How to cut vintage wallpaper

 

If you are going to be trimming vintage paper to use in craft projects, its time consuming and you'll need company to talk to so you aren't too bored. Luckily, I have Twinks to hang with.

 

For me, vintage wallpaper is simply a billion times better to use in art projects than any scrap booking paper could ever be. Now, I'll scan a really, really wonderful piece before cutting it up, so I'll always have it, but honestly, I don't much like using the copied pieces. The feel just isn't right.

Trouble is, vintage wallpaper can be a LOT of trouble.  Its usually curly from being rolled up forever and it is often brittle. 

Ironing it makes it much easier to work with.

 

 I kind of go back and forth on what is the best way to iron and cut it.  If it is really fragile, or I am just cutting a few pieces, I'll cut it right off the roll, then iron the pieces. If I am on a marathon of ironing and have  good movie to watch while doing it, I'll iron it directly off the roll, like the first photo.

 

Here are some tips for cutting:

Keep a fresh blade in your exacto knife, or the edges of the paper will shred.

Find something the right shape and size to cut around. I use the glass from an 8 x 10 frame.  That makes a good size bit to work with for most projects, and if I am making up packs to sell, its easy to mail.

Self healing cutting mats are wonderful! My blade doesn't get dull too fast and I don't slice up the table underneath.  I used to try to measure the paper by the grid on the mat, but that was way too much work. Now, I just line up my 8 x 10 piece of glass with the straight edge of the paper and zip the blade around it.  Much easier.

Iron the back side of the paper. Old paper is not prepasted, so the back is safe to iron on. If yours is gooey and gluey, its probably not very old.  And your iron will be messed up.

The paper is often painted, if you want to protect your ironing board cover, you can lay a sheet of clean paper, or fabric over the board.

 

Ironing is almost as bad as sewing, but sometimes it has to be done.  But ironing paper isn't nearly as bad as ironing clothes, since there are no cuffs or collars. At least, that is what I tell myself to get through it.

 

The iron can be left on its highest setting and some cut papers can be ironed in a stack of two or three pieces at a time to speed things along.

 

It has taken me most  of the day to do this pile, but I'm still in my organizing mood, and it is rainy outside, so it was a good day to do it.  I might even pull out a few more rolls to cut up before I start making up packets to sell. (this  is just a fraction of the in my obsessed collection)

I'll let you know when I get them packed up and photographed and listed in the shop.

EDIT- I was able to add a few packs of wallpaper to the Boutique tonight

Man, there are a lot of steps aren't there? Sometimes I wonder why I don't get a real job... but then, I get to play with and sort out all these pretty papers while I sing to the Dorkie who never leaves my feet and think that this isn't such a bad job after all.

 

Before the skies turned gray and the rain started, I got a few photos of things to add in to the Boutique.

 

 

  

Slowly, but surely, I am getting some new things in there.

 

And I am trying to build up the Etsy shop too.  Mostly supplies over there.  But an assortment.

Wall paper packs will be coming soon, probably in both shops. If you see something you want in both, please email me before paying, so I can combine your shipping costs!

 

(There are some cute vintage swizzle sticks in both right now)

Some one asked me the other day if I wanted to trade links.  You know, I rarely update my Pretty Places and am missing out on lots of good blogs. 

If you want to trade links with me, JUST WHISTLE! 

Also- one of my Etsy listings is in this pretty treasury, if you'd like to take a look.

Comments

[angela]

Hey Karla....that tip on ironing the paper is just GENIUS!! Of course I don't have that much but anything to make cutting it easier. If you don't mind I will be picking your brain along with Carol's when y'all get to Jenn's and I would love to trade links with you...can u hear me whistling?

[Marianne@songbirdisnesting]

Sigh, such pretty paper and so much of it. I never ever find vintage wallpaper here in Europe. I´ll have to get me some from your shop.
And I would be honored if you would link to my humble blog. And of course I already linked to yours.

[kana conger]

Karla,

Sure wish I had your wonderful assortment of wallpaper and I don't think I would mind ironing too much. I am an ironing nerd...my mom always thought I was crazy to iron while I was home in high school. I also would love you to link to my little ole blog, yours is already on my side list of blogs!!

