From the get-go, I should tell you that I feel a little guilty about using the word “art” in reference to the pictures you’re going to see.
I think “inexpensive way to get some color on your walls” might be more appropriate.
But regardless of what it is, this method has never failed me.
The house that we live in now is really different from our old one, because this house was brand new when we moved in. Higher ceilings, more open floor plan – and I had a whole lot of nothing to go on the walls.
So here’s what I did.
I went to Michael’s (or Hobby Lobby or wherever) and bought big pieces of pre-stretched canvas. Every once in awhile you can catch them on sale – but on the high end a big one won’t be more than $20. Most of mine were in the $10 range. Then pick out all your favorite colors of craft paint (the kind that’s 79 cents a container), grab a few brushes, and go to town.
This painting is in my dining room, and Sister and I painted it during a marathon decorating weekend. We put out all the paints, and I would paint awhile, then leave it alone…then she would paint awhile and leave it alone…and finally, after a couple of days of “fine tuning” it, we decided it was done.
This is my downstairs half bath…and while you’re just seeing half of the “collection” in there, it’s where I’ve put all the paintings I’ve forced people to do when they’ve visited. :-) I did do the one on the far left, but our friend Benji did the one on the top right, and my brother painted the one on the bottom right – two of my favorites. On the left side of the bathroom is a painting that my cousin’s children did, along with one that D. painted when we were dating. I doubt I spent more than $50 on these – but the memories are priceless.
This one hangs in our living room – you can see it from a distance in my Tour of Homes post – and I painted it one Saturday afternoon when I was bored because I needed something for a wall in our bedroom. But then I rearranged my living room, so I moved it in there.
Now keep in mind that if you hand me a pen and paper, I can’t even draw a dog…I have NO artistic ability. But I do know what colors I like, and I am somehow able to convince our guests that it would be lots of fun to sit around the table and paint after supper. :-)
And best of all (aside from the great memories)? Every painting is one-of-a-kind. Special to no one but me, probably – but great accessories that can’t be duplicated.
Plus, it’s like having a little piece of our family and friends with us all the time, and that always works for me.
For more great Works For Me Wednesday tips, go by and see Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer. She’s good people.
:-)
Now THAT is a novel idea. Sounds like lots of fun. Love it!
welcome back Boomama!
Your idea is great! I remember in your tour of homes that I loved your idea for displaying your children’s art work! I am dying to put crayons in my little one’s hands — think I will have to wait long, she is 14 months! :-)
And as always, art is what is important and lovely to you!
Which is probably why my husband lovingly takes my cross stitch pictures to be framed as I complete them, and even springs for the special glass to protect them!
thanks for this wonderful idea!
I think that is brilliant! How fun to have your guests participate.
they are great..i noticed your cool artwork on the tour of homes..what about the things around your fireplace?? you should def do your kitchen cabinets like Sarah did (in the midst) you could totally do it if you did this..i have always wanted to do something like this but have never taken the plunge! thanks for sharing!
I’ve always wanted to try this. You’ve inspired me. I need some art in our bedroom. I love the idea of doing it with friends too!
Thats a great idea! I think I’m going to have to do this, my poor walls are so bare!
Yes, the weekend we painted that canvas was also the weekend that you diagnosed me with A.D.D. and told me that I was probably the type of student where “school did not meet my needs.” Of course you interjected that as I simultaneously sewed, painted, and rearranged furniture. :)
looks great, I think I have seen them do that on Trading Spaces or something. Great job
LOL we really were thinking alike, eh?? See, I ALMOST did that, and I have the paint and everything, and I still might, when I get bored with what I have or maybe to hang in the dining room area-turned-playroom. I love it. Plus if you got sick of the painting, you could put fabric over top…..
That is SO much fun! I have some “abstract” paintings of my kids that I’d like to get framed and hung up. Great post!
Smart girl!! What an awesome idea… LOVE it!
I’m so stealing this idea! :) It’s way too much fun. I’ve got lots of bare walls around here too.
WOW.. those are cool! I totally think they’re Art-Worthy.. especially the swirly one!
I might have to commission you ;)
TFS
Julie
What a wonderful idea and how special it would be! I’m going to share this with my daughter-in-law, as she likes lots of color and I think she would like to do one.
We almost did this in my dd’s room just two days ago, but we found a fabric already stretched on the canvas that would work well instead. It is a great idea and i love the fact that they are all special to you. I can just see my engineer husband now, when I pull out the paint and ask the guests to paint with me!!!???!!! He will think I have been into the wine!!! 8-)
I love the idea. I use these canvas to scrapbook on, it is a neat mix and a different way to display photos.
Yes, that is a good idea, and how fun to ask your guests and friends to make a painting. Maybe I’ll have a party and try that!! Maybe I could sell them on ebay…..LOL
That is so great! I love it when people use there talents to display things in their homes. It’s beautiful!
GORGEOUS!
i am going to do this with my kids. they will love it!
That is a really neat idea. I love how every painting has a person it represents – what a great way to decorate your home!
I too think this is a great idea. I believe that everyone has something to express creatively if they just give it a try.
As an artist, I have to tell you that you do NOT have to be able to draw a dog or even a straight line. In fact, I can draw, but struggle with picking colors that I like. Your works really are art, whether you believe it or not. :)
Thanks again for helping me with my blog boomama. I think I finally have one that’s accessable (after SEVEN attempts!). I hope so anyway.
I love your paintings. Isn’t it fun to just get creative. My daughter will just love this idea. She just bought her own little house and has a painting very similar to yours in her livingroom. Can’t wait to tell her about your idea. Linda
i could do that! I love this idea very fun!
Great idea for something my daughter can do- that we can keep. The lady in the Jeana Likes Me award reminds me of that doll from Seinfeld that looked like George’s mom. I know, too much Seinfeld. Trying to wean myself off…
I love this idea. I’m always looking for projects to do with my kids that have a final result worth keeping (rather than a crafty project that ends up in the trash). They would love this.
I also love the idea of doing it with friends and family. I have a hallway upstairs with nothing hanging in it. This would be perfect.
If this comment shows me as Aunt Barb you’re going to hear some LOUD screeching coming from Colorado!
OK, back to your post. Awesome. I noticed the artwork around your home during the tour and assumed you were one of those people who spends money on art. Aren’t you clever. But….my favorite artwork in your home is the wonderful stuff on your pantry door.
Oh my gosh! You painted some of these?!! I thought they came from a museum or something. Holy Cow!
I would be scared to try that because I would be the type to think about “it” too hard and not be able to get it to look right. What I really love is that you get your guests to help out. That is priceless! I can’t wait until I can count on my boys to do artwork to hang around the house.
It’s great fun isn’t it! I made some canvases at art college and did a set of three abstract pictures. One went to a tutor, and I got a ceramic pot in exchange :) One is on the living room wall and one in the dining room.
I also did some teeny ones that are in my daughters room.
As I did them at college I never had the chance to let the family join in, that would have been great.
The paintings look great. I love a customized, personalized look.
I have thought about doing this so many times but I am always afraid my art will look dumb! You are making me want to go to Hobby Lobby and start painting! Thanks Boomama and thanks for coming to my blog. You blessed me! :)
You know, I am somewhat artistic and I’ve never tried something like this. Shame on me! What a great idea! :)
I’ve posted a WFMW tip as well, it has to do with baking a cake. Stop by and take a peek if you have some time. :)
How awesome! I especially like the idea of having friends and family do it along with you! What a conversation piece!
Beautiful colors, great memories, what a fun idea