-image via my Pinterest, link
here.
Let's all make an unanimous agreement that
Pinterest is one of the best things to have surfaced on the internet in the last five years. I practically planned every detail of my wedding on it and to gather inspiration for almost any event, it's unchallenged. A few years ago, when invited to a baby shower for a friend, I wanted to give her something special and branch out from the typical pack of diapers and teething toys, not that there's anything wrong with good baby basics. I came across a pin of how to create a Baby Wall Art Canvas using fabric that was pretty simple and very beautiful by
Brassy Apple. Link to that post is
here, for reference! I recommend checking that blog out. I recreated it for my friend with my own take on it, as well as creating another when my beautiful niece was born. I posted a picture of that recreation on my own Pinterest and it remains one of my top "re-pinned" posts (image above). In creating several pieces, I've noticed there are specific ways of doing it that I have adopted and changed, so I decided to take photos of the step by step process while I created another for my good friend's new baby boy so that others can create one if they'd like to. Please excuse my photos.. I am a makeup artist, not a photographer, which is very evident, but I wanted to show some photos for the steps for a clear concept.
What You Will Need
- 1 Canvas, size and brand of your choosing (I purchase Artist's Loft 2 pack, 16 in x 20 in)
- Enough Letter Stickers to create your phrase
- Spray paint of your color choice
- Acrylic Paint of your color choice
- Paintbrush or sponge applicator
- Related phrase of your choosing to the event
- Decorative Stickers (glittering butterflies, stars, wood ship wheels, be creative!)
Steps
Step One: Paint your color choice Acrylic Paint completely over the canvas. This is the color the lettering will be when you are finished. I usually choose an off-white color to keep the letters crisp. Also the red cup shot glasses I use to store paint are from BevMo and they are adorable. Let dry. It only takes about twenty minutes or so before it's ready to go.
Step Two: Assemble your Phrase with your letters. These are the type I used for this project. I buy mine from Michael's crafts stores as they typically have the best selection. You want something that has a self-adhesive backing, is large in width and has some height to them. Make sure they will be easy to peel off. Flat stickers will not work for this type of DIY.
Step Three: Place your phrase with the sticker letters on your canvas. I recommend using a measuring guide to help you keep straight lines and even spacing. It takes some time, but it's worth it. Of course there will always be little imperfections, but that's okay because this is handmade and from the heart! I don't want it to look like it was bought from Target!
Step Four: Spray your spray paint over your entire canvas and the letters. I use Liquidex spray paint (it's just a personal favorite). It might take a couple coats and of course, I recommend doing this outside. You can create a fading or sponging effect by alternating the distance of the spray can while painting. It's how I created the lighter purple in the center of the baby girl art pictured at the beginning of this post. Have fun with it! This takes about an hour to dry.
Step Five: After your canvas is fully dried, carefully peel away the stickers revealing your phrase with the acrylic paint underneath. If there are any places where the top spray paint leaked into the lettering, you can take more of your acrylic paint and a tiny brush and carefully fix up the lines.
Step Six: Add your decorating stickers in your choice of theme and you're all done! Wrap up and give as a gift. Sign a sentiment on the back to make it even more special. I chose a cute sailor theme since my friend's baby boy had a nautical themed room. I found adorable wood and craft stickers at my local Michael's and little star stickers. I recommend choosing stickers that have dimension and depth to them since the lettering is flat.
Thanks for following this DIY, it's pretty simple and I hope it has helped in any way! Again, I did not create this concept, Brassy Apple did, but was inspired by it to make my own. I hope it inspires you too!
Love,
Lauren
