How-To: Add Decorative Paper to Glass Doors

CRAFT: Home Sweet Home

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My tiny kitchen has cabinets with glass doors, but there is something to be said for keeping coffee beans, baking soda, and canned goods out of sight. The panes of glass are stylish, but only if you can fill your cupboards with perfect dishes, teapots, and other collectibles. Not exactly easy for the majority of people who, um, actually cook in their kitchens.

With some decorative papers, thumbtacks, and about 20 minutes, this super-easy technique will literally transform your home. Try outfitting an old china hutch or a tired-looking entertainment center. Besides just hiding the contents of your cupboards, decorative papers or fabrics will make a design statement that can always be in fashion. I recommend cutting several diverse prints out all at once, to be prepared for any whim.

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Materials

Butcher paper
Decorative papers or fabric
Rotary cutter and mat, or scissors
Thumbtacks

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Step 1: Measure the area of the cabinet door that you would like to cover with paper. Give yourself a generous allowance all around the glass. I added ½" to the dimensions of the pane of glass. Use the ruler to measure and mark a piece of butcher paper or newspaper and then use the rotary cutter to cut it out. Check its fit in the cabinet, and adjust as necessary. This is your template.

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Step 2: Lay the template on top of the decorative paper, and cut the decorative paper to match. Keep in mind the orientation of the print of the paper when cutting.

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Step 3: Thumbtack the paper to the inside frame of the cabinet door. If the paper requires overlapping, cut more than one sheet and add tacks to keep them in place.

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Step 4: Switch out the papers as often as you like!


Comments

Newest comments listed first.

Posted by: eve on August 19, 2009 at 2:22 AM

This looks great! What kind of decorative paper did you use because it seems like it's one continuous page. Also, do you think you could use wrapping paper, or would that be too flimsy?
Looks great! I love the bird paper.


Posted by: Brookelynn on August 19, 2009 at 9:16 AM

Thanks for the great comments! I used three different types of paper. The bird paper is thick, but not nearly as thick as cardstock. The white paper is almost like a sheet of fabric it's so thin. And the cat paper is totally wrapping paper!


Posted by: Edelweiss on August 18, 2009 at 1:36 PM

This is just perfect! I've always wondered how people actually *use* a kitchen full of cupboards where you can see everything inside. It would make me feel like I lived in a flea market, particularly if I had to put my collection of storage containers (better known as Tupperware). But this idea is pretty, practical and functional. And I love the idea of changing the panels out - I'd feel like I redecorated!


Posted by: Savannah on August 18, 2009 at 1:23 PM

I LOVE this!


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