easy kitchen DIY

I am slowly making my way through our apartment trying to make a the generic space feel and look a bit more like us.

A few months ago I walked into Art Mart to take a look at the 100's of decorative papers they had advertised. When I walked into the store, I freaked out a little when I saw all of the racks displaying large sheets of beautiful papers. When you sign up for their newsletter you get a 40% off coupon!

My plan was to look for some paper to cover the blank space above our stove in our kitchen.

Here is a before shot.

I really just wanted a pattern, that wouldn't compete or draw major attention to it's self in our small apartment. I was inspired by the view outside our living room window, which has a lovely view of trees.

I picked out this  birch wrapping paper, it was about four dollars a sheet (not bad). I bought three sheets and had plenty left over for future craft projects or gift wrapping.

The process was really simple. I measured the space over the stove top, cut my birch paper, covered the birch paper with clear contact paper and trimmed off the excess.  Then, I used a bone folder to smooth out any bubbles.  I followed the same steps to cover the right side of the wall and then the left.  Then, I attached the paper to the wall with thumb tacks.

And here is the after:

The mirror over the stove was found at Unique Thrift here in St. Louis...I love that place.

I love simple projects, that I can start and finish all by myself while Jeremy is studying. I have another one that I am super proud of that I will share one of these days.