, just certain walls that were in need of drama and some added interest.  Let's take a look ~

Supplies

• Spackle (for repairing any holes & imperfections in the wall)
• Sandpaper 
• Wallcovering Smoothing Brush and/or Wallcovering SmoothingTool (I recommend the smoothing tool over the brush ~ which you will see in the picture below)
• Wallcovering Water Bucket
• Level
• Tape Measure
• Sharp blade
• Scissors (to cut wallpaper)
• And, lastly but certainly not least ~ Your Wallpaper of choice!

{Step by Step Tutorial}

Most everyone has used regular white spackle to fill a hole or repair a damaged wall.  And in those moments, have you asked yourself,  Is the surface dry yet?  Am I ready to sand?  This spackle product by Dap gives you the answer  ~ the spackle in the container is pink (it was a bit weird to look at) and when it's dry and ready for sanding, it'll magically turn completely white (like typical spackle).  No wondering or questions needed!

The most important part of wallpapering (I'm sharing this with you because I found out the hard way) is to make sure your wall is a perfect palette (meaning no holes, no bumps, no nails, etc).  One of the reasons, I intended to use wallpaper was to hide imperfections in the wall.  That didn't happen.  Every bump will show through.
So let's get started:

Step 1: Once your wall is completely prepped, you are ready to start hanging the wallpaper.  I used a prepasted wallpaper, which means all I had to do was apply water to the back.  PLEASE, read the instructions carefully for the specific wallpaper you choice for your space ~ the direction for installation may be different!

I first measured and cut my wallpaper piece to fit the size of the wall, leaving a little extra on the top and bottom.  Then I was ready to go.  With the prepasted wallpaper, I dragged it through the Wallcovering Water Bucket until the entire wallpaper backing was covered and wet.

Step 2: Once the wallpaper is entirely wet, fold over the glue sides on each other (as shown above) and let it sit for 5-8 minutes.  This will activate the glue.

Step 3: You're ready to apply the wallpaper to the wall.  I started the installation from the center of the wall and worked my way out to the edge.  Depending on the space and pattern of your wallpaper, you may want to start in the center of the wall or at the wall edge.  Make sure the wallpaper is plumb by using a level.

Step 4: Once your wallpaper is up, start to smooth it out with your Wallcovering Smoothing Tools.  This will truly adhere the wallpaper to the wall and give you a smooth surface/finish.  The ooey-gooey glue will start to come out the sides (as seen in the picture above)

You are ready for your next piece of wallpaper.  Note: Do not overlap edges!  This is SO important...  I did it at first, and had to remove the wallpaper (which was easy to do ~ at least you have some flexibility with the application).

Step 5: Once your wallpaper is completely hung and dry (if the paper is not dry, it could tear ~ happened to me ), trim the overlapping edges with a sharp razor.

This is the edge where the wallpaper meets the painted wall.  Use a sharp blade to trim the extra wallpaper for a crisp, clean cut.

These are the specific instructions that came with my wallpaper.  My tutorial  above gives a general idea of how to install wallpaper, but it is important to follow the exact directions for your wallpaper of choice.

It went from this... To this....  

{Complete}

This is how the completed wallpapered wall looks.  This is the wall (that had major imperfections before) that is at the landing of the basement.  Believe me, it's still not perfect, but it is SOOO much better than how it was.  I really disliked opening the basement door before, but now I often open it to sneak-a-peak at this pretty ensemble!

I had been looking for a wallpaper with a simple, yet elegant design.  Even though my new wallcovering is in the basement, I wanted to bring the space up-a-notch and to make it feel as special as the rest of the house!  I looked... and looked... and looked...  I searched high and low to find something that would be affordable and stylish, and then it happened...  

{it was love at first sight}  

I truly love the quatrefoil design and never made a purchase so fast.  If this wallpaper appeals to you as well, {here} is the info.

If you haven't had a chance to check out my NEW Mom Cave  / Craft Area, here are a few pictures of that space with the new wallpaper.

To see the entire look of the new Craft Area and detailed pictures of how I created this space, check it out {here}.

Wallpaper can be a guaranteed show stopper!  The vast selection of wallpapers that are available today, can completely transform any space from blah to beautiful!  I am very happy with the result of 1st wallpapering attempt...I can now say that I am no longer a {Wallpaper Virgin}!  The thought of putting up wallpaper can be a bit daunting, but take your time and have patience...the end result is worth it.  One of my first posts was on my love for wallpaper ~ take a look {here}.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.  

I love hearing what you have to say! 

Are you planning on putting up wallpaper in one of your spaces?  

