Friday, May 27, 2011

I'm no artist...


...but that doesn't mean I can't make art!  And that is exactly what I did.  Even though my daughter's room is technically complete, checked off the list, there are some blank walls that still need to be filled.  I mean, honestly, I room is never really finished.  (My husband just cringed reading that.)  And what better place to experiment with "art by the non-artist" then in a child's room.  Mistakes = Creativity in kid world!  So here is what I made...


It plays into the colors of the room and the minor elephant theme I have carried over from her first room.  So fun, right?  And the best part, simple and cheap...music to my ears.


All you need is 1. An art canvas from your local craft store.  These are often on sale, mine was 40% off at JoAnns.  2. Some fun fabric.  I bought a square quarter for only $1.99!  3. Some paint - I used the unused paint sample that was voted down for our dining room.  4. A sponge for applying the paint, 5. Spray adhesive and 6. A pattern for the fabric cutouts.  I used a stencil that I had previously used for the wall in her first bedroom.  You could just as easily use a picture, cut out from a magazine or free hand something if you are a real artist.


OK, so first step...sponge the paint onto the canvas.  I only used one color but it would also be fun to layer a couple of colors.  Then let it dry overnight.

Iron your fabric to remove any wrinkles or seams.  Then cut out your shape / animal / picture from your fabric.  For my birthday my Sister-in-Law gave me the most amazing sewing scissors.  I had no idea what I was missing out on until I used these.  The elephant cutouts were a little tricky but my new scissors made it SO much easier!


Finally (are you following me so far...I know it is very complicated) spray the cutouts with the spray adhesive and stick them to the canvas.  A quick word to the wise - spray adhesive is very sticky and very smelly.  I recommend you figure out exactly where you want the cutouts placed on the canvas before you apply any adhesive.  Otherwise you might have fabric cutouts stuck to you for a week.  Also...do this part outside.  It stinks!


Let everything dry overnight and like magic, you have wall art!  There are so many ways to get creative with this so put your personal touch on it and show me what you come up with.  Remember, I love it when you share!