My next post is something maybe some of you have heard of, but I hope to give an idea on how to do it most frugally. My sister-in-law told me about mixing lightweight fabric with starch and applying it to walls years ago. I have implemented this in dorm rooms, and my latest apartment. I was reminded about it at
this post from
Apartment Therapy.
{
picture from AT}
To Install Fabric Wallpaper (
Linit Craft Ideas):
1. Wash the wall to remove any dirt or film.
2. Measure from the floor to the ceiling and add a couple extra inches. Cut the fabric accordingly. If fabric has a design, be sure to match the design before cutting the next panel as when using wallpaper.
3. Pour starch into a clean pan or spray on if using stiffener (see Tip section if using spray stiffener). Apply starch to the top half of the wall with a sponge, paint roller or spray on if using spray stiffener.
4. Smooth fabric into place at the top of the wall, leaving about one inch to be trimmed later. Use push pins to hold the fabric temporarily in place. Apply more starch going down the wall as needed until you get to the floor, leave approximately one inch overlap at floor level.
5. Apply starch to the top of the fabric, brushing and smoothing the fabric in place to remove bubbles and wrinkles. Be sure the starch penetrates the fabric evenly.
6. Work your way down the panel, continuing to sponge or spray starch onto the wall, smoothing the fabric, and applying more starch.
7. Position the second panel, matching the design along the edge. Repeat steps.
8. Around windows and doors, leave a one inch overlap as with the ceiling and floor.
9. Fabric overlap should be cut when the fabric is completely dry. It will then cut clean and easily and any shrinkage will have occurred before you trim.
Here is my before & after:
The first picture was before we moved in (our manager's were kind enough to make sure that we had fresh paint and new carpet). My main concern was that
wood panelling. I used 2 king sized flat sheets (of 2 different colors for the 2 sections). I think this is a good idea because a basic sheet is the cheapest fabric you can buy, and because if you buy a solid sheet, there are no patterns to match up. I used Sta-Flo liquid starch that you can buy for less than $3 at Wal/K/Tar/Shopmart.
Also, even though I like the picture posted on Apartment Therapy's website, I wouldn't recommend using fabric in the kitchen! It will get dirty fast.
Well, that's all for now. I hope some of you can use this idea in your rental or home. Thanks for reading,
Happy Crafting!
