How to Use Scrap Wallpaper

Rather than letting leftover wallpaper take up valuable storage space, put it to work with these projects.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cardboard-tube Containers
• Narrow Satin Ribbon
• Seashells
• Shank-type Buttons
• Vinyl-to-vinyl Wallpaper Paste
• Decorative Cording
• Facial Tissue Dispensers
• Glue Guns
• Hot Glue Sticks
• Leftover Wallpaper
• Commercial-size Ice Cream Cartons
• Popcorn Gift Tins
• Scissors
• Scissors
• Large Paper And Binder Clips
• Poster Boards

1. Cover a large popcorn gift tin or commercial-size ice cream carton. Voila: a new wastebasket!

2. Cover a tissue dispenser with wallpaper to match the room. Apply with vinyl-to-vinyl wallpaper adhesive.

3. Cover switch plates to match the walls.

4. Make 2-inch-wide folds in a sheet of scrap wallpaper for a fan that will hide your fireplace cavity during summer. Catch the end with a large paperclip or other fastener of your choice and then hot-glue a pretty seashell or shank button on the front of the fan to hide the clip.

5. Pleat a piece (make 1/2-inch folds) into a cover for an old lampshade. Punch holes in the top folds and run a piece of narrow satin ribbon or decorative cord through the top, tighten to the desired circumference and tie in a bow; use hot glue for side seam.

6. Keep a roll or two in the car's trunk for hauling messy things home from the store such as plants or mulch. (Note that you shouldn't haul wet items on top of prepasted paper - the paper could stick to the carpet lining of your trunk.)

7. Line drawers or shelves.

8. Revamp the inside of an old steamer trunk or other furniture.

9. Craft a "hatbox" using poster board and hot glue. Then cover it with wallpaper. This makes a great holder for potpourri, rolled-up and ready-to-use washcloths, or spare bathroom tissue. Create a matching top for your hatbox.

10. Cover cardboard-tube containers (the kind with plastic snap-on lids that potato chips, baking powder, oatmeal and such come in) with wallpaper. Use them to store paper clips, buttons, marbles, etc.

11. Wrap gifts with it (maybe not for a wedding or the boss's Christmas present, but this gift wrapping should be fine for a close friend or relative).

on 11/22/2005 If you have leftover border, cut out the images and use them to accessorize plain walls. This ties the whole theme together. Also, use cutouts for decorating a toybox, etc. in the room.

on 11/22/2005 Go to most any place that sells wallpaper and you can get old wallpaper books that they are discarding for free. Just ask.

on 11/22/2005 Instead of brown paper bags, use wallpaper to cover school books.

on 11/22/2005 Tack scraps inside back of bookshelves or cabinets.