Shelf Liner Dilemma

 Have you ever been overwhelmed by so many projects that you just don't want to do any of them?  That's how this "little" project started.  It seemed so simple, such a no brainer.  Something that would make me feel that I've accomplished something, which would then make me want to continue with a more difficult task.   

  You simply measure and cut the paper and install it. Sounds easy, doesn't it?  I have no idea why I would think that, since hardly anything goes as planned.

Here's how it went.  This weeks "challenge" in my minimalist group is the kitchen, second time around.  This is still the beginning of my journey, in pretending I'm going to someday become somewhat minimalistic.  Living with less.  But that's a different story I'll be sharing with you.  Let's get back to my shelf paper. 

I emptied out the cupboard, checked to see if there was anything I no longer used or needed.  Then of course, it was dusty, so I started washing it.  Then, I noticed the contact paper was yucky, so proceeded to rip out that old sticky contact paper.  I noticed it was one of the cupboards that never did get painted on the inside.  Painting and lining cupboards was always at the bottom of the priority list.   Thinking this would be easy, I dug some paint out and then I realized why it never got painted.  I had to angle myself in all different positions to get that cupboard painted.

 I even at some points had to put my head inside just to reach the back.  Then, I had to let it dry, then apply some semi-gloss to make it washable.  And that takes a few days to dry, so it's not tacky to the touch. 



In the meantime, going to the hardware store for other things, I checked out the shelf liner there.  I was thinking of all the different patterns that must be out now, and whether I should just get a solid color. 

Then I saw the price of it.  Wow, I just could not wrap my brain around spending so much just to line a shelf.  It comes on a roll, listing the square feet so when I multiplied the length times the width I realized it would cost around $5 a shelf to cover.  I thought it a bit ridiculous just to make my cupboard look nice. I wanted to do this as cheaply inexpensively as possible.  I mean, it's just a shelf, behind a closed door isn't it?  Even the paint, if you shop the "oops" rack can be bought for as little as $5 a gallon. 

   I left the store pondering what other options may be out there.  I know many, many years ago people actually used, well, paper.  Butcher paper, newspaper and other reasonably priced papers.  I also know that some people use trays for things such as oils and syrups that can leak.  I searched the internet for viable options and finally found a few.  I really liked the idea of making my own oilcloth but decided that in itself would be another project. 

I had quite a few vinyl tablecloths in the drawer that I hadn't used in a very long time so that is what I decided to try.  We had recently used one to cover some cement work.  They are handy to have for picnics also.  I went through and picked one out.  Okay, so it's not organic bamboo, but we can say it's recycling and repurposing something already in your home.  Plus, I had a drawer full of them that had been taking up space.  In addition, I really don't think the shelf paper in the store is all that eco friendly either or healthy. 

Now, if you want every drawer and cupboard in your kitchen to be the same, then you will have to do the math, and go out and pick out the amount of square feet you will need.  Or the amount of table cloths to buy.   I didn't care if it matched, so hence just used the supplies in my home. 

The first thing I did was toss the vinyl tablecloth into the dryer on low to get the fold lines out.  

You will notice that some of the tablecloths have rounded corners.

To take care of that problem, you need to find a straight edge.

 From that edge I measured an equal distance along the length of the cloth.  I did this along the length, putting a dot.  I then laid my ruler along those dots, and drew a line along them to make a straight line.

 I then cut along the line, thus eliminating the rounded corners. 

From there it's easy, measure your cupboard, measure your square of cloth and cut it out.  I made mine about 1/8th to 1/16th shorter to allow for stretching.  Yep vinyl can stretch.

From there, put it onto your shelf until it is straight and flat.  If you need to,  retrim if it's too big.  I then took upholstery tacks, or just plain regular thumbtacks, and well, tacked them down with a
hammer.  If you rent, and cannot put tacks, then I think the two way poster tape would be fine. 

And that's it,  The two shelves are done.  Plus I did the drawers above that shelf.  Now, if I can find time to do some more shelves.  Until then, I'll just admire these two shelves.

Other materials that can be used.  Freezer paper, butcher paper, scrapbooking paper, oil cloth, fabric, wax paper, newspaper, newsprint plain, plastic trays, upholstery vinyl/fabric.  This job can be as elaborate as you want.  I wanted it to be as easy and quick as possible, and to be able to use materials already in my home.


References and Helpful Websites:

Go Gingham-Stylishly Frugal Living

marthastewart-oilcloth basket liners

creativejewishmom-lining shelves with a decorative edge

younghouselove/nursery-progress-lining-our-dresser-drawers/