Last week, we discussed some seriously cheap art options in the form of gift bags. Today, our Friday series for those looking for decor on the lower end of the cost spectrum with ideas for gift wrap and other decorative papers.
If you've been following our master bedroom mission makeover (I change the name of that project every week), then you've already seen the transformative powers of paper store gift wrap sheets. We're not talking your average wrapping paper on a roll (though there is of course a place for that) - we're talking truly beautiful prints that can be all gussied up in frames and used in projects to really liven up your walls.
Exhibit A:
Both of these casually leaning pieces are framed wrapping sheets. The floral print is from Paper Source for about $6. The red damask is from Kate's Paperie, on clearance for $9. A $17 Walmart frame and a $30 Amazon frame, respectively, and for the size, you've got pretty decently priced art.
Hanging two copies of a graphic print next to each other can really create impact for no money. These black and white Asian inspired prints are both also from Kate's Paperie, I think also $9 each. (Here, they look a bit Celtic perhaps, but there are definitely some snakes woven in there, and the up close vibe is more Asian). Even just taped to the wall for this, our very first master bedroom style, these pack quite a punch, and would be even better framed.
Maps are so hot right now. And you know who carries a lot of them? Paper stores. This one's also from Kate's, and it was (gasp) not on sale, so I paid all $20 for it. Then I bought the $30 frame from Amazon, and now I have a sweet, rather large tribute to Bret's home state. When you factor in just how expensive real vintage maps can be (I regularly see them for several hundred dollars), even at $50, this seems like a steal to us. (I mentioned this before, but I'm not thrilled with this frame. Next time, I would absolutely go the Ribba route if I was shopping for less expensive frames for a large print like this).
Of course, the paper store isn't just about wrapping paper. They've got so much fun stuff -- including calendars. Paper Source calendars are basically my favorite thing. I love their prints, and their wall calendars include templates turn the pages into gift boxes and other fun things! When you score them in July for 75% off, these are an amazing buy. Anyway, you may remember this calendar deal from the Flea Market Fab bedroom styling. I deconstructed a desk calendar and clipped the pages to some twine using wee clothes pins. (And then wrote Don't Forget to be Awesome on the cardboard desk calendar stand. Waste not).
It's clear that paper stores are selling some of their papers assuming they'll be framed (like the NJ map), and some are meant more for actual gift wrap, but browsing through a papers store is like going to a cheap decorators playground. I've been inspired by what I find to try new styles in the bedroom and I have a few more projects up my sleeve some recent finds. So stay tuned.
In the meantime, thanks for stopping by, and have a great weekend!