Who made this mess???

Oh right. I made the mess. Me! I actually did something! This is the first time I've ever stripped wallpaper, and I have to admit - it's extremely satisfying. At least, this wallpaper was. Once again, we got lucky with the house and the wallpaper pretty much just lifted right off in giant strips, as you can see on the floor. 

However, that wasn't the end. There was still glue all over the walls, which TJ said would probably be a pain to scrape away. There's a lot of wall in that living room. We had to soak everything with hot water, and anticipated that we'd need a couple of coats to make sure the water really soaked through the layers of glue. Again, we got lucky! The glue came off just as easily as the wallpaper. Some sections had to be soaked a few times, but for the most part, everything was a breeze. Luckily there was only one layer of paper, which seemed surprising on such an old house. I was expecting to go through several. The plaster walls underneath were actually in really good condition, which was good news for the seam filler (and us!).

I know it looks like TJ is doing all the work, but I honestly did a lot. He's just getting some of the leftover bits. Really, it was all me. We only did as far as our arms could reach to get ready for the electricians, so we still have to go back and finish up the upper part of the wall, but it's looking better already! We'll also be doing the same in the back hall, the small bedroom, a teensy bit of the upstairs bathroom, and one section of the master bedroom. The back hall is looking like it will be more difficult, the plaster isn't the same at all and the wallpaper comes off in teeny little bits, taking plaster with it. I'm not exactly sure what to do about that, hopefully someone else will. 

Anyway, my shoulders are very tired and sore, so that's enough blog for tonight! I'll have to get caught up, I'm a few days behind and in reality, the electricians and plumbers are already in and chopping holes everywhere. It's a disaster, but it will all be worth it in the end! (or so people keep telling me....)