So, I was in the middle of doing this project, when the Nester posted a picture of what this lady had done. I liked her paper soooo much better that I ripped mine off and ran to the scrapbooking store. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Let’s just remember that, ok? Here’s the finished product.
In case you don’t want to go to the links or read for directions, it is really easy. I bought two 12″ x 36″ styrofoam from Hobby Lobby (where else?), measured it into three sections (giving me three 12 x 12 squares), and cut it with my husband’s saw. I thought the boards were expensive at $6.99 each, but I think I’m just a little spoiled with my $1.80 purchases lately.
To apply the paper, I tried three different types of glue, and I didn’t like how any of them adhered. I should have known. Never trust anything but your glue gun. I glued just around the edges making sure to smooth it out. Once finished, I measured out black paper to go around the edges and…well…done.
I’ve done this with a canvas board, as well, but the styrofoam was way cheaper. My only complaint about the styrofoam is that no matter what, it looks uneven. I used a level to put up all my squares, and I still don’t feel like they look even. If you go to Michael’s, they have a little “how-to flier” that shows all kinds of little projects to do with styrofoam that are quire good. Of course, you could always copy from me, who copied from her, who probably copied from someone else! Don’t ya just love blogging?
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Chris,
I really like how this turned out. My husband was even looking over my shoulder as I was reading your post and thought it looked great. I’m not very crafty but maybe I’ll try this. You said you used scrap book paper. I have to find a scrap booking store somewhere.
Thanks!
So pretty on your blue walls! I know what you mean about all the ideas. I hardly know what to do first!
Wow, beautiful job! You really have outdone yourself.
I am going to do this project for my 2 years old’s room in a couple of months. My only concern is that, if my boy would grab it off the wall and play with the styrofoam. He likes to grab things off of shelves and stuff. Drives me craaazzzyyy!
I may have to stick with canvas for this one. I have been looking high and low for a 12×12 cavnas. no such luck yet. Any ideas of where I may be able to find one, eh?
Oh, I need to know what color your wall is… love that color!!
Thanks for sharing.
The wall color is called “Willow” by Martha Stewart, but I don’t know if they make it anymore. It might look a little blue in the pictures, but it’s a dark sage green. Beautiful color, but not the easiest to decorate with. OH, I have seen 12 x 12 canvases at Hobby Lobby. Maybe Michael’s or an art supply store? Good luck!
Hi Chris:
Thanks for answering my questions.
I did check Michaels… nada.
AC Moore, nothing in that size.
I am going to HL next week, hopefully I will be able to get some.
Again lovely job! 🙂
thanks for the comment! *wink*
I was visiting your blog earlier and it had all this photobucket stuff……????
Oh my goodness! That looks fantastic! I am definitely going to give this project a try. And I just may use the same paper. 🙂
Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog… it allowed me to come and find YOU! I’m going to snoop around now.
I’ve often thought that some scrapbooking papers are too nice not to be framed and hung up just on their own, and there, it looks fantastic!
Oh my gosh…these look amazing! I can’t believe that it’s styrofoam and scrapbook paper. That is crazy good.
GORGEOUS! You are very talented!
I have been busy COPYING everything in site lately, why not, if it’s pretty…copy! 🙂
I love all of your decorations on that table, too…you have a good eye, glad I found your blog today:)
Okay, this page is now bookmarked because I have never seen something so do-able for me and so perfect! I love this. THANK YOU for sharing!!
I saw that on The Nester’s blog, too, and you did an amazing job! It is perfect with your decor. Hmmmmm…I might have to continue the flattery and try this too. 🙂
It looks gorgeous! I might just be one of those copiers sooner or later! If you used the Foam Core with the black center, you wouldn’t even have to cover the edges with black! I think I just found myself a new project!
I SO wish we had a Hobby Lobby in PA, it looks like a great store!
Hi, Chris, thank you for stopping by! So nice to meet you. I saw that project linked at the Nester's blog & thought it was really cute. You've done a remarkable job with yours too. I love this idea!
Hope you'll come back & see me again!
Rhoda
WOW! It looks great! I saw something in the Ballards Designs catalog a few months ago that is very, very similar to that. My BFF and I were discussing how to make it ourselves and I suggested scrapbook paper… but I’ve never actually gotten around to DOING it. Typical. I have the exact scrapbook paper… mine is in 8×8 squares though. I used it when I made a scrapbook for my in(out)laws and I LOVE it. The paper. Well, the scrapbook came out good too.
