In yesterday's post I showed you how make your own DIY artwork from your favorite fabric. Today we're taking that idea one step further by stenciling on top of the fabric to create a collage-like result. This is a great project with so many possibilities, and for those of you who are feeling particularly crafty, you could add anything printed on paper, or even scraps of fabric to your artwork to create canvases with depth and interest!
Depending on the fabric you choose, stenciled designs in just one color (like white or cream) may give the most pleasing silhouette-like results.
Canvases like these would be great in your baby's nursery, or why not do a whole series for the children's room? They're quite quick to make and would be great gifts as well! And since some of us happen to be thinking about Succos, you could use this idea to create great works of art for the Succah too!
You'll Need:
- A swatch of your favorite cotton fabric
- A painter's canvas, size according to your needs (buy the most inexpensive, since the quality of the canvas makes no difference)
- mod podge or other decoupage medium, (even white glue mixed about 60/40 with water will work if your fabric is thin)
- acrylic paint
- stencils (now widely available, even in the dollar store)
- stencil brush or dense sponge such as a make-up sponge
- a staple gun
How To:
- Fasten fabric to canvas by anchoring at the middle points of frame and pulling tightly as you go.
- Take note of how canvas is folded and secured at corners of frame and try to duplicate this with your fabric.
- Once you have four staples securing the fabric, work meticulously stretching and stapling, checking to make sure fabric is lying flat.
- Once you have finished attaching fabric to frame trim of excess fabric for a neat appearance.
- Turn frame over and brush several coats of modge podge over entire fabric surface. Allow to dry between coats.
- Stencil designs using stencils, stencil brush and acrylic paints.
- Add simple silhouettes of paper or fabric if desired(For example leaves, a bird, a letter)
- Paint a border around entire canvas, including sides of frame, if desired.
- If you've added some collage elements, coat entire surface once more with modge podge or acrylic varnish.
- Find a place in your home where you'll enjoy looking at your new creations!
