I decided to do a project that I had actually already been planning on doing for a while. I was trying to infuse more color and fun into my kids’ bathroom, and I wanted to do a kind of pinstripe wall.
I love the look of wallpaper, but I have this problem: I’m cheap. And, sure, you can get inexpensive wallpaper on ebay and different places, but not three dollars inexpensive, which is all I spent on this room transformation. Truth.
To create this look, all you need is a three dollar paint marker and a whole bunch of courage. It’s nice to have a supportive husband too.
I used a medium-point, oil-based Sharpie paint marker like one of these, which you can get five of for 12 bucks on amazon
.
So here’s how this went down:
- Get a marker.
- Find your wall.
- Take a deep breath.
- Draw lines.
While I didn’t want straight lines, I also didn’t want them all slanting one way. I found that holding my pinky against the wall helped to keep my lines somewhat up and down. There was a lot of eyeballing going on with this project. If I felt that two lines were too far apart, I would go back and add another one in between.
This is not the first time I have put paint marker to wall. I originally saw this idea on designsponge, where this genius hallway makeover from the girl on the go was featured. You should definitely go check it out. Her project inspired me to suck it up and draw on my walls. I used one of the patterns from the Fossil catalog she included in her post as the inspiration for the closet makeover in my baby girl’s nursery.
Comments + Project Love
Sarah @ Sarahndipities says
This is sooooo cool! I wish we weren't renting our house right now! I would sooo love to try this out!!
Steph @ Crafting in the Rain says
I never would have guessed you drew those–great job!
Arlene says
LOVE IT!!! Congratulations!! Can't wait for Monday to see what you've done next. Also love your granny squares. Good Luck.
Sarah says
Um, you are amazing. <br /><br />The end.<br /><br />P.S. you and heather are kindred spirits. have you seen her craft blog? i think you have. and i digress. <br /><br />i don't know how to use or spell "digress" but thought i'd just pretend i do. you're welcome.
{nifty thrifty things} says
OMG! This is amazing! I'm really impressed by all your fabulous projects!<br />xoxo,<br />Vanessa @ <a href="http://niftythriftythings.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">{nifty thrifty things}</a><br />PS: I hope you'll link this up tomorrow @ {nifty thrifty sunday}! Something tells me it would be featured the following week. Hehe
Alexis @ persia lou says
Thanks for all the sweet comments, everyone!
KellyH says
Well now that is super cute!
Jacqueline says
It looks incredible and very creative! I would love for you to share this at my link party! Its just so awesome! <br /><a href="http://www.mysimplehomelife.com/2011/05/features-simply-creations-friday-link_13.html" rel="nofollow">Simply Creations Link Party</a>
Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says
How on earth can you beat this!? You DO have courage — I guess it's the first line that's the hardest, right? You did a great job!
Condo Blues says
Wow. Love both wall treatments. Now only if I could draw without a computer…
LrSchwtz says
This is so creative! I love how it turned out. Please stop by http://www.laughloveandcraft.com and link up to my Share the Wealth Wednesday Link Party! I'm your newest follower!
Cherished Bliss says
I can't believe how good this looks! I'm still a little scared to try it, I think you might draw better lines than me : ) <br /><br />Hope you will share this awesome project at my party! <br /><br />http://www.cherishedbliss.com/2011/05/craft-and-tell-tuesday-no-5-and-new.html
Mandy @ Sugar Bee Crafts says
just featured you on my facebook page!
Kelli says
My husband would NEVER trust me to try this out on our walls, but I love yours!! Both rooms are totally awesome!
Kimberlee, The Spunky Diva says
I have to say that is really cool. I wouldn't have thought that it would look that good. But… how do you keep the kids from drawing on the wall now that you have, LOL! Visiting from Sugar Bee's Take a Look Tuesday.<br />~Kimberlee<br /><a href="http://thespunkydiva.net/?p=550/" rel="nofollow"> {Accuquilt Giveaway} </a>
Alexis @ persia lou says
@<a href="#c5194823733410120632" rel="nofollow">Sarah</a><br /><br />Yes, I am a fan of Heather's blog. 🙂 And you used "digress" beautifully.
Alexis @ persia lou says
@<a href="#c7482890357066644726" rel="nofollow">Kimberlee, The Spunky Diva</a><br /><br />Kimberlee, The trick is to do the drawing when the kids are asleep so they don't even know what's going on. 🙂
Megan says
I came over here after seeing you featured at simple home life! Your hand drawn walls look great!
{nifty thrifty things} says
Alexis, Thank you so much for sharing this @ <a href="http://niftythriftythings.blogspot.com/2011/05/nifty-thrifty-sunday-5.html" rel="nofollow">{nifty thrifty sunday}</a> last week! I will feature this amazing wall art at tomorrow's linky party. I hope to see you and more of your awesome projects there! :)<br />xoxo,<br />Vanessa @ <a href="http://niftythriftythings.blogspot.com" rel="
Mel says
oh man, you are brave! I love it!!!<br /><br />I didn't know that sharpie made paint markers.
Sarah @ Sarahndipities says
This is so great! Thanks for sharing at Make Something Monday!! I've featured you today!! Go take a peek!<br /><br />http://sarahndipities.blogspot.com/2011/05/make-something-monday-link-party-12.html<br /><br />~ Sarah
I'm Busy Procrastinating says
Your Sharpie projects add a bit of quirkiness that makes the spaces interesting, rather than the drab same-old-stuff. Love it!
Brandi says
This is sooooo neat. I never would have guessed you used a sharpie. Love it! and your green hand towels too.
vicky and things says
this is such an out of the box idea! brillant!!
Inspire Me Heather says
Wow, this is just too cool – really! Looks like a LOT of work but worth it, I think. I'd love to do this too – maybe one day… oh and I've linked this to my wall art post today, for inspiration!
Anonymous says
I just came across your bathroom makeover on Pinterest and I love it! You are so creative! Was wondering what the name of the green paint would be. Are your striped towels from Target? Would love to do this is my kids' bathroom.
Alexis @ persia lou says
Sorry I am long in replying! I am not sure on the color of green paint. It was from Lowe's I believe. And it was called bright apple or something like that. Not much help I know. 🙁 The towels are from Target, yes. As is the green sub toy holder in the bath. Good luck!
æble says
I love the whimsy of your pinstripes! Super cute.
Anonymous says
So did you ever put the light bulbs back in? :-)<br /><br />Tee
Anonymous says
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to <br />say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.<br />In any case I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!<br /><br />my web blog: <a href="http://www.emaildata.co.za/" rel="nofollow">site</a>
Anonymous says
I hardly leave comments, but i did a few searching and wound up here "Three Dollar Wall Treatment".<br />And I actually do have 2 questions for you if it's allright. Could it be only me or does it look like a few of these comments come across like they are coming from brain dead individuals? 😛 And, if you are posting at other sites, I'd like to follow anything fresh you <br />
Anonymous says
bookmarked!!, I like your web site!<br /><br />my web site; <a href="http://Www.Snelcofencing.Co.za/" rel="nofollow">visit link</a>
Anonymous says
Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess <br />I'll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog.<br />I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I'm still new to everything. Do you have any recommendations for novice blog writers? I'd certainly appreciate it.<br /><br /><br /><br />My web-site; <a href="http://