I just linked over here and am loving your blog. You have some great ideas!!! and yes imitation is the greatest form of flattery, or so I think.
Blessings~~
That turned out great!
Wow, it came out so nicely. It really ties the colors on the table together. Well done. I think I may have to steal this idea for my bathroom.
Wow – you are quick. I went out and bought all the supplies two weeks ago to do a wall in our bedroom, but then got a new comforter set at a yard sale, and the colors are going to change. Gotta love how fast and professional it looks. You did fab-u-lous!
Please ~ please catch the next ferry and visit my house. I am in desperate need of decorating help!
Thanks for dropping in yesterday!
BTY … I am soooo adding you to my roll so I can get more decor advice … you are my kind of people!
So beautiful! I love the entire grouping.
I think it turned out great! Doesn’t look uneven at all from my point of view. Was the glueing the black paper on the edges a pain in the neck? I would get that part all uneven I think. I might try this with canvas and just paint that part, less measuring for moi the better.
But you ARE a teacher so that makes you more qualified for that sort of thing. 🙂
I used ribbon to cover the edges on my grouping of scrapbookd covered syrofoam sauares.
ps..look at YOU all 20 and 30 something comment girl!! I can say I knew you when…So proud of you!
This looks really good with your wall color. Great job!!
I also did this project. I used spray adhesive and it worked beautifully. I am going to make some for Christmas also!
My wall is blank on that side of my firplace too. But, I have a lamp on an end table on that end of the couch. So, I guess it doesn’t look bare. I think it looks fine the way it is. I am trying not to do fake plants anymore, so maybe try a real one? Do you have a green thumb? I don’t! 🙂
I saw this on the Nester too! Yours looks terrific!
This was jsut the idea I had been looking for! I copied it and just posted a picture of it on my blog. Go check it out if you want! http://messesandmudpies.blogspot.com/2008/09/my-new-art.html
What color is your wall? I love it!! I have been looking for a new livingroom color and I think I just found it!!! 🙂 Thank you!
It’s called Willow by Martha Stewart, but I don’t believe they make it anymore. It is a beautiful color though! I hope you can find something similar!
Beautiful project! I am not crafty at all but decided I could give this a go. My only question: how did you hang them?? Thanks!
I just used the 3M adhesive strips that pull off when you slowly pull the tab. There’s gotta be a better way to explain that. They’re so light, you could probably just use poster ones. Good luck!
I love this bc I scrapbook and sometimes I just think the paper is to pretty to glue pictures on!!! I love it and I’m def going to do this for my bare walls!
Oh! Why did I JUST throw out all that styrofoam? I could’ve made these 4 times over with what I was saving!! :o(
Ha! Isn’t that the way it works, Teri? Sorry!
I’m totally new to this site and this whole realm of the internet but I think I’m going to have fun! I’ve been crafting with foam for a while. The absolutely, best, cheapest source of styrofoam is builder’s insulating foam (not the white, crumbly stuff but the pink of blue dense stuff). It comes in different thicknesses. You can cut it easily with a carpet knife. You can paint it. Glue it. Plaster it with drywall cement and/or plaster of paris for some nifty plaster art pieces. You can rought it up and distress it with whatever and heat does some neat things to it (candle or lighter or heat gun). It comes in big sheets (3′ x 8′?) but it’s worth storing leftovers:) Look forward to doing what you’ve done here for a room I’ve just finished and needs a little/big something to finish the walls. With the lightness styrofoam, I won’t have to make nail holes!
This is so easy and inexpensive plus it can be used seasonally! I have a bunch of papers Ive saved cause I didn’t want to use them on a layout now I have a way to display them! Im so excited to get started on this cool project!
Thanks, Abby! I hope you enjoy the project!
This is a great project. Recently I’ve made my own “canvas” prints but your Styrofoam project gave me the idea to try Stryofoam rather than the more expensive canvas. I’m thinking of covering the Styrofoam vinyl cloth to simulate the look of canvas on the sides and adhere the photo to. Should be very inexpensive.
I used the styrofoam too and they look crooked. Glue onto canvas instead.