Canvas Art

As far as projects go, this one takes the cake for being easy, cheap, and fun. And the results look like real art! Even for someone less than artistic (like myself) this project is simple enough to complete in a day but ends up looking store bought, or better!

What you will need:

Time- 3 to 4 hours

Space- flat working area

Supplies

+4 store bought canvases (try a local craft store, Michael's, or Wal-Mart)

+Acrylic paint

+Paint brushes

+Stencils

+Drop cloth or plastic trash bags

+A wall that needs decorating

Start by deciding what size canvases you want to buy to fit your wall. Large canvases make a bigger impact if you have some extra space. Make sure you have all of your other supplies before getting started. Acrylic paint works well on canvases and foam or bristle brushes can be used.

Lay the canvases out on the drop cloth or plastic bag on a flat surface with plenty of room. Place the edges of the canvases together so that they are flush. Paint 2 coats of your base color, allowing each coat to dry completely. After the base coat is dry, place the stencil on the middle of the canvases. Centering the stencil on the middle of the 4 canvases will create a windowpane effect once the canvases are pulled apart and hung on the wall. Use your other paint colors to fill in the stencil pattern, painting 2 coats and allowing each to dry.

After the stencil pattern is dry, pull away the stencil and admire your artistic results! Free hand any other additional designs you want to add and touch up any missed spots. Allow to dry completely (I allowed 24 hours) before hanging.

Space the canvases evenly apart on the blank (previously boring!) wall. They should be light enough to hang with simple nails. Finally, enjoy the pretty payoff from your hard work!

For your project, try a stencil that matches the decor of the room you are trying to decorate or the personality of the recipient. A beachy theme would go well in a bedroom or bathroom. If you are giving a seasonal gift, try a snowflake or fall leaf theme with coordinating colors. Monogrammed initials or sayings would also work well for dorm rooms or living rooms. Make it personal, make it fun, and enjoy surprising someone with a homemade gift!