Craft Ideas For Decoration Of Room With Paper Plates And Bowls

Craft Ideas for Room Decoration with Paper Plates and Bowls

Paper plates and bowls, often considered disposable tableware, can be transformed into versatile and cost-effective crafting materials for unique room decorations. Their accessibility, affordability, and ease of manipulation make them ideal for both novice and experienced crafters. This article will explore a range of decorative projects using paper plates and bowls, offering detailed instructions and inspiring possibilities for enhancing interior spaces.

The inherent circular shape of paper plates and bowls lends itself to a variety of designs, from wall art to hanging ornaments. The material's ability to be painted, cut, glued, and folded provides ample opportunities for creative expression. Furthermore, incorporating other readily available craft supplies such as paint, glitter, yarn, and beads can enhance the visual appeal and texture of the finished products. The use of paper plates and bowls in crafting promotes sustainability by repurposing materials that might otherwise end up in landfills.

Creating Decorative Wall Art

Paper plates can be readily transformed into eye-catching wall art. One simple project involves painting paper plates with various colors and patterns. Stencils can be used to create more intricate designs, or freehand painting can be employed for a more organic look. Once the paint is dry, the plates can be arranged on a wall in a grid, a circle, or a more free-form pattern. Double-sided tape or adhesive putty can be used to secure the plates to the wall without causing damage.

Another approach involves cutting paper plates into different shapes and assembling them to create a larger image. For instance, multiple plates can be cut into petal shapes and glued together to form a flower. The center of the flower can be decorated with buttons, beads, or other embellishments. The finished flower can then be mounted on a canvas or directly onto the wall. Similarly, paper plates can be cut into geometric shapes and arranged to create abstract designs.

A more three-dimensional wall art project involves folding paper plates to create sculptural elements. For example, plates can be folded in half or into cones to create a layered effect. These folded elements can then be glued to a backing board or directly onto the wall to create a textured and visually interesting piece. Experimenting with different folding techniques and arrangements can yield a wide range of unique designs.

The color palette chosen for the wall art can be tailored to match the existing décor of the room. Neutral colors such as white, beige, and gray can create a subtle and sophisticated look, while brighter colors can add a pop of energy and vibrancy. Metallic paints, such as gold and silver, can also be used to add a touch of glamour.

Crafting Hanging Ornaments and Mobiles

Paper plates and bowls are excellent materials for creating hanging ornaments and mobiles. Their lightweight nature makes them easy to suspend from the ceiling or a window. A simple ornament can be made by painting a paper plate and then adding decorative elements such as glitter, sequins, or beads. A hole can be punched at the top of the plate, and a piece of string or ribbon can be threaded through the hole for hanging.

To create a more elaborate mobile, multiple paper plates can be used. The plates can be painted or decorated with different designs, and then hung from a central point using string or yarn. The length of the strings can be varied to create a dynamic and visually appealing arrangement. The mobile can be hung from the ceiling or from a decorative branch or dowel rod.

Paper bowls can also be incorporated into hanging ornaments and mobiles. They can be painted or covered in fabric or paper, and then decorated with embellishments. Small holes can be drilled into the bowls to allow for the attachment of strings or beads. Multiple bowls can be strung together to create a cascading effect.

The theme of the ornaments and mobiles can be tailored to the specific room or occasion. For example, ornaments for a child's room could feature bright colors and playful designs, while ornaments for a living room could be more sophisticated and elegant. Seasonal themes, such as snowflakes for winter or pumpkins for autumn, can also be incorporated.

Consider incorporating natural elements into the hanging ornaments. Small twigs, leaves, or feathers can be attached to the paper plates and bowls to add texture and visual interest. The use of natural materials can also help to bring a sense of the outdoors into the room.

Designing Decorative Bowls and Containers

Beyond their intended purpose as serving dishes, paper bowls can be transformed into decorative containers for storing small items. By painting or covering the bowls with fabric or paper, they can be customized to match the décor of the room. The bowls can then be used to store items such as jewelry, keys, or small office supplies.

To create a more durable container, the paper bowl can be reinforced with layers of glue and paper mache. This process involves covering the bowl with strips of newspaper or paper towels dipped in a mixture of glue and water. Multiple layers are applied until the bowl is sufficiently strong and rigid. Once the paper mache is dry, the bowl can be painted and decorated.

Another approach involves adding decorative trim to the rim of the paper bowl. This can be done using ribbon, lace, or yarn. The trim can be glued or sewn onto the bowl to create a finished and polished look. The color and texture of the trim can be chosen to complement the overall design of the bowl.

Paper plates can also be incorporated into the design of decorative containers. For instance, a paper plate can be used as a lid for a paper bowl. The plate can be cut to fit snugly over the bowl, and then decorated to match the bowl. This creates a functional and aesthetically pleasing container for storing small items.

Consider adding decorative handles to the paper bowl to make it easier to carry. Handles can be made from wire, rope, or even repurposed materials such as coat hangers. The handles can be attached to the bowl using glue, wire, or other fasteners. The design of the handles can be tailored to the overall style of the bowl.

Creating Garlands and Banners

Paper plates and bowls offer an easy and affordable way to create festive garlands and banners for room decoration. Paper plates can be cut into various shapes, such as circles, stars, or triangles, and then strung together using string or ribbon. These shapes can be painted, decorated with glitter, or adorned with stickers to match a specific theme or occasion.

To create a banner, individual paper plates can be decorated with letters or images to spell out a message or create a visual pattern. These plates can then be hung in a row using clips or by punching holes and threading a string through them. Banners can be customized for birthdays, holidays, or simply to add a decorative touch to a room.

Paper bowls can also be incorporated into garlands and banners. Small holes can be punched into the bowls, and they can be strung together with beads or other decorative elements. The bowls can be painted or covered in fabric to match the overall theme of the garland or banner.

Varying the size and shape of the paper plates and bowls can add visual interest to the garland or banner. Mixing different colors and textures can also create a more dynamic and eye-catching design. Incorporating other craft supplies, such as ribbons, buttons, and sequins, can further enhance the decorative appeal of the project.

Garlands and banners can be hung across a room, over a doorway, or along a wall to add a festive touch. They can also be used to decorate a fireplace mantel or a bookshelf. The lightweight nature of the paper plates and bowls makes them easy to hang and reposition as needed.

Making Decorative Lighting Accents

Paper plates and bowls can be cleverly utilized to create unique and ambient lighting accents. When working with lighting, safety should be the paramount concern. It is advised to use battery-operated LED lights to avoid any potential fire hazards associated with heat from traditional bulbs. These can be found in most craft stores or online.

Paper plates can be transformed into decorative lampshades. By carefully cutting and folding the plate, a three-dimensional shade can be created to diffuse the light from an LED. The plate can be painted, decorated, or even covered in patterned paper to match the room's decor. These shades can be fitted around small battery-operated lights.

Paper bowls can be used to create string lights. Small holes can be punched into the bowls, and then the LED lights can be threaded through them. This creates a whimsical and festive lighting effect. By using different colored lights and decorating the bowls, a unique and personalized string light garland can be made.

Another idea is to create lanterns from paper plates. By folding a paper plate in half and then making cuts along the fold, a lantern shape can be formed. The edges can then be glued together to create a three-dimensional structure. A battery-operated LED light can be placed inside the lantern to illuminate it.

When using paper products for lighting, it is crucial to ensure that the lights do not generate excessive heat. Using LED lights is the safest option, as they remain cool to the touch. Always prioritize safety when creating lighting accents, and never leave them unattended.