Have you hung wallpaper before?  

If so, what was your experience and how was the outcome?

I'm linking up to these linky parties 

 

DIY: Creating a Chalkboard Wall

My son doing his best 'Vanna White"

As you know from a few previous posts, I have been feverishly working on my basement revamp! One of the many projects  included creating a new Chalkboard Wall for the kids.  They just love using chalk on the driveway, but in these winter months that's unfeasible.  So I thought... let's bring the LOVE of CHALK indoors!  

Supplies

• MDF Boards (cut to size)
• Chalkboard Paint
• White Paint (preferably semi-gloss) 
• Screws
• Hammer / Screw gun
• Measuring Tape
• Pencil
• Level

This Chalkboard Wall creation actually cost $0, because all the materials were leftovers from other recent projects. If you were to start from scratch, the project would cost you approximately $20.

 {Step By Step}

1. Tape off the area where you'd like to apply the chalkboard paint (from the picture, you can see the old paint in the center and the freshly painted wall around).

NOTE: Your chalkboard wall can be as big or small as you'd like.  I also created a recessed panel below to work with the existing outlet placement ~ you don't have to do this.(Obviously, I don't want the kids drawing with chalk on the outlet)

2. Once you've painted the chalkboard on the wall, cut your lumber to the appropriate size.  The lumber will cover the line of where the wall paint color meets the chalkboard paint. Start with the top rail.  Make sure that it's level.

NOTE: We used MDF (medium density fiberboard)...it's the easiest and cleanest to work with.  I had leftover pieces from creating my craft area and had the rails cut to the exact size at HD. 

3. Install the two side rails, but ONLY put in the top screw.

4. Install the middle and bottom rail.  Again, check that they are plumb.  Then return to the side rails, and screw them into place.

Lastly, fill in all your screw holes with spackle.  Once dry, retouch any spots with paint.  It is best to wait a few days before using chalk, see the back of the can for more details.

This is the chalkboard paint that I used:

This is a picture taken when using the chalkboard paint for another project, found {here}

{Ready to USE}

 

Your chalkboard is done and ready for endless hours of FUN.  This is a fairly straight-forward and easy project that will be a sure hit for the cold winter months (and hot summer days). 

As you can see, my son couldn't wait to start drawing.  

Thanks for taking a look at my most recent basement project.  
Check back soon for more updates and tutorials!

I'm linking up to these linky parties 

 

Tutorial: Felt Flowers

Yesterday, I shared with you my newly created Valentine Burlap Wreath.  When the burlap was complete, it looked a little bare, so I added some pretty red felt flowers to {dress it up}

Supplies

• Felt (any color you choose ~ I chose red for Vday)
• Scissors
• glue (I prefer and recommend hot glue because it adheres fast)
• buttons (optional) 
• And, of course, your crafty little fingers!

Let's begin with the petal flower

1. Cut out 6 petals that are about 1" wide by 1-1/2" long (follow the shape above).

2. Cut out 6 more petals that are slightly smaller.

I created a template on a piece of paper, which I cut out and traced it onto the felt to create the petals.  Then I trimmed the paper to create a smaller template and proceeded to step 2.

3. Using glue (hot glue works best), dab a little on the end of the larger petal.

4. Lay the smaller petal on top.  Put another dab of glue, and pinch it together.  WARNING (just kidding, it's not that bad): this step might burn a little.

5. Proceed with steps 4 and 5 till all your petals are DONE!

We're not done just YET....

To keep the petals together, cut out a circle from the felt and glue it onto the back of the flower.  (From this pic, you can also see my tracing marks...they're in the back, so who cares!)

Done...A beautiful felt flower is perfectly created for this lovely holiday!

 Onto the Felt Rosette

1. Start out with a 6" x 6" square

2. Draw a continuous spiral on the square

3. Cut on your line

4. Starting with the point from the center of the square. Starting wrapping the felt round, and round, and round.  Dab a little glue after every few wraps.

5. Finish the rosette with a dab of glue once you get to the end.

 Make One, Make Many...

These simple creations can be used anywhere...add them to any wreath to {dress it up}.  Or how about for your next gift arrangement, or hairclip?!  Enjoy!

 

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Video Tutorial: Fireplace Transformation

Earlier this week, I wrote a post about my fireplace transformation which I recently tackled and re-tiled the surround and hearth.  The post was a step by step tutorial of the process, BUT I also thought it would be helpful to do a video...SAS is GOING VIRAL!

Check out it:

Hopefully this video will answer any further questions you have on tiling a surface.  These steps can be used for most basic tile projects.  Still have questions?  Ask me.