CasaSugar

DIY: Make Your Own Wall Stickers

CasaSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:00:21 -0700

Yesterday, I showed you a before and after of Pinupsweetheart's cool bedroom. If you were as wowed by the results as I was (seen here), then I have good news for you. Pinupsweetheart told us the short version of how to make this project, and now I've got the skinny on showing you the step-by-step process.

Here's What You'll Need

ConTact paper (a brand of low-tack, self-adhesive vinyl, commonly used by grandmas as "shelf liners," has a very matte finish)
Tape (preferably easily visible and low-stick, like painter's tape or masking tape)
Writing utensil (marker or pencil)
Scissors
Large sized scrap paper (like used newspapers or newsprint)
Plastic card, such as a library card
Idea for your design

To find out how to make your own wall stickers, read more.

Here's how to do it, from Instructables:

Take a segment of your ConTact paper, stick it firmly to a hidden wall, and peel it back up. Use a plastic card (like a library card) to press it firmly onto the surface. Also test that your tape can be removed easily.
Draw a loose sketch of the area you want to work in, and draw a sketch of what you want your design to look like in the room. Doodle several designs to see what you like, until you have a final design you like. Use newsprint to make a stencil of your design.
Trace the design pattern stencil onto the back of the ConTact Paper with marker. Cut the design from the ConTact Paper. It should cut very easily, and you can glide through it like gift wrap if you have good scissors.
Hold your cut ConTact Paper up to the wall. At the base of the design, pull the first six inches or so up, and peel its backing off. Press gently from the center of the vinyl area outward to minimize bubbles, and use a hard piece of plastic (like a library card) to scrape against the vinyl, firmly pressing it to the wall. Move along the design, pulling the backing from behind a six-inch segment, scraping the segment down, then repeat to the end of the design.
Use the newsprint to draw more of your design, repeating until you have the desired amount, and keep mounting them on your wall. After a while, you'll probably be adept enough to draw freehand on the ConTact paper backing.
You're finished!
Keep an eye on your design, and if any of it begins to peel, just scrape it back into place with your library card.

Before and After: Pinupsweetheart's Gorgeous Boudoir Walls

CasaSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:30:51 -0700

TeamSugar member Pinupsweetheart recently wrote to tell me about her awesome DIY project for livening up her walls. She writes, "I have wanted to find an inexpensive way to decorate my boring white walls of my apartment ever since I moved in. Of course, my lease does not allow me to paint. I wanted to get removable wall decals, but they are so expensive! So I found step-by-step instructions on how to make your own wall decals using contact paper. I gave it a shot and it worked."

To see how well it worked, and to find out how to make your own, read more.

Pinupsweetheart explains that, "The contact paper makes it cheap, removable and movable. If I didn't like where I put a decal, I simply removed it and placed it somewhere else. I just needed a step ladder (to get the high spots because I am 5'4"), scissors, poster paper to make patterns, marker and a credit card to smooth it down. I found my black contact paper on Amazon.com for around $35. I have had it up for a couple weeks and I have not had an issue with curling at the edges, leaving marks, or falling down. My apartment can get up to 100 degrees when I am not home - so this works!"

Want to make your own? Get all of the steps tomorrow when I show you how!

Etsy Find: A Gnome For Your Home

CasaSugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:00:21 -0700

Wall stickers may be waning in popularity, but I still have a soft spot for any stickers made in particularly fresh designs. This Gnomes and Mushrooms Decal ($16) is one of the cutest things I've seen in a long time.
I have a keen affection for gnomes as it is, but when they're reinterpreted in solid black, they take on a surprisingly modern air. This easy-to-apply vinyl sticker is also available in many other colors. Where would you give these gnomes a home? Bathroom? Living room? Bedroom closet?

This Just In: More Interiors from Project Runway

CasaSugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:00:33 -0700

Did you catch the first episode of Project Runway season 5 on Wednesday? While I was initially afraid that I couldn't put season 4 behind me, luckily, I was hooked on the new cast of designers within the first 10 minutes. (I was definitely lured in by Blayne and his insane tanning obsession, as well as his leotard creation).

I recently found even more photos of the contestants' living quarters. You were split about the first photo, which many of you found too Ikea-heavy.

To hear my thoughts on the other interiors, read more.

The other bedrooms reveal an Ikea emphasis as well, and I'm assuming that the box store is one of Project Runway's sponsors. What I'm really surprised by, though, is the retro look to these rooms. What with the checkerboard carpeting and the patterned wall stickers, it's definitely eye-catching, though not necessarily in a good way. What do you think? Have you taken note of Project Runway's interiors in the past? Do you think these are underwhelming in comparison?

View 9 Photos ›

Source

Etsy Find: Plants For the Perpetually Plant-Challenged

CasaSugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:00:27 -0700

If you're the type of gal who destroys even those hard-to-kill houseplants, consider trading in your dying snake plants for the Outside In wall graphic ($30). Made from cut vinyl with a matte surface finish, this graphic can be easily applied to walls, windows, mirrors, and other smooth, clean surfaces. The graphic is self-adhesive and easily removable. Just choose your color and design, and you're well on the way to prettying your pad with plants guaranteed not to keel over due to your gardening neglect.

