A while back, during the summer, I picked up a set of three plastic house-shaped terrariums from Ikea for about $10. The little slots at the tops looked like coin slots, and I immediately envisioned turning one into a house-shaped coin bank. I like to call it a piggy bank even though it isn’t pig-shaped.
At first I wrestled with what material would both look great and hold up to use. That’s when I discovered Walls Need Love and partnered with them for this project. They produce removable adhesive wallpaper in many bold patterns—including a playful banana print—which was perfect for this idea.
Materials
- Removable wallpaper decals (I used a banana print and Retro Pop)
- Easy Stripe adhesive tape (I used 1.5″ ocean and 1″ yellow)
- Sharp craft blade or boxcutter
- Plastic house terrariums from Ikea (or similar-shaped containers like milk cartons)
Quick notes: there are many pattern choices available, so pick something that fits your style. The removable wallpaper is high quality, easy to apply and remove, and also works for more conventional projects. Easy Stripe comes in many colors and widths and even doubles as a chalkboard surface—fun for labeling or decorating at a larger scale.
How to make the coin bank
- Cut the wallpaper decal large enough to wrap fully around the house, leaving several extra inches on each side for adjustment. Remove the backing and position the house on the wallpaper, keeping more material at the top and bottom to work with.
- Flip the assembly over and smooth out air bubbles, taking care not to let the wallpaper stick to unintended sides yet. A smoothing tool works well, but your hands will do the job if you apply even pressure from one end to the other.
- Wrap the remaining base sides of the house the same way, smoothing as you go. Avoid tackling the angled roof pieces at this stage.
- At the bottom corners of the base, cut four flaps into the excess wallpaper (one at each corner) and fold and secure these flaps to the inside of the house to create a neat bottom edge.
- The top roof section is trickier—think of it as wrapping an oddly shaped package. Lay the house flat and cut a line from the center top of the excess wallpaper down each roof slope. Leave a little extra along the top so you can fold and adjust in the next step.
- Flip the house and repeat the cuts on the other side. When done correctly you should have two flaps remaining that will meet at the roof ridge.
- Fold the top flaps over the roof, smooth out bubbles, and trim any remaining excess along the roof slopes so the wallpaper sits neatly on the angled surfaces.
- Using the existing slots in the plastic as a guide, carefully cut a coin slot through the wallpaper with a sharp blade so coins can be dropped in.
- Finish by covering the base tray with Easy Stripe and placing the decorated house on top. If you like, add another strip of Easy Stripe to the front to write a small message with chalk or to add a decorative accent.
This project makes a fun and colorful gift for holidays or any occasion—you can customize patterns and colors to suit the recipient. If you have leftover wallpaper, there are plenty of other craft or small decor projects where it can be used.
Photography by Rachel Brewer and Amelia Tatnall
Concept and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff
Assisted by Anissa Saxton
Will you try this coin bank? Or do you have another project in mind for the leftover wallpaper? I’d love to hear ideas—there’s plenty of wallpaper left over from this project.
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This project was created in partnership with Walls Need Love. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep creative blogs and DIY projects running.