Every time I visit big department stores, I can’t resist going into the home furnishing departments and checking out the latest wallpapers. Often I will pick up a few samples. After I’ve finished with the free samples I don’t throw them away as I love crafting with wallpaper.
Wallpaper is stiffer but more flexible than other papers which sounds kind of contradictory. It’s bendy paper that can often be wiped clean, which makes it versatile for many crafts.
I’m very creative with my use of wallpaper in the home. I’ve Marimekko wallpapered stairs, I’ve decoupaged table tops with wallpaper and even made a wallpapered kitchen backsplash.
Wallpaper is also great to upcycle with from the kitchen trash can to wallpapered furniture such as mirrors or IKEA Hemenes dressers.
All these wonderful wallpapering projects use rolls of wallpaper or large pieces. But there is still a lot of wallpaper craft projects you can make with the samples of wallpapers gathered whilst deciding on what paper to use for a bigger project.
Firstly, I will show you one of my latest crafting with wallpaper ideas, making upcycled tin can pen pots. Then at the end of the post, there is a list of more fabulous wallpaper crafting ideas.
Wallpaper Craft: How To Make A Marimekko DIY Desk Caddy
Whilst trying to decide on a wallpaper for the new built-in wardrobes in my bedroom I ended up with some Marimekko wallpaper samples. These samples I got for free from Wallpapersdirect and were A4 sample sized.
They were from a Marimekko design called Pieni Tiara. I had a sample from each of the three different colourways it came in. I’ve crafted with Marimekko paper napkins many times before but this time I decided to use these wallpaper samples, rather than waste them.
What You Need To Make DIY Desk Caddy
- Wallpaper samples or remnants – 3 sheets about A4 size. Most home stores provide wallpaper samples for free.
- 3 tin cans – I used 400ml sized food cans.
- Wallpaper paste or white glue
- Spray paints
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Two old pieces of wood for the tray
- Drill with round woodcutter saw attachment the size of the tin cans.
How To Make An Upcycled Marimekko Desk Caddy
1.. First, spray paint the inside to tin cans to match the wallpaper you are crafting with. I spray painted the inside of three cans white, green and pink. Also, make sure that the thin top lip of the tin can is painted too, as this will is likey show when wallpapered.
Pen pots and utility caddies look much better if they have been painted on the inside as well as decorated on the outside.
3. Next, measure the circumference and height of the tin cans.
4. Then, using these measurements cut the wallpaper sample papers to fit the tin cans. Use a rotary cutter, ruler and mat to achieve a neat accurate cut.
5. Finally, to finish the Marimekko pen pots glue the wallpaper to the outside of each tin can. I used wallpaper paste for this, as I already had some made up. But white craft glue will work just as well.
6. Finally, to turn these DIY pen pots into a desk caddy, I made a carry tray for them. I cut round saw holes into a scrap piece of wood to make a holder. Full details of how I did this are on my painted glass bud vase post.
I use these Marimekko pen pots on my desk to keep my pens organized. They would look just as good in the kitchen used as utensil holders. If you love the designs of Marimekko as much as I do then you should check out my other Marimekko and Nordic inspired craft.
Crafting With Wallpaper Ideas
The following is a collection of more fun crafting with wallpaper ideas for wallpaper samples. I fancy making some Marimekko clipboards to match the Marimekko desk caddy.
Affordable DIY Artwork Inspired by Pottery Barn ~ Rock Your Knockoff
Create your own gallery of artwork by framing wallpaper samples.
Upcycled Vintage Wallpaper Sign
An idea for using a wallpaper sample as a background for a sign.
How To Make a Cute Paper Vase Mason Jar Sleeve
This is such a clever way to reuse wallpaper samples and remnants, into paper vase sleeves. With these sleeves you can turn any jar, tin can, or plastic bottle into a beautiful vase.
How To Make Paper Stars Hanging Decoration From Wallpaper
Textured wallpaper was used to make some giant hanging paper stars decor.