Etsy Find: Wordy Wall Stickers

CasaSugar — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:00:24 -0800

If you're short on cash and decorating time, wall stickers can provide an instant update on a tired space. I've recently been enjoying the cheekiness of word-oriented wall stickers, such as this Hello Sticker ($6) from TastySuite. Its unexpected placement on the bottom corner of a door is a simple and unexpected delight.

Of course, the problem with these stickers is that they must be situated just so, in a room or on a door or window, to show them off to their best advantage. If you're thinking about decorating with these, carefully consider the placement before sticking. For more ideas, check out the widget.

Nice and New: Fresh Finds at Ferm Living

CasaSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:00:33 -0800

One of my favorite wallpaper retailers, Ferm Living, has a few new things in store that I'm really loving. First of all, I think the way this Sewing Kit Wall Sticker ($57.50) is staged is absolutely hilarious. I think it would be clever to use it around a window or doorway in your home, especially one that doesn't have a lot of molding. See a few other new things when you read more.

I'm really digging the graphic, prismatic pattern of the new Monroe Wallpaper ($126.50). The black and gold have a really midcentury vibe, so I'd like to see it in other colors. But I think this would look great in a man's home office or small powder room with a statement-making chandelier.

I also absolutely adore the pattern and the palette of the new Peacock Pillow ($110). I only wish it complemented the colors in my home.

And last but certainly not least, the Tree Bomb Thermo Mug ($33) is so glam and hip. I'd use it to store jewelry or knickknacks, or as a votive holder.

Crave Worthy: Ugly Home Lustre Sticker

CasaSugar — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 05:15:57 -0700

We've been all about chandeliers lately on CasaSugar, but most of the truly magnificent models are a lot of trouble to install. This version, on the other hand, turns any bare hanging light bulb into a regal, elegant fixture - well, sort of. The Ugly Home Lustre Sticker (about $140) adheres to your ceiling to create the silhouette of a chandelier. It's probably a bit overpriced - for that money, you could get a real chandelier - but the attitude is priceless.

via Notcot

Su Casa: A Glamorous Bathroom

CasaSugar — Tue, 26 May 2009 10:00:40 -0700

Su Casa member ckim8120, who made this chic tree branch jewelry stand, has taken her keen design eye to the bathroom. She started with painting the walls three shades of Behr green: Spring Hill, Mint Hint, and Athenian Green. Then, she applied IKEA SLÄTTHULT decorative stickers ($19.99) to the wall with a vine-like effect, and installed an IKEA KRISTALLER Chandelier ($39.99). Beyond that, she used accessories to transform a dull bathroom into a glamorous one, even if that didn't mean installing the old-style washstand and free-standing tub she dreams of. I'm really impressed. It's amazing what a few details can do. See more photos and hear some of ckim8120's bathroom decorating tips when you read more.

Here are her decorating tips:

Replace boring knobs w/whimsical drawer pulls to revitalize basic cabinets.

Use your pretty perfume bottles as decoration.

Bring in dramatic lighting with a chandelier.

Anything crystal adds old Hollywood glamour.

Bring in color and personality to a bathroom with towels and rugs.

A side table can be both functional & beautiful.

Painting your door can add a pleasant element of surprise.

View 4 Photos ›

Check out her post to hear more!

DIY: Reglazed Silhouette Plates

CasaSugar — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:47:48 -0700

I'm always tempted by the quirky china I find at thrift stores and flea markets, but I really don't have an excuse to buy a bunch of unmatched dinnerware. That is, until I discovered this cool project from green guru Danny Seo on creating Reglazed Silhouette Plates. (Thanks, Modern Roost.)

Though this project requires pottery glaze, you won't need a kiln or any other obscure tools. In fact, you probably have all of the materials lying around the house already, with the exception of the glaze. For a step-by-step guide to turning tacky old china into kitschy, crafty pieces of art, read more

Reglazed Silhouette Plates, via HGTV

What You'll Need

stack of old plates

cotton balls

rubbing alcohol

scissors

8-1/2 x 11 inkjet sticker paper cut into various patterns

porcelain glaze

foam brushes

plate hangers

How to Make It

If you don't have old plates, you can buy some at a thrift store or second-hand store. This project works best if they have a weird or tacky pattern on them.

Clean the plates with cotton balls and alcohol to remove any dirt or oil. Allow the plates to dry completely.

Cut out patterns from the sticker paper. Stars, animal shapes or silhouettes work well.

Peel the backing off the sticker and apply it to a plate. Place the sticker over part of the plate that has a pattern on it, that way you can see some of the pattern after applying the glaze. Make sure the sticker is on as firm as possible so that no glaze gets underneath the sticker. Use the handle of the foam brush to press the edges down firmly.

Pour a little bit of the porcelain glaze onto a plate. Spread the glaze around the entire plate using the foam brush. Don't over-saturate the area over the sticker, so the silhouette comes out clean. Neatness is not a concern, applying the glaze a little sloppy will create interesting textures. For example, a brown glaze can simulate wood grain. For darker colors, let the glaze dry a little bit and then add another coat.

Allow the glaze to dry overnight, and then carefully remove the sticker to reveal the old plate pattern underneath.

Repeat these steps with plates of varying patterns and sizes to create a unique wall display.