
My decoupaged wall is one of the most talked about things in my house. It's tucked away in our guest bathroom. Everyone that visits comes out of the room for the first time with a huge smile on his or her face. The first question is always "did you do that yourself?" The second, "was it easy?"
I used two paperback copies of The Hobbit for my wall. I collect JRR Tolkien books and had about 12 different copies at the time. The two I used had damaged covers and the pages were already falling out, which is what originally inspired the project.
WARNING: This is a permanent application. Do not use this technique unless you are absolutely sure you want a permanent change.
Variations: Use maps, picture or art books, newspapers or letters
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Read the label on the protective finish you've chosen. Follow all the warnings about proper ventilation and handling... I don't want you passing out while you're decoupaging!

protect floor, baseboards, etc, with newspaper or drop cloth and masking tape

gently remove the cover of book

peel apart the individual pages (this works best with paperback books and books that have been glued to their spine)

tape a large piece of parchment paper to the cardboard

wearing the latex gloves, put place several book pages on the parchment paper

using the paintbrush, cover each with Polycrylic

Start applying pages to the wall. For a neat effect, line pages up side by side, or overlap and vary (as shown) for a more staggered effect

"cut in" by placing pages side by side or slightly overlapping to frame your wall then working your way in

Use the brush to smooth out any air bubbles. You only have a minute or so to work with each page, so make sure you're happy with it before moving on

allow pages to dry and then apply another coat of Polycrylic over the wall

Use mineral oil and rags for clean up. Be sure to follow all manufacturer's safety instructions
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ʎǝɔɐɹƃ
Feb 9, 2008 5:40pm
I have one of these on my wall but its photos
ofenjen
Feb 9, 2008 5:47pm
Ooo, I bet that is really cool!
opposites-girl
Feb 9, 2008 5:49pm
Wow That is amazing :D If I owned my place I would do that :) I shall have to remember it for if I ever buy ;)
ofenjen
Feb 9, 2008 5:50pm
It's a great way to spiff up a horrid thrift store painting, too, if you want something a little more portable. :)
RAsingingIN
Feb 9, 2008 6:05pm
My mom would kill me. :D
Candace H.
Feb 9, 2008 6:10pm
Wow! I would love to use your bathroom just so I could check out your wall! How long did it take? It is absolutely stunning! Decoupage is so much fun!
ofenjen
Feb 9, 2008 6:25pm
Attaching the pages took me about 2-3 hours. It's pretty easy once everything is set up and you get going.
Sarijuana
Feb 10, 2008 4:07am
That is soooooooo amazingly cool. It makes it even cooler that you used a Tolkien book. :D
ofenjen
Feb 10, 2008 2:01pm
I also drew Thror's map and I framed the book covers and hung them on the opposite walls. :)
queercat
Feb 10, 2008 5:30pm
neat...i have one wall covered completely with newspaper
K@ti
Feb 20, 2008 8:36am
I really adore this it's so awesome!!!
ofenjen
Feb 20, 2008 12:32pm
Thanks...love your icon!
ʎǝɔɐɹƃ
Mar 14, 2008 5:45pm
Really-It only took 3 hours?
Check out my decoupage mirror
ofenjen
Mar 14, 2008 6:13pm
Yep, really! That's total, of course. I didn't count drying time.
I saw your mirror, it's very cool!
Kearyn
Mar 17, 2008 3:42am
wow my best friend has a wall covered in crap she taped up. we have been working on it since we were 13, when we open our venue we will have to do this to some wall.
pretty neat. Like the book idea, permanent reading material.
ofenjen
Mar 17, 2008 3:46am
I did the same thing growing up. I've always love covering walls and even ceilings with stuff. I guess it makes sense it would eventually be permanent.