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Decoupaged Wall

  • Completed Project:Decoupaged Wall Picture #1
  • Completed Project:Decoupaged Wall Picture #2

Turn a boring wall into a conversation piece with pages from a book.
 <  Image 1 of 2  > 

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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  1. Step 1

    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!

  2. Step 2

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

  3. Step 3

    gently remove the cover of book

  4. Step 4

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

  5. Step 5

    tape a large piece of parchment paper to the cardboard

  6. Step 6

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

  7. Step 7

    using the paintbrush, cover each with Polycrylic

  8. Step 8

    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

  9. Step 9

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

  10. Step 10

    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

  11. Step 11

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

  12. Step 12

    Use mineral oil and rags for clean up. Be sure to follow all manufacturer's safety instructions


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ʎǝɔɐɹƃ

ʎǝɔɐɹƃ

Feb 9, 2008 5:40pm

I have one of these on my wall but its photos

ofenjen

ofenjen

Feb 9, 2008 5:47pm

Ooo, I bet that is really cool!

opposites-girl

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

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

RAsingingIN

Feb 9, 2008 6:05pm

My mom would kill me. :D

Candace H.

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

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

Sarijuana

Feb 10, 2008 4:07am

That is soooooooo amazingly cool. It makes it even cooler that you used a Tolkien book. :D

ofenjen

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

queercat

Feb 10, 2008 5:30pm

neat...i have one wall covered completely with newspaper

K@ti

K@ti

Feb 20, 2008 8:36am

I really adore this it's so awesome!!!

ofenjen

ofenjen

Feb 20, 2008 12:32pm

Thanks...love your icon!

ʎǝɔɐɹƃ

ʎǝɔɐɹƃ

Mar 14, 2008 5:45pm

Really-It only took 3 hours?
Check out my decoupage mirror

ofenjen

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

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

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.