Pages

Monday, November 15, 2010

25 Days of {homemade} Christmas gifts-Day 1 Wall Art





Today's gift is a mixed media canvas. I love to paint, but some of my favorite projects are ones that combine more than one of my hobbies. This one has a few of my favorite things!



Here are the supplies I used for this gift:


An 8 x 8 canvas-$5.99
acrylic craft paint and brushes $.59 foam brush $1
a sponge-I used an old kitchen sponge
Old book pages-$1.25 at Goodwill
A vinyl sticker-depends on the design
Modge Podge-$4.99-but you can use this for alot of other projects.


















Start by painting your canvas the color you want your background. I chose a cream color.

Then without cleaning your brush, lightly dip it into a darker color and make some long up and down strokes. It should blend in a little and give the background some dimensions. Don't overthink this step! After you get your background the way you want it, let it dry.




Once it's dry, decide where you want the design to go. I did use my Cricut to cut the vinyl on this project. If you don't have this option, look for the vinyl kits at almost any store. Target, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Kohl's, even Wal-Mart has these now. Your best bet would be the craft stores so you can use your coupons!! You can cut them up to make several gifts. Some places have the smaller vinyl kits so you would only get to make one or two. Or you can look through the sticker section. (You may have to add some extra glue to keep them on the canvas.) I put the branch down and then the bird. For the leaves, I hand cut leaves from old book pages. I bought an old book from Goodwill just for this purpose. I used a cotton swab to put the Modge Podge and just placed them on the branch.

Then around the edges, I cut up a little piece of my kitchen sponge and painted around the edges. Don't forget to paint over the sides too.



Then all that's left to do is sign it when it's dry and wrap it up! Happy holiday crafting!

13 comments:

Twin Inspiration said...

I love it. I will be trying this soon. I have all the supplies, but a canvas.

Lisa

Diana said...

Yup, think I may need to try this. :) Thanks for the idea. This came out beautiful! Looking forward to tomorrow.

Crystal said...

I love this ! So excited to see all 25 days! WOW!

Dreama said...

How creative you are! I love this.

Hannah said...

I love this. My living room walls are completely bare. I think I need to make some for myself!

Which Cricut carts did you use for the bird and the branch?

Thanks!

Beth said...

What a cute idea. I'll have to try this one.

AngelaA said...

Thanks. I could see these being great teacher/secret angel gifts. Did you put modge podge on top of the leaves only?

Missy said...

Hannah-I used Home Decor to cut the branch. I did cut two at different sizes and pieced them together.

AngelaA-I only used Mod Podge to adhere the leaves to the canvas.

Unknown said...

What a great start to your Christmas roundup. I'll bet it's even nicer looking in person. Sweet!

Unknown said...

This looks like a great idea!! But when you say to lightly dip the brush in a darker color, how much darker does the color have to be?

Missy said...

It doesn't matter! As long as there is enough of a contrast to see the difference. HTH!

Unknown said...

I was just wondering where you got the vinyl sticker. I went to Joanns and Michaels and couldnt find the right sticker.

Missy said...

I cut this one out on my Cricut. You can find a bunch of different designs for sale at Target, JoAnne's, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Wal-Mart, just about anywhere!!