Creating inexpensive artwork for your home
May 27th, 2008 by Karla Looking towards Heaven
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We are currently living in an apartment, and so one of the major decorating challenges that I face is creating interest on the plain dull beige walls. I’ve done pretty well, I think, with finding items of interest to hang, but I am an art lover.
The problem is that I don’t have a budget for fancy artwork. I have a ton of artwork that I created during my art training, but frames are so expensive, so unfortunately, most of my artwork still sits in my leather portfolio carrier.
Are there any options for creating interest on your walls without breaking the bank?
Most definitely!
Not only will you create gorgeous wall hangings by following the instructions below, you have complete control over the final result! Choose gorgeous fabrics that compliment your room. The result? Impressive.
You’ll need:
- blank canvas
- fabric
- scissors
- masking tape
- staple gun
Step 1:
Purchase blank canvases
from an art-supply store. We used three of the 18- x 24-inch size, but
any measurement will do, depending on the size wall you want to cover.
Step 2:
Choose coordinating fabrics that pull colors from your room’s existing
decor. The amount of material you need will depend on the size canvas
you choose. In this case, each piece required less than 1 yard of
fabric.
Step 3:
Lay each fabric piece on a clean, flat surface, right side down. Place
the canvas on top, and lift it with the fabric on it to preview how the
finished piece will look. Make any necessary adjustments to center
designs or line up patterns evenly. Once fabric is in place, cut off
any excess, leaving at least 2 inches of fabric on each side of the
canvas.
Step 4:
Pulling fabric taut, tape it to the canvas back in
several places with masking tape. This will keep the material in place
while you staple it down.
Step 5:
Using a staple gun, fasten fabric to the back of the wooden frame,
alternating sides. This will keep the fabric from getting pulled out of
shape. (Do not staple fabric to the sides of the frame unless you plan
to cover them with trim or ribbon.) Remove the tape.
Step 6:
Add hangers to the back of each frame or simply hang on nails. When
hanging a series, use a measuring tape or a level to ensure that
canvases are even.
Have you created something gorgeous for your walls? Thursday, I will have a list of other ideas for inexpensive wall hangings for your home. If you have a post on your blog or a link to an article of something you have created/done for your home, I’d love to share it here. Just email me by Wednesday night.
[photo and instruction source]
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May 27th, 2008 at 7:35 am
any other options instead of using blank canvas? unless you have a bunch of %off coupons, blank canvases aren’t as inexpensive as you would think! esp if you want larger sizes
May 27th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Ooooo, I have something! I’ll have to do a post and then email you!
@step - you could use a piece of plywood as a backing instead, and attach a couple of sturdy picture hangers with a wire on the back to hang it. Most home improvement stores sell pre-cut plywood in 2×2 foot sections.
May 27th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I just bought 4 painters canvases at Hobby Lobby last week for 8.99/set of 2.
I’m going to put them in my child’s room for him to hang fun stuff on after I cover them with the clearance material I found.
May 27th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
@ Steph Joanns and Michaels always have 40% off coupons in their flyers, and you can get them online too.
Also - Oriental Trading has them http://www.orientaltrading.com/application?namespace=browse&origin=catalogProducts.jsp&event=link.itemDetails&demandPrefix=12&sku=OTCG2463&prodCatId=382187&mode=Browsing&erec=0&No=0&sp=true&cm_mmc=Google-_-OTC%2520SendTec%2520Art%2520Supplies-_-canvas-_-blank%2520canvas&Ntk=all&Ntx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&N=382187&BP=8914&Source=Google&sd=Fredrix&%23174%3B+Creative+Edge+Sketch+Canvases
really inexpensive
May 27th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Michael’s runs really good sales on them once in awhile and sometimes you can even find ones that have been previously painted upon at thrift sales. No one will see what’s underneath so you can just cover it up with your new look
Hope that helps too!!
May 27th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
This is the best tip EVER!!!
May 27th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Fantastic! I am neeing some artwork in my bedroom and this would be perfect. Off to the fabric store I go!
May 28th, 2008 at 9:39 am
What a great idea! Thanks so much for this, I can’t wait to try t out.
May 28th, 2008 at 10:29 am
I’m lovin’ this tip! Thank you, adding this to my to-do list.
May 28th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
I LOVE this idea! I’m redoing my daughter’s room this summer and this might just be my new “masterpiece” for her wall.
Thanks!
May 28th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Oh my goodness, this is awesome! We just painted and will probably need some new art. I am totally doing this! What a great idea
Thank you!
May 28th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Great idea! Love it!
May 28th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Love this! I totally need something for my bedroom.
I think I can do this without injuring myself or anyone near me.
May 29th, 2008 at 8:16 am
I LOVE this idea! I’m going to be moving to a new house this summer (if we can sell our house first, God willing!) and I will definitely use this idea in our new place.
I’ve been cruising your blog this morning and love your decorating ideas. I just bookmarked you! Thanks!
May 30th, 2008 at 10:36 am
I love these ideas– we are about to be in a new apt and I’d really love to intersect some color onto the walls…
My question is…WHERE did you get all those great solid-colored pillows on your sofa? I have a similar couch and have been looking for some soilid, brightly-colored round and square throw pillows that would all work together!
May 30th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
you can also modge podge a puzzle and hang it either framed or unframed. I have a friend who frequently goes to places that sell inexpensive artwork ie Garden Ridge, Old Time Pottery, etc and buys otherwise undesireable pictures/art just for the frames. She’s gotten some great frames for a steal! Then she just takes them home, pops out their pic and puts in whatever she’s been wanting to hang.
May 31st, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I love this idea! I can’t wait to try it.