Fun Wrapping Ideas Using Wallpaper That Matches Your Decor
I love this idea of using wallpaper remnants as wrapping paper.
Wallpaper Decoupage Flower Pots
The mixture of different wallpapers really transforms the plain terracotta plant pots into something special.
Upcycled Wallpaper Christmas Stocking Gift Pouch
This is such a fun idea, making colourful Christmas stocking pouches out of wallpaper samples. These would be a great way to wrap Christmas gifts.
Vintage Wallpaper Magnetic Chalkboard - Mod Podge Rocks
If you have some pretty wallpaper samples use them to make a pretty notice board.
How To Make Crafty Angels From Wallpaper
Another Christmas idea, this time using textured wallpaper to make an angel wing garland with gold tips.
Upcycled Wallpaper Covered Radio Revamp
You only need a small remnant of sample of wallpaper to update an old radio. Choose the right wallpaper and you could create something special for your home. I love how the radio is also painted to match the wallpaper sample.
DIY Decorative Light Switch Covers || Practically Functional
The tutorial is for scrapbook paper but it would work just as well for wallpaper. Sample size sheets of wallpaper would be perfect for this craft and you could create some fun unique switch plates. Wallpaper would work better than scrapbook paper as it can be wiped clean.
Homemade Vintage Wallpaper Envelopes
This is one of my favourite things to make from wallpaper samples, unique envelopes. They are lovely when combined with gifts wrapped in wallpaper remnants.
Wallpaper Gift Tags
You can make matching wallpaper gift tags for your wallpaper wrapped gifts.
Easy Butterfly Decorations Using Vintage Wallpaper
These magnetic wallpaper butterflies are a fun decoration. They would brighten up any fridge.
Vintage-Inspired Clipboards
Jazz up an old clipboard with some pretty wallpaper samples. The wallpaper will be tough and wipe clean.
DIY; Wallpaper Lantern
Lovely use of wallpaper with flowers and animals to make fun decorative paper lanterns.
Spring Wallpaper Wreath
If you have a pretty floral wallpaper sample, you can cut out the flowers and leaves to make a lovely wreath.
If you liked the Marimekko desk caddy then you might want to check out my colourful leather pen pots and my other denim and copper craft caddy.
For more upcycled craft ideas visit the DIYideacenter.
Wood Ship Kits
Monday 25th of January 2021
That's really nice post. I appreciate your skills, Thanks for sharing.
Claire Armstrong
Monday 25th of January 2021
Thank you so much.
Waterside Villas
Monday 21st of September 2020
Amazing wallpaper idea with cans, looking unique and stylish. The paper colors enhance the beauty of the product.
Claire Armstrong
Monday 21st of September 2020
Thank you so much, there are so many amazing wallpapers on the market it's hard to choose from.
Marie
Wednesday 16th of September 2020
What a great idea! I have some wallpaper scraps I need to use up. Love Marimekko prints, they are always so cheerful. Stopped by via the Wonderful Wednesday link up. https://thisdearcasa.com/
Claire Armstrong
Wednesday 16th of September 2020
Thank you, I keep all my wallpaper scraps to craft with. As well as the patterns I like the heavy texture of the wallpaper.
Donna @ Modern on Monticello
Tuesday 15th of September 2020
Wonderful choice in wallpaper samples to use. I really like how the caddy turned out. #HomeMattersParty
Claire Armstrong
Wednesday 16th of September 2020
Thank you, I do like Marimekko designs.
Pam
Monday 14th of September 2020
I love this!! When my kids were little, we would go to a nearby wallpaper store, and the owner would give us all of their outdated wallpaper sample books. We had so much fun crafting with them. But, now that my kids are grown, I didn't even think about all of the great crafts I could still make with wallpaper! That desk caddy is great!
Claire Armstrong
Wednesday 16th of September 2020
Oh lucky you, I know there are some wonderful wallpaper books I'd love to have. Thank you.