Decorative Calendar Shelf Liner
Recycle Idea
I didn’t get to show you the inside of the gray cabinet yesterday. When I started to take photos the day before I realized I needed to make a change which required paint. I got that all taken care of and took photos yesterday.
Painting shelves, bookcases, china cabinets, etc. is a chore. All of the corners and undersides make for a lot of work. I almost had the JTS remove the cabinet back for me but it wouldn’t have made that much difference. I laid the cabinet down on the floor and taped off the areas I didn’t want painted white using Frogtape. Then I twisted and turned and stood on my head until the inside was painted. I had paint on my elbows, the back of my arms and a number of other places.
The paint is Reclaim Off-White and I brushed on two coats back to back. The paint dries really fast.
Calendar by Lisa Kaus
Some of you suggested papering the back of the cabinet and I did think of using stencils or other techniques to decorate the inside back and shelves but in the end decided on the simple paint job. I will be selling this piece and it’s hard to know what I buyer will like.
I decided to put scrapbook paper on the shelves. None of the paper I had in my stash was speaking to me and Hobby Lobby is closed on Sunday which is the day I was working on the project. Being my usual lazy self I didn’t want to get dressed for town and go from store to store looking for scrapbook paper. That meant if I wanted to finish the project and take photos I had to find something from my stash of stuff in the workshop.
I found the Lisa Kaus decorative calendar in my scrapbook paper box. The calendar was a gift from my daughter and I think the year was 2013. I always try to save things this pretty in the hopes I can use them in the future. It was just what I had in mind for the shelf paper. I wanted something bright and in your face to contrast with the gray exterior.
I usually use double-sided tape or glue dots to adhere the paper to the shelves but decided to just lay the calendar pages on the shelves. The new owner of the cabinet may not like the paper. Depends on where and how they use the cabinet.
The colors really pop and the sayings make me smile
What do you think about my decorative calendar shelf liner? Do you keep or toss old calendars? I have been known to toss a few but it seems a waste.
Have a great day!
Gloria says
You can recycle your calendars as… calendars!
http://garyc.me/calendars/
2016 is a tough year, because it is leap, but i have been reusing calendars for a while now. I love it
Kim~madeinaday says
Great idea, you don’t see paper lined drawers much anymore. Cute patterns too. Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Sharing on G+! Have a great week!
Kim
Audra @ Renewed Projects says
Love it! Great way to add color and reuse materials (always a favorite of mine).
Karen @ The Decorated Nest says
what a great idea, love it!
Sherry Fram says
I usually get calendars with pretty photos or flowers or quilts on them every year. When I am done with them I pick out my favorite four & put them in four frames I have that are 12×12. I switch them out every year so I have new ones to look at. I save all the others because my grandkids like to make “stuff” as they call it. I always have their art hanging somewhere & it is usually made with those old calendars & leftovers from other projects as well. We have a bin that all that we keep pictures & bits of pretty paper in for art time.
Peggie says
Love it!
Jody says
I have a large white 2 door cabinet that was in my mom’s house. Rusted and needs help. Now I know what to do wth the Mary Engelbreit calendars I have saved for the last 10 years. Thank you so much.
Jolinda says
love the bold look and the calendars too. Great idea and now I know why I have been saving them. thanks for your great ideas.
Sandy says
Looks great! So cheery! I save calendars, too. Lining shelves is a very creative idea. How do you finish the backs on your furniture pieces? Paint or something else? Even though bare originally, backs seem to need something.
Suzee Bain says
Great idea! I keep the old calendars thinking I will frame them and never do! You are so creative! I am a new reader and love love your ideas! Thanks!
Barbara says
I like the calendar paper on the shelves – but then, I like bright colorful pictures and wise, happy sayings too! I often include cute, famous quotes in letters and cards I send. Anyway, I would definitely leave it in my cabinet!