Cheap, easy, available – I’m talking about paper!  It’s a decorating tool your wallet  can afford, you can size, shape, and manipulate easily, and it’s readily available in a myriad of weights, types, colors, prints, sizes and finishes.  Today we’ll look at a variety of ideas for decorating your walls with paper -not wallpapered walls but definitely papered walls!  Get ready to let your creativity run loose.

Papered Walls

Wrap up a great art display with paper wrapping.  In the photo above 12″ X 12″ canvas squares have been “gift wrapped” with a variety of paper.  Double stick tape holds the paper to the front of the canvas and paper is wrapped around the canvas to the back where it is held with electrical tape.  When two papers were layered the seam was hidden with  a ribbon.  

Cut from rice paper like a paper snowflake, a ti-leaf template and complete instructions for this project are available at http://www.marthastewart.com/272167/rice-paper-wall-art.  Frame the motif in groups or individually for a spot of interest on your wall.

Create a paper quilt to decorate your wall.  In the photo above diamond cut paper is “pieced” together to create the pattern.  Consider using matchbook covers collected from your travels or alternate the front and back sides of playing cards, even can labels can be cut and placed to create unique wall decor.

Instead of cross stitching a favorite saying simply cut the letters for a favorite phrase from paper.  An alphabet stencil makes quick work of the task.  Plain or patterned paper can be cut and then glued into place.  You’ve heard the phrase “If these walls could talk….”?  Well, now they can!

Wallpaper turns a window blind into a wall mural when it’s applied to an inexpensive roller shade.  Use a vintage piece or a remant and when the shade is pulled your wall art will be in place.  For instructions go to http://www.marthastewart.com/272820/wallpaper-window-shade.

Use paper to add color to your walls by applying it to the doors of your built-ins, the inside of cupboards with see-in doors and the back of your bookcase, as Terrie discussed in her post titled Bookcase Magic.

Choose an image you love, like an old paper envelope as used above, and have it enlarged and printed.  For complete instructions click here.

Scherenschnitte is an old art of paper cutting.  The only tools needed are paper, a pair of small, sharp, pointed scissors and patience.  Google Scherenschnitte and discover the variety of patterns available – from traditional to contemporary, difficult to easy.

Create charming paper animal motifs that are perfect for a child’s room.  MarthaStewart.com offers instructions for the giraffe seen above and a mischievous monkey here.

Quilling is a simple paper embellishment that can be used to decorate an art or photo mat.  Make 1/8″ wide strips of paper or use ready-made quilling strips and simply curl them around a quilling tool (available at most craft stores) and then glue in place to create the decorative swirls seen above.

Give yourself a little time to decorate!  Simply glue paper print-outs of your baby’s face to a clock with a removable cover in order to create the top clock.  A sheet of scrapbook paper provides the image for the bottom clock – for complete instructions click here.

Hit the Wall

There’s no excuse for blank, boring walls.  Use inexpensive paper, your imagination and creativity, plus a little time, and your walls will be covered in style!  Which of these ideas appealed most to you?  Is there something you’ll give a try?  Share your thoughts by using the Comment link below and remember to send a photo of your project once it’s done.

P.S. – A Change

Effective immediately, Your Decorating Hotline no longer offers free individual decorating advice by email.  We will be happy to help you with your decorating issues through a personal consultation. For details click here.