Monday, January 11, 2010

DIY Art Work

I am a firm believer of purchasing or creating real art for my walls.  Around my home, I have many photographs I have taken over the years.  I also have a nice collection of local artists work that I gathered from my days in college as an art student.  I feel it is a more personal and unique feel added, than what I can find at the store...usually.  There is nothing wrong with purchasing an art piece at Bed, Bath or Beyond, or Michaels, though.  It is still art and is still being appreciated, which makes me happy.  But if you happen to have awesome friends that create art or took a neat picture, ask them if you can hang their work on your walls.  You then have something no one else has.

One night, while I was watching my favorite TV show, NCIS, I decided to use a canvas I purchased at a flea market for a whopping $0.25.  It is about 16x20 size.


While reading a favorite blog of mine last week, decor8, I came across a very cute idea that would be quick and simple.  Holly, creator of decor8, wrote an entry about Jess Constable from Make Under My Life.  Jess had showed how she used recycle materials to create this work of art using a canvas and string!  Check our her blog to see what she reused this canvas for!


So, I decided to try my own hand at this, only with paint, instead of string.  I took my blank canvas and started taping small sections off with blue painters tape.



If you are going for clean, straight lines with no bleeding under the tape, I suggest you use a paint meduim that you can find at Micheals to help.  I am not too sure of the name of the product and it has been awhile since I used it. 

But, if you are like me and don't mind the look of bleeding edges, then paint on!  After I removed the tape, here is what I had.



I thought the fuzzy edges gave it texture.

I did a few more lines and added a little color.  Here is the finished product.


I personally love it and think it adds what I was needing in our living room.



Now, I had many of these supplies already in my basement, therefore this project cost me nothing.  But here is the break down if you are wanting to create something similar.

Canvas - $0.25 (flea market find)
Paint - $2.00
Tape - $5.00
Brush - $5.00

Total - $12.25

See...it's not hard creating a beautiful work of art!


 

12 comments:

Scientific Housewife said...

How fun! I made my own art using fabric but that looks much easier!

Jen @ homeinthecountry said...

I *heart* DIY artwork, too! Especially because large canvases + paint tend to be cheaper than a large framed piece, and can fill big spaces just as nicely! I like your subtle, sophisticated stripes!

Meg said...

The taping idea is genius! I have no artistic talent, which is a shame because there are tons of artists in the family, but my husband Lee does and I've thought about having him create art for the house.

But thanks to your tutorial, I can make some art too! Thanks for such a smart idea!!

P.S. - I want to see more of your art!

Jess LC said...

Thanks for trying and sharing my string project! Your art looks awesome!

Danielle and Clint said...

No problem Jess! Thanks for sharing your ideas!! Even though I LOVED the zig zag art you made with the old canvas, I have to say, the string art was very cool!

LizzieBeth said...

Looks great!!

DIY art is so easy, and I honestly get the most compliments about it too!

LB

elizabeth said...

I love your canvas - you have inspired me to try one - now all i need is the time!!

Danielle and Clint said...

Elizabeth, this seriously took me a half hour...tops! It dryed real quick also.

kitliz @ DIYdiva said...

Very cool. I just picked up a paintbrush again for a canvas, not a wall, after a very long time. I think it's a use it or lose it skill. lol.

Amanda @ Little House on the Corner said...

Very cool! That looks like something even I could do! :)

Sara @ Russet Street Reno said...

It is crazy what you can creat for pennies! I love what you've done.

Anonymous said...

I am OBSESSED with NCIS! I'm about 98% sure that I'm going to marry McGee or Dinozzo one day. haha