Waste not, want not: Upcycle unused wallpaper into stunning statement pieces for your home

If you've ever wallpapered your home, you'll know that you're usually left with a bunch of leftover wallpaper. So Steven Sabados showed us some creative ways to reuse those beautifully patterned scraps. Using a little bit of glue, a simple weaving method and some twine, he showed us how to craft stunning statement pieces fit for any room in the house — or even for gifting. These simple DIY's are easy to make, incredibly inexpensive, and perfect for saving that pretty wallpaper you love from ending up in the landfill.

Luxed-up lampshade

Create an interesting feature inside your lamp using metallic paper that will create a gorgeous glow inside the shade.

Here's what you'll need:

• Old wallpaper (preferably metallic)
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Spray or decoupage glue

Here's how to do it:

1. Simply cut the wallpaper to fit the inside of your lamp shade.

2. Apply a layer of glue to the inside of the shade and carefully apply the wallpaper to the inside, carefully smoothing out bumps as you go.

Woven wallpaper frame

This is a super easy piece of art you can make for your walls in no time. 

Here's what you'll need:

• Two different rolls of leftover wallpaper
• Tape
• Utility knife
• Cutting mat
• Ruler
• Frame of your choice

Here's how to do it:

1. Snag two large square pieces of wallpaper sized to your liking. Use contrasting colours so your pattern stands out.

2. Cut your wallpaper into ¼" or ½" strips. Cut the strips by using a ruler and utility knife on a cutting mat. 

3. Start weaving. Tape one of your wallpaper patterns down to the work surface. Use the cut strips from the other pattern to weave under and over your taped strips.  If you're feeling ambitious, you can opt for more complicated weaving patterns to form diamonds and other shapes, but our simple basket weave works perfectly for a piece like this.

4. Frame it and you end up with a brand new pretty art piece.​

Give old books new life

These DIY decor pieces add texture to your coffee table or bookcase and are great for books you sincerely don't intend to read for a while.

Here's what you'll need:

• Old books
• Wallpaper
• Tape and scissors
• Twine

Here's how to do it:

1. Gather a selection of old books from the thrift store or from your own bookshelves.

2. Wrap them in wallpaper and arrange them in a variety of pile heights.

3. Then, wrap them up with a twine bow and place in any room that could use a new accent piece.