Bookshelf Remodel - Wallpaper Weekend

Projects projects projects!  I sometimes feel like our list of projects never end.  There is always something that needs to be organized, purged, cleaned, re-arranged, purchased, or refreshed.  Whew!  It's enough to make you crazy, but certainly helps when you have a great team mate!  Jordan makes an excellent partner in crime!  Our most recent project was to repaint a bookshelf.  We started this project in June (HERE) and finished it a few weekends ago.

When we last posted pictures, the painting process was only half way done because we ran about of paint.  In the interium, I was able to purchase more paint and also found some beautiful wallpaper to go on the back panel of the shelf.
Top Left: We used York wallpaper because it was on sale.  It was an adventure to find the wallpaper because home improvement stores no longer carry wallpaper anymore!  We also discovered that wallpaper is classified into groups by price (usually A, B, C, etc.) and most often comes in a "double roll" size.  Did you know you can get wallpaper that is pre-pasted and washable?  Go figure!  Anyhoo, we decided on only 1 double roll, unpasted, washable, and strippable.  I wanted something neutral and loved this pearl design.  It's a good thing I like it because we have lots left over! 
Bottom Left: Jordan's very handy sketch of measurements.
Right: This is the shelf post paint but pre-wallpaper.  We used the Annie Sloan chalk paint system.  It's important to note that chalk paint requires a wax coating.  It was important to tape off the self so that we didn't get wax in areas where wallpaper would need to adhere.

One other tidbit we learned about wallpaper: It's REALLY tricky to work with.  Jordan and I found ourselves arguing over the correct way to do it... as if we are both experts!  HA!  If we ever have a large scale wallpaper project, I think it might be safer for all involved to hire out the job...lol!
Top Left: This was our 2nd attempt at the first piece of wallpaper.  The corners were very tricky so we accidentally messed up the 1st attempt!  You can see that I'm trying to get all the air bubbles worked out in this pic.
Bottom Left: Jordan was the glue man.  The roller was an excellent idea to ensure an even coating of the glue.
Right: The glue side of the paper!  We laid newspaper out so that we could get coverage right to the edges!

These are a few finished pictures.  It's really tough to see the texture/colors of the wallpaper in these pictures but I think it's pretty.
Top Left:  Look at that sharp corner!
Bottom Left:  Given the size of the shelf, we had to cut a narrow strip.  At this point was so SO glad that I didn't pic wall paper that had a specific design to line up perfectly.  The seam was really tough.  It's not the best job ever but we felt it was the best seam two amateurs would ever get!
Right: Almost done!

Finished!

The lighting in both these pictures is poor but left is "before" and right is "after".  I've got nothing against the warmth of wood grain but this was a little too orangy...

I'm glad this project worked out so well and I'm even more thrilled that we can put our office back together!  Happy projects to everyone!

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