INSIDE: Use vintage black and white photograph as a fun wet bar backsplash idea. DIY alternative to tile backsplash idea.
Does your house have a much-coveted “man cave”? My husband has all his signed basketballs, footballs and autographed prints …safely tucked away in plastic bins in the garage. Poor guy. Someday. When the kids move out in some 13 years and we gain a room.
So in the meantime, all the guy has is a wet bar in the TV room. A little space where he can play bartender and come up with creative cocktails for this frazzled lady.
But before he could pop open a craft beverage, we needed to bring his “man cave” out of the 1980s and back into the 1920s?!
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How to Make Fun Backsplash with Vintage Photograph Sticker
Since the “man cave” sits in our beach vibe-ing family room, I wanted to stay with the surf and sea theme. It’s amazing what one can find online, including *free* vintage photographs.
And it was this photograph of a group of 1920s bathing beauties in vintage bathing suits and parasols that we knew would look so cool.
As a backsplash alternative to tile. Thank You Library of Congress!
Image Courtesy of Library of Congress
How to Make Bar Backsplash with Vintage Photograph Sticker
With the bathing beauties now saved on my hard drive, where to get it printed?
After practically calling every single graphic printer in town and getting nowhere, I turned my search online where I discovered a very cool new material called Photo-Tex Adhesive Polyester Fabric by a company called USAonCanvas.com.
Essentially what I wound up ordering was a giant, re-positionable decal. Printed on fabric.
How to Use Vintage Photograph for Fun Bar Backsplash
How’s this for some bathing beauties in your “man cave”?!
What unusual materials have you used in place of traditional ones?
More DIY home decor ideas:
- $20 coffee table makeover using a rug
- Upcycle a dresser frame to use as large wall art
- Turn a staircase banister into a gallery photo wall
- Paint a plate charger with chalkboard paint for a DIY sign
- Convert an umbrella stand into a patio side table
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Ruth says
That is so beyond cool. What an amazing idea!
Becky says
I love this, very creative!
Becky says
I am having a tough time finding the product you used, can you provide a link to the specific product?
[email protected] says
Hi –
Thank you for the feedback! Site is http://www.usaoncanvas.com. Scroll down to Specialty Media Papers -> Removable Adhesive Fabric Peel N Stick. I’d love to see your project should you use this material.
Kathleen Rei says
What color/brand is the blue paint you used? Exactly what I have been looking for! Love it…
[email protected] says
Hi! It’s Valspar “Tropical Oasis” 5004-8B. I used the color on my kitchen island and it’s pretty awesome. (I’m biased, of course)
Susan says
Did you change the countertop? The bottom part, near the floor looks changed. What did you do there?
[email protected] says
Hi! We ripped out the floors from white tile to wood but the countertop is the same. Believe me, it’s on the To Do list if I get my way!
Meredith says
Great idea !! I need a backsplash in my kitchen and I’m wondering how easy it is to clean, and if it is water proof ?
[email protected] says
Hi! Per the vendor’s description, it is water resistant. Honestly, I have not tried to clean it but I imagine you could wipe it with a damp cloth. It is fabric, after all. http://www.usaoncanvas.com/include/fineart_prints.php. Scroll down to Removable Adhesive Fabric.
Susan says
Where oh where did you find the photo? I am in love with its idea for a backslash in my pool house kitchen:) I have some historical bathing beauties in the bathroom so this wold coordinate perfectly!
LOVE what you did with the cabinets…. great job!
[email protected] says
Susan, thank you! We found it on the Library of Congress site (via a Google search).
Alys Milner says
I have a photo of my Aunt (who won a bathing beauty contest in the thirties) This has really inspired to me think of ways to use that photo.
Your bar/man cave look terrific.
Rheta says
Great idea! It adds a lovely flair to that space. The addition of the blue paint really makes it pop and you can’t even see the plug unless you’re looking for it! Love it ๐
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Thank you! Yes, it’s sort of out there but totally fun!
Lucy @ Patina Paradise says
Love the color and that backsplash is so funky and unique. Thanks for sharing on Friday’s Furniture Fix! ;o)
Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel Vintage says
Wow! I think your backsplash is so fabulous and fun. I’ve pinned it to our party board. Thanks so much for sharing at Vintage Charm. ๐
Dara says
That is cool! I love the color of the cabinets, makes a world of difference.
Kristie Cook says
I love the idea of printing on fabric & using it as wall decor! Very unique!
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Thanks Kristie!
Debrashoppeno5 says
The backsplash looks amazing. It is so unique.
Teri @ The Freshman Cook says
This is so cute, and it looks fantastic. I love it, and the bathing beauties are such a great choice to use them. Thanks for sharing at Celebrate It!
1010ParkPlace says
This is so creative! Thank you for telling us how you did it. Brenda
Florence says
LOVE this idea! Those bathing beauties would be so fun to look at & what a conversation piece! Surprised you had so much trouble finding someone to do it for you. Did you seal it somehow? Just wondering.
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Thanks Florence! It’s actually fabric that is a decal.
Candace Playforth says
I love all things vintage. This is adorable! Thanks for a great idea. I’m definitely copying this somewhere in my home :).
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Thanks Candace. If anything, it’s a great conversation starter LOL!
Candice says
This is such a creative idea! So smart!!
Kristin says
This is the cutest idea!! Would be so wonderful in my lake house!!
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Thanks Kristin!
Michelle Leslie says
That’s the funest, coolest back splash I ever seen. Love how it turned out and thanks for the like to the Photo-Tex Adhesive Polyester Fabric. That’s going to help alot. I’ve been struggling to find somewhere that will print a largish decal for us.
Teresa says
I love it. Itโs fun and original, and looks really good combined with the color of the cabinets,
Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned.
The Freshman Cook says
Oh my goodness, this looks fantastic and so very cute! Creative and fun!! Thanks for sharing at Celebrate It!
Barbara Chapman says
Hi Victoria, this backsplash is sooo cute! I think I saw it earlier this year but it doesn’t look like I left a comment, so… Will remedy that now. ๐ Glad you were featured as part of this week’s Share Your Style #183. I am one of the new hosts so just stopping by to check out your post ~ fun!!!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family,
Barb Chapman
http://www.frenchethereal.net