$0 - Faux Photo Canvases

This photo display has caused me some angst but I think I am finally content with how it turned out.  I had some leftover foam and thought it would be perfect to make faux picture canvases out of.  This is a simple technique that doesn't cost much so in a couple years when your kids have completely changed and you have new pictures, you can create a new display.  Here is what you will need to make your own faux picture canvases.  Since I had everything on hand, this cost me $0 but if you're venturing out to buy supplies, it wont cost you much either.

Foam boards

Pictures cut to the size you want your "canvases" to be (I recommend a thinker, more professional photo paper to prevent rippling)

Bread knife or similar cutting utensil

Double sided tape

Scrapbook paper (I recommend a thicker paper to prevent rippling)

Rotary cuter or scissors

Picture hanging strips

Paint to match your scrapbook paper (optional)
Annie's Tacky Glue (optional)

First I printed all of my pictures on my home computer in the largest 8X10 size.  If you want larger canvases you can have prints done at a printing store.

Once you have all of your pictures ready you will need to cut your foam to match the exact size of your pictures.  I simply laid the picture on top, traced around and then cut the foam to match.

To cut I used a bread knife.  This seamed to work pretty well, but I'm sure any knife or probably even sharp scissors would work as long as your foam is not too thick.

Optional step: Sponge paint around the corners of your foam board just in case any shows through, it will be camouflaged.

Next up, you need to attach your pictures to the front.  I tried many different methods but the best I found was simple double sided tape.  I'm not a big fan of spray adhesive but I'm sure that would work well too. Make sure to smooth out an ripples. Optional: I added a little Annie's Tacky Glue (the stuff in the gold bottle) to reinforce the edges.

Optional step: I also created some foam boards using decorative scrapbook paper rather than pictures to mix in with my display.  Use coordinating colors to make it uniform.

Once I attached the pictures to the front, I just needed to cover up the sides.

Cut your scrapbook paper to the exact width and length of all four sides of your foam. Again I attached it with double sided tape.  Double sided tape seams to get a bad rap but I'm a big fan after this project. Optional: Again, I added a little Annie's Tacky Glue to the corners to reinforce.

This project is so quick and easy (and CHEAP)!  Since the pictures are not sealed in anyway these will not last forever.  They will last for a few years though and that's perfect for me because in a few or probably just a couple years I'll have new pictures I'll want to display.  Just ask my husband about my ever evolving wall decor. :)

If you're wondering about my wall vinyl, check out my post here.

$0 - Imitation Ikea baskets

I've really had a hard time coming up with storage for our little area next to our back door.  We use our back door as our main door but unfortunately it does not have much space for storage.  This becomes a problem during winter.

On a trip to Ikea, I saw these cool Lidan storage baskets and I thought, I could easily make that!  I realize to buy 2, they are only $10 but if I could make them to $2.50 ball of yarn, why not?  Plus, I already had the yarn laying around so really I was making them for nothing!

The pattern is very similar to a hat, you just make it much bigger.  Next time I would probably double up on yarn to make them a bit sturdier.  Since I didn't want to redo all the work I had done, I simply applied some mod podge to the inside of the baskets and that created the sturdiness I was looking for.

They are perfect for the odds and ends that come out during winter, hats, gloves, scarves...

$0 - Contact Paper Creations

My new best friend for wall decor is CHEAP contact paper!  Contact paper can be painted and cut into shapes or letters with a cricut (or by hand) to create beautiful wall vinyls for very cheap.  Here's a couple creations from some leftover contact paper I had.  All this from not even a whole roll of $5 white contact paper and some paint.  And, since I was using leftover supplies I had lying around, all these projects were for $0!  Simply paint the contact paper in whatever color you choose (or leave it white), cut out letters or shapes and stick it to your wall or anything else you can think of.  It peels off clean too!

You can create a cute wall vinyl saying with one of your favorite quotes or verses... (this runs across the whole wall, I couldn't fit it all)

Or make an easy canvas by sticking the contact paper on and then applying a thin layer of mod podge on top to seal it... (I also added some antiquing medium on top because I can't get enough of that antique look.)

Or stick your vinyl on pots to revamp some plain white planters...

Or create some privacy on a kids window without bulky, dark curtains hanging down while still allowing some light in during the day... (eventually I plan to take the sheer ones down)

If you're wondering about the roman shades, I made them awhile back and you can find the post here.

I created this nursery wall vinyl previously using $12 vinyl.  That was before I knew contact paper worked exactly the same way.  And there is a lot more contact paper in a roll!