Make Your Own Artwork

Yes, you can make your own art! I can hear some of you now - “I can’t even draw a stick figure.” Or, “I can’t draw a straight line with a ruler.” I’ve heard it all before. But I truly believe anyone can make their own art, and by happy with the outcome!

So I’m devoting Thursdays to fun projects I’ve found on the web – with some of my own thrown in.

Stamping

Stamping is a fun and easy way to create your own artwork – either on accessories or walls. It’s more freeform than using a stencil, and therefore more creative.


Most craft stores have a line of stamps made for decorating. I used Plaid's stamps when I worked in a craft store – on fabrics & wood – with great results.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can always make your own stamps.


Here’s a great tutorial from DIYideas.com. Martha has great patterns or you can always search “clipart” on Google.

If your stamping on fabric, add some Textile Medium to your paint. For walls, add a little glaze to your paint. Both mediums will add ‘open’ time to the paint – keep it from drying too quickly as you add it to the stamp.

Make Your Own Decals

If you have a Cricut, you already know all the fun stuff you can make. But what if you don’t have one yet?


You can make decals using fabric softener. They’re removable, which makes them perfect for kids rooms or if you’re renting. Ohdeedoh has some great tips.



Alli @ OnePearlButton uses shelf paper to make decals. I love this one because you can really get your creative juices flowing. I’m all about colored Sharpies lately, even over paint!

PIY (Paint It Yourself) Projects

These are some projects anyone can do – really! Think back to when you were small. Do you remember how much fun it was to paint? Seeing the colors, smoothing them out, mixing new colors – it’s sooo much fun!


Heidi @ TheCraftMonkey did a wonderful tutorial on painting on burlap. Burlap! How fun! I would’ve just done canvas, but the burlap adds a cool texture.

And I have to add my own little tutorial here. It’s spring & spring to me means Tulips!

Tulip Tutorial  

You can go here and download the full color instructions & pattern. There are a few other free PIY projects there too.

It’s Thursday, so that means you can get to the craft store, gather your supplies for one of these projects and have something fun to do this weekend!


Have fun!


Colleen