Well, it's not exactly your typical wallpaper...

but I've had really great results with scrapbook paper and masking tape, actually! It takes a little careful planning, but it can turn out really nice.



I just got a "themed" (sort of) pad of coordinating papers and arranged them in a color pattern. I'm really loving it, actually!

[moved to a more appropriate place, man I must be tired!]

So, first things first.

This:


is my ugly wall.  

The super cluttered book shelf to the left is a "pile" of things that belong to my husband, and the lot of it is getting kicked out as soon has he has some free time. The gray Deskjet is going to be replaced (or maybe just tossed, we haven't decided yet). Also, the ugly white plastic caddy with the fabric piles on top are being displaced and reorganized as well.
I am sad to report that our clunky little tv is a permanent fixture.
We just painted. You can't really tell, but the walls are a very temper-mental shade of gray-blue. They are WAY more blue than we had anticipated. The carpet is blue and we have a pine green accent wall,which seems to make it even worse. I can't bear the thought of painting the whole thing over again, (the fumes were sooooo intense and our house is teensy) so I've decided that with a little cleverness and creativity I can just make it work for now.

I've decided I would like to try something like this:  http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Vinyl-Wall-Art/
 but I'm really having a hard time coming up with a design (and a color for that design to be) that feels whimsical but still adult. I think a lot of my problem is that the colors are screaming "child's room" at me.

Anyone have any visions while staring at that silly wall??

Yes, I am aware that I am totally insane and have waaaay too much time on my hands. But I enjoy myself, so there. Again, like some other daring souls my ensemble is all one project in my head, but I will say we are showcasing the "corset" for regulations' sake.




+ Duct Tape pretendo corset, painted black with Popsicle stick "boning" and pompon flare, laced up with the COOLEST sparkly raver-gimp!

+Totally Radical Rainbow Wristbands (craftloops, of course)




+ Popsicle stick wings. These were fun. Especially when I got to paint them. Held on by blue craft loops!




+ Bodacious Booty Skirt, made mostly of felt (oh how I love craft felt) with pipe-cleaner/pompon accents.

And of course, you can't forget my awesome pipe-cleaner crown!
This all totally reminded me of something I would wear to Burning Man... only I don't go to burning man because it scares me, I just wear my rainbow popsicle stick wings around the living room. 

Hope you guys enjoyed, and thanks for checking it out!

[This is the piece of thrift-store gold (teehee) I came by:]

ohmygoodness I am so tired from working on this project that I almost fell asleep right here at the keyboard uploading pictures. Feast your eyes loves, I am very proud.

This is the piece of thrift-store gold (teehee) I came by:


Obviously this started me singing 'Yo ho Yo ho a Pirate's Life for Me', which naturally led to my project being Pirates of the Caribbean themed. I have a photo montage here: www.myspace.com/myblackpearl if you would like to get a better look at the process and a few close-ups. There is also a detailed explanation of the process with BIG pictures there! Make sure youhave your speakers on when you go there. =)

Materials Used: acrylic craft paints in at least 20 different shades, modge podge, printed out starry skies (to go behind the battered sails) from the good ol' inkjet, meshy fabric, thread, and of course my awesome ship orginal!

Time Spent: Close to 25 hours

Was is worth it? Hell yes.

The Finished Product:



yay for my first craft challenge entry! thanks for looking!!