I’m not sure if I’m the only one, but I can never seem to find a drawer liner that I love. Although there’s always a time and place for clear or cream, I’m looking for something bright and colorful. I mean how fun to have a little something different in your drawers?? It’s also a neat way to add color without going crazy in the entire room. Whether it’s dresser drawers, bathroom cabinets or a nightstand, it’s always fun to open it up and see a bright colorful pattern.
I’ve heard about people using wrapping paper as liners, which definitely solves the problem of finding a fun pattern. But it just seems too temporary. One wrong move and the wrapping paper will rip or get wet. So adding a clear contact paper on top SEEMED like the perfect solution…..
Except for one problem. If any of you have tried to use Contact Paper in the past, you know it can be trickier than it looks. I swear it must be an art to be able to place contact paper ANYWHERE without creating air bubbles. Well after many failed attempts, I found a system that’s working for me that’s easy and QUICK!
Supplies
- Ruler
- Wrapping paper
- Scissor & ruler OR Paper cutting tools (this is actually for sewing, but I use it for EVERYTHING. It’s actually one of my favorite supplies I’ve purchased lately)
- Pencil
- Clear Contact Paper
Instructions
First things first: you need to measure your space, both width and depth. Be exact … no rounding!
The next step is to make small marks on your wrapping paper with your pencil denoting the width and depth of your drawer. I like to make these marks on the back side of the wrapping paper. Although you can erase the lines after cutting, sometimes the wrapping paper can smear when erasing.
Using either a ruler/scissor or cutting tools, cut out your wrapping paper. The cutting tools I use is Fiskars Rotary Cutting Set. Although it’s technically used for sewing, I’ve definitely used it on my non sewing DIY projects. It’s a 3 piece set which includes everything you need to measure and cut perfect lines. It’s been a lifesaver for me because I’m not very good with a scissor 🙂 .
Try to follow the markings you made the best you can. I always error on the side of caution and cut my wrapping paper a tiny pit larger than my measurements. I know I can always trim if it’s too big. But if I over cut making the paper too small I’ll have to start over.
Test out your wrapping paper by placing it in your drawer to ensure you measured & cut correctly. If it’s too big, just do a little trimming.
Now cut a piece of contact paper slightly bigger than your wrapping paper. I like to have my contact paper about 1 inch larger on each side.
I turned the wrapping paper vertical and will work the contact paper from top to bottom. Contact paper can definitely be tricky and frustrating to use. Sometimes air pockets arise or the contact paper crinkles. Ugh. Once reason why I like to work from the vertical, is it allows me to work smaller sections at a time which typically result in less errors.
Pull the contact paper and white paper backing apart until you separate about 1 inch worth of paper. Then make a strong fold with the white backing.
Now line up the contact paper on top of the wrapping paper (allowing for one extra inch above the wrapping paper) and press down with your fingers, smoothing it out and removing any air bubbles.
Now the good news … if you made it successfully to this point, it’s smooth sailing from here (no pun intended 🙂 ).
Pull the white backing down another inch and smooth out the contact paper on the wrapping paper.
Continue until the you make it all the way down. Remember, steady eddy wins the race. As well as the turtle. Take your time with contact paper and don’t rush it. It’s MUCH easier to prevent the air bubbles and crinkles than to fix them.
Take your cutting supplies and cut the excess contact paper off the ends. You should have about an inch extra on each side.
Now place your DIY drawer liners in your drawers and marvel at how much more festive your drawers are!
I just place my drawer liners in the drawers with no additional adhesive. I change my decorating preference too often so I like things that are removable. Yes, I guess that now includes my drawer liners. If you want yours more secure add some Scotch tape or scrapbooking tape to secure them in the drawer.
Your drawers will be so pretty that you’ll never want to mess them up!
Jayme says
I love that wrapping paper! I agree wholeheartedly that the store-bought drawer liner is all bleh, and I can never find any that matches my rooms!
This is brilliant and you are making that Contact paper look so easy. And I’m the queen of Contact paper fails, so I know I shouldn’t even be thinking about it…haha.
Lindsay @ Crazy Organized says
Thanks so much 🙂 I used to think it was impossible to use contact paper. Finally figured it out!
twochicksandamom/Donna says
What an awesome idea! I’m with you–I never find any draw liners that I love!
Debra says
I love this idea and can’t wait to try it!