[Sissy]

Okay - please link my pathetic blog to yours. One of these days I may have the time to learn what to do to make it worth viewing. In the meantime I will just post fairy pictures occasionally in case anyone wants to use them.

[Debi]

Oooohhhhh! I can't wait to buy some of that beautiful paper. You've got such pretty ones!
I would love to trade links with you.

[Alison Gibbs]

Oh karla all that gorgeous vintage paper. If only I had some too!! It doesn't seem so easy to find any here in Australia.Maybe I am just not looking in the right places
Alison

[kathy]

Hi, we have an award for you, you can see it at www.whimsicalwhites.typepad.com
xoxoxo,
The Whimsical Whites Ladies

[Jenny S]

Miss Karla, can you do this with flocked wallpaper? I found an AWESOME green and glod flocked paper that is very fragil and rolled but this might help? Tell me what you think? PS I am whistling if you want......;>0

[Rachael]

Nice to see Twink! Dosen't seem like a bad way to spend a day if you have good movies to watch! Rachaelxo

[Samantha]

The old papers really are gorgeous! And you've got them color coordinated so beautifully too...like a pretty pastel rainbow. Looking forward to seeing the packs you put together for the shops.

Love your handpainted table too!

[Ellie]

What a gorgeous cache of vintage paper you have. Thanks so much for the cutting info. I have literally ruined good pieces of brittle wallpaper by not following your easy steps. I don't blog, but am addicted to visiting every other blog out there. I am amazed how gracious everyone is with sharing their hints and "secrets." It is a beautiful world if we just look. Happy day. Ellie

[Jean Eakin]

You really have some beautiful paper, and I just finished looking at your post on your nice and clean and organized studio. You really have an awesome space to create your magic in. Have a fun evening.
Jean in virginia

[stephenie]

You've been really busy...That's alot of cutting and ironing...This is really a great tip....I was always destroying it before I found out to use an iron..Can't wait to see your packs..You have so many pretty wallpaper prints..
Stephenie

[chrisitne]

Hey Carla.
Thanks for the tip on ironing wall paper. I have my kitchen decorated is 50s pink and bought some 50s wallpaper to use in decorating. I'll have to be sure to check that it doesn't have paste though.

Blessings,
Christine

[Kerryanne English]

There's no better studio buddy than a furry friend. Twinks looks very comfy in your studio. My Gypsy even has her own bean bag and toys in my studio - if only she could answer the phone too...LOL.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

[Lori Oles]

You are so smart! I would of never guessed that I could iron my wallpaper. I am going to give it a try.
Lori

[elyse]

what a beautiful assortment of paper! great tutorial but i must substitute "puppy" for puppy-like boys! LOL

[barbara]

Holy cow, you have a lot of great wallpaper. I'd have never thought about that 8 by 10 piece of glass idea - genius. I feel the same way about real job vs. here (even though I have a sort-of real job a few days a week). Really, I just like to be home with the dog. I'm easy to please.

[Kay Flynn-The Wrought Iron Gate]

Ironing always goes faster with a little friend to keep you company. What a beautiful collection of papers you have. I saw a few that I would like to add to my collection. Please add me to the list of people that would love to exchange links with you.

Best Wishes,
Kay

[Sonia]

Dont you dare leave your studio to go to work gal!! LOL just kidding but seriously now. What job would have you surrounded by all the gorgeousness... Unless you work in a vintage french wall paper shop I guess...
You have been up on my fav's list on my blog since I dont remember... I have been your fan since I started blogging about ...I think some three years. I love it when you are featured in a magazine... I go around tell everyone how I read your blog and how great and talented you are. =)
Sonia

[Shay designer junk finder]

Just today I was looking at rolls of vintage wallpaper, wondering how to get them flat.
Thank You.Thank You.
This is my first visit to your blog,lucky me.
Pop by and say "hi" on my blog
Http://designerjunkfinder.blogspot.com/
shay

[Lori]

great wallpaper tips Karla...i wish i had some big old rolls of wallpaper...you have such a great stash...it must be nice to have good company while you work:)

[Julie - eab designs]

Karla, I iron my wallpaper too. Sounds strange, but I actually love the musty smell that you sometimes get when you iron some very old pieces.

[Louise]

lovely vintage paper..
thanks for the tips.....

Louise

[Chasity]

i love all your tips and techniques...you are pure genius!
have you ever done one on decoupaging?
{hint hint}
have a great day.
chasity

[Linda]

Hi Karla, Great idea for the wallpaper! I don't seem to have much luck finding it. Must not be looking in the right places. I haunt the Good Will, just found a treasure this morning to re-invent. I just love trash to treasure. It makes my heart sing. Thanks for visiting my blog. I too would be honored to be linked to yours. All this rain is getting me down. Hard to take good pictures for our blogs, too. Have a great day!

[jeanie]

Let me say that if Gypsy was my helper (as he often tries to be), there is no telling how many wrinkles would have to be ironed out of that paper!

I've never really worked with vintage wallpaper, just my wallpaper sample books which have the advantage of being flat and the disadvantage of being new and not nearly so interesting. I'm hoping to have a good sale find this summer, so thanks for the tutorial!

[Elizabeth]

I really appreciate the tips, Karla. I just got some vintage wallpaper to use for the first time and now I won't waste any of it. Thanks!

[Andrea]

Oh my gosh, i just love vintage wallpaper. I agree it is so much better than regular scrapbook paper. I need to do that to mine that I have all rolled up! Thanks!

[The Potting Shed]

Oh, thank you! Thank you! I have old wallpaper to sell, but didn't have a clue how to deal with it. Seems easy, but time consuming...and better than not selling the paper at all. I would love to trade links. I'm new to blogging. How do we do that? I do know how to put a link in my blog link list. xo Joan

[DeniseLynn]

Oh just to have a roll of vintage wallpaper! Honestly there are NO good vintage shope near me ... well there's like one but I always get there a day late and a dollar short. *hee hee!* Thanks for the great tips should I ever find some. When your's is for sale mabe I will be able to afford a piece or two.

[La Donna]

Love the wall paper tips, and I love Twinks! : )

[beth]

hi Karla !! would love to trade blog links with you my bella friend , can't believe we haven't already !!
thanks soo much for the tutorial on the wallpaper , your a genious !!
xo,
beth

[Myrna]

Oooh! Thanks for the idea of ironing old wallpaper! I have two rolls of it and wasn't sure how to flatten it out!
And I would love to link with you, Karla! I'll add yours on right now! ;-)
Blessings!
Myrna

[Janis]

Pretty papers... Karla, and I love the pics
of Twinks. : )

Janis

[Daisy Cottage]

Well you have the most adorable assistant! I love the vintage wallpaper - that is something that isn't easily found here in Florida.. wonder why? And I would LOVE to be linked on your site... your beautiful blog will always be on my Blog Candy list! I love visiting here.. you and your creations brighten my day.

xo,
Kim

[MyThoughtsMyVoice]

Karla, that's a lot of ironing. But yeah, i guess that's better that clothes. And then to see all those beautiful paper designs, it's all worth it :-)

Twinks is adorable :-)

Li

[Debby]

Karla, this is such a great post, I have really enjoyed reading it. Twinks is delightful.
Debby

[Lisa]

Oh how great! I'll have to let you cut though I've never been able to find any wallpaper to buy! I'm going to look and see about getting some from you! Thanks!
Hugs, Lisa

[Niesz Vintage Home]

I'm drooling over all of your gorgeous wallpaper!
Love your pretty ironing board cover, too.
Thanks for the great tips!

Kimberly :)

[Andrea at Opulent Cottage]

Hi Karla,
I would love to be linked on your blog! It's such a source of creativity (and amusement) to me. Somedays you have me rolling on the floor laughing, you really do!! I think I'm convinced now to use vintage wallpaper instead of the tacky scrapbook papers I have been using - thanks.
Andrea

[Mitzi Curi]

Karla,
I would love to trade links with you....I think we have a lot in common. Although I have been an antique dealer for 10 years, I have learned so much from your blog that has been helpful (painting chandeliers, ironing wallpaper etc.) It is so generous of you to share your wisdom with us!
You can visit me at mitziscollecitbles.typepad.com