If my sister Irene {who is the type of person who can’t tell the difference between a tube of acrylic paint and watercolor} called me yesterday asking for instructions on how to spray paint a couple of things in her home, then, for sure, the world has turned around! My sister has an eye for beautiful things, she loves decorating and styling, organizing, setting up pretty tables and buying nice stuff, but she’s not a DIYer nor is she a crafter. As for the spray paint she was referring to, I almost got fooled and thought she actually went out there and bought one, but it turns out it she was referring to the one I had bought to spray paint her patio chairs…seven years ago!
It seems that this quarantine is leaving even the least experienced DIYers looking for more creative ways to spend their days.
So what better time than now to inspire you all – even first time DIYers – to tackle an easy project or two? I’ve carefully selected some of my past projects that require no sophisticated materials, just glue and wrapping paper! They are tested and true, so you can make them too!
You can make pretty storage boxes:
Nice looking wrapping paper and Mod Podge are the only things you need to cover a shoe box and turn it into a pretty storage box (choose a shoe box that has a detachable lid). The finished ones I’m showing you here have a metallic handle attached on their front side which is a nice detail, but this is not necessary (if you don’t have a spare handle at the moment you can add one later or just omit that detail). This is an easy and quick project so in a matter of minutes you can have one or more pretty storage boxes to organize your office, your kids’ small toys, your closet, your bathroom essentials and so on. I made those in 2014 and six years later they are still in perfect condition. I now keep them in my closet to store my scarves. For all the details, click here.
You can dress up the front side of drawers:
Back in 2013, I dressed up the front drawers of this IKEA Malm dresser with sheets of scrapbook paper ~ for the link and more photos, click here.
Fast forward to 2020, this dresser is still in its best condition and the paper hasn’t chipped a bit. This project can work just as well with some good quality wrapping paper that you may have at home (choose one that is a little thicker than the traditional wrapping paper). I’m not sure if the specific decoupage glue I used back then is still available, but you can definitely use Mod Podge, in a matte finish.
You can line a lampshade:
In 2014 , I lined the interior of a black lampshade with good quality gold wrapping paper. It might seem like just an insignificant detail but I promise you that it adds tremendous warmth and coziness.
The table lamp above broke soon after an indoor soccer game! Here below is the same lampshade with a different table lamp. I still have it today and it’s in perfect shape. For safety reasons, just make sure that the lined lampshade stands far from the light bulb.
You can make pretty stationary:
Back in the day, I made these teeny-tiny envelopes for Valentine’s Day and I slipped them in the pockets, lunch boxes, back packs, under the bed pillows of my loved ones, everywhere I could think! Each had a personalized sweet message.
You can use the same technique (see the post here) to make envelopes and cards of any size. Make small envelopes and use them as gift tags. Medium sized and large ones can become pretty stationary and thank you cards. If the wrapping paper you have on hand is thin, glue it with a glue stick onto card stock (available at all super markets & pharmacies).
Depending on the design of the wrapping paper you have on hand, you can stock up in Christmas gift tags and stationary. Or you can mail a few right away with a sweet note to someone who has been spending these last weeks alone.
You can make pretty art!
The art on these wood panels is made of fabric that I photocopied, cut and glued onto the wood. Soooo easy! You can use a themed wrapping paper to make one too! You can find all the instructions here.
You can use the decoupage method on pretty much anything!
Decoupage is the ideal beginner’s DIY project. Just cut a motif from a napkin or wrapping paper and use Mod Podge to glue it onto a surface (works well on wood, plastic, ceramic). For more details, see my instructions here, or just type “decoupage” on the search tab above to see all my decoupage projects.
So, which project are you going to try first?
