Wow! What a response! I am so glad that you all liked my backsplash and am so excited to show you how to do it to your own kitchen. I would have written up this tutorial sooner, but I have been working hard on my project for the third round of Crafting with the Stars and literally haven't had a moment to myself.
Let's get started. These are the supplies you will need.
-scrapbook paper
-art tape (you can find this at your local office supply store. It is a thin black tape that I used for the grout lines.) Make sure to get the 1/8 inch size
-mod podge (matte finish)
-scissors/rotary cutter
-sponge brush
To start out, I looked online for backsplash patterns that I liked as well as colors that i thought would be good together in my kitchen. I then sketched it out so that I knew what I wanted. I also measured out how big the spot above my stove was so that I could draw out the exact pattern I wanted and the tiles that I would need to have to complete it.
Next, I cut out all of the tiles. Behind the stove, the cream tiles were 2X4 inches, the gray tiles were 2X2 inches and the red tiles were 4X4 inches. The tiles above the counter were just the standard 12X12 scrapbook paper size.
Here is the before:
Just a plain old painted wall. Nothing special and pretty boring.
The next step is to cut out your tiles and arrange them the way you want them.
This made it really easy for the application process. I just went in rows starting at the top and worked my way to the bottom. I found the best way to attach was to put mod podge both on the wall and the paper. It made it so that every part of the paper was sealed to the wall.
After the part above the stove was finished, I did above the counter tops. To get the tiles to be perfectly diagonal, simply cut one paper in half diagonally and attach to the wall. Once the bottom tiles are in place, the second row should fall into place perfectly.
My tiles were a little too big to fit exactly, so I had to cut the top off of them. The easiest way to get it just the right size is to fold it over and then cut along the crease that you made.
Once all of your tiles are in place, put the art tape along all of the edges to make it look like the grout between tiles.
Add a layer of mod podge over the top to help completely seal the tape and paper. Let it dry and later go back and use a varnish of some sort. (I'll let you know when I do it to mine which kind I used)
Now, take a step back and enjoy!
It is an inexpensive and stylish way to add a backsplash. I also added lights under my cabinets. I didn't realize how big of a difference having light on my counter makes. I love the way it turned out.
Good luck! Let me know if you have any other questions. I would be more than happy to help in any way that I can.
If you decide to do this in your own home, I would love to see it!! Send pictures to:
Also, don't forget to
go vote for your favorite project!
