When it comes to decorating, I’ve posted about some of my DIY remodeling ideas but I have never posted a fun decorating project! Well, today changes all of that. Look!
I was inspired to do something Ashlee’s proejct on I’m Topsy Turvey. I really like what Ashlee did. I don’t have a cricut or any other die cutting type machine. As a result, I didn’t have a way to make cool shapes like she did. So, I had to free hand it. As a result, I though it would be fun to have a message glow. Here’s what I did.
I first purchased a canvas from Hobby Lobby using a 40% off coupon. Click here to get yours! I then decided that I wanted to have a message on my canvas along with some dots. My vision was that when the canvas illuminated the dots would look sort of like stars. So, I went to my printer, chose a font and printed D-R-E-A-M as large as I could. Then I went to a copier and enlarged it some more. I cut out each of the letters and then placed them on my canvas where I thought I would like them to go.
I now needed to transfer these letters onto the canvas. I removed one and took my pencil and colored in the back side of the paper.
I re-positioned the letter onto my canvas, letter side up, and traced over edges of the letter with my pencil.
Once the letters were done. I decided that the lid from a pop bottle was the size I wanted my dots to be.
Using this as a template, I drew a lot of dots on my canvas.
I decided to paint the background of my canvas the same color as my walls in my room. So I took my artist brush and painted the background. I painted this twice to help make sure brush strokes did not come through when the canvas would be illuminated because I wanted the “dream” to come through. Also, since I did not have removable stickers/die cuts/etc, I couldn’t create random strokes with my paint what would also make illuminated brush strokes not as appealing.
Tip for painting sides of projects like this. Place your canvas on food cans to elevate it off your work surface.
Next I wanted to add some colorful dots. I chose to not fill in any of the dots that were currently white. Instead, the additional dots were painted on top of the painted background areas.
Using some paint pens, I decided to outline “DREAM” in brown so it would be more visible during the day and I used a white one to outline the white dots just to clean them up a bit.
Since all the white areas of the canvas were exposed fabric, I was afraid they would collect dust and get dirty. To hopefully combat this future problem, I also painted on a light coat of acrylic sealer.
Next, I found some white Christmas lights at Goodwill for $1 and I stapled the to the wooden stretchers on the back of the canvas.
Notice the top left corner of the back of the canvas. That is the plug in end of the string of lights…don’t accidentally staple this too short when attaching the lights to your canvas.
Now, just find a good place to hang it!
I do love how it glows at night!
Anne @ Domesblissity
You’re just too clever Marilyn. Bet this lady cave of yours is coming along nicely? Can’t wait for the final look. I need one of those boards that says “clean”. LOL I already dream too much. LOL
Anne xx
Treatntrick treatntrick
Looks fabulous! Thanks for the tutorial dear, now I can try to make one myself…
Christine
I just ADORE this!!! A terrific idea! This is for sure a VERY fun decorating project!
Thanks for linking up at The DIY Dreamer
MuseBootsi
I do most of my stenciling with your method! I call it Lazy Girls Carbon Paper. Because when I get a brilliant idea, I don’t want to leave the house to buy something! And I also do not have a cricut…
Great idea for functional wall art!
Jill @Two Yellow Birds Decor
That is so cool!! I need to do something like this with my daughter. She would love it!! Thanks for sharing at Thursday’s Temptation.
Jill
Mel
Such a fantastic idea. It looks wonderful.
please turn off your word verification; you may get more comments on your amazing work.
Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence
What a fun idea–my daughter wants to do this! Thanks for linking up at Beyond The Picket Fence.
Miriam@BeBookBound
This is so fun! My kids would love it. Maybe when I am feeling adventurous…
Amy
Oh, cute! What a fun, unique idea! I’m glad you shared at Shine on Fridays!!
Heather
What a great idea for canvas art!! Saw your link on Twigg Studios Link party.
I am your newest follower. Please come visit my blog and say hello. I love visitors and comments! Lets keep in touch with GFC and LF!
Have a great weekend!
Heather @ settingforfour.blogspot.com
Justine
Stopping by from the Anything Goes Linky! http://queenofsavings.com
Jaime Lyn at Crafty Scrappy Happy
what a cool project!!!!!!! I LOVE this! So original and neat! Thank you SO much for sharing and for the inspiration! :o) And thank you for linking up to Crafty Scrappy Happy’s big blog party!!!!
:o)
Jaime from crafty scrappy happy
Kadie
This is really fun!! I would love it in my boys room. Thanks for sharing with us at Link It UP Thursday.
Our Delightful Home
This is such a creative idea. I would love for you to stop by and link up at my Linky Party via: ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com
Mrs. Delightful
ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com
Rose :: Fine Craft Guild
Thank you for your contribution to our ‘Time for a Party’ link-up. You are obviously quite an artist!
Tomorrow we’ll open a new party at http://www.finecraftguild.com/party/ and we’d love to see you there then again with a fun project like this.
Till then! Keep up that great creativity!!!
Cameron Meerdink
Love this! I am definitely going to be make a few of these – and I think your “improv” techniques sans fancy cutter worked just fine!! I’ve pinned it so I can remember the how-to
Kari Reynolds
This looks absolutely fantastic! I’ve seen things like these all over Pinterest but I haven’t gotten around to making one-love how it turned out! Thanks for sharing at this weeks Tutorial Tuesday!
Kari
Newlyweds on a Budget
Mama Jodi
What a really clever idea. Love it.
Betsy @ Romance on a Dime
Thanks looks so cool! How creative!
Thanks for linking up to the Take it on Tuesday blog hop!
Emily @ 52 Mantels
Such a creative idea!! I love it! I never would have thought to do this. Awesome job!
Thanks so much for linking up!!
Hani@Craftionary
How fun is this idea.. I am in love with this!
You will soon see me copying you.. LOL
thanks for linking up at Friday Fun Party
Hani
craftionary.net
P.s: pinning it!
Six Sisters
Super cute – And what a great IDEA!!! Thanks for sharing it with Six Sister’s Stuff Link Party. We hope to see you back next Saturday!
-The Sisters
Kaysi
What a fun idea, I love the lights!
4 Sisters @ bringingbeauty.blogspot.com
I see why they chose this! It came out great! Thank you for stopping by Bringing Beauty – We’re following you now too!
Ashlee @ I'm Topsy Turvy
I’m so flattered! I love when someone makes something from one of my tutorials- I’m totally tickled!! thanks so much for linking back to me as well! I’ll be sharing your version on facebook! Yours turned out great, BTW!
DebbieDoesCreations
Love this. My boys would love this in their room. Thanks so much for sharing at Toot Your Horn Tuesday
Amy
Neat idea; thanks for entering it in One Crafty Contest! Good luck!
Kimberly @ The Brown Eyes Have It
How very creative! I had no idea the lights would show through a canvas that well.
Garage Sales R Us
How cool! It makes an awesome night light! I am visiting form the One Artsy Mama Craft Contest and wanted to drop by and say hi. I am a new follower! I hope you will stop by http://www.garagesalesrus.blogspot.com/ and do the same.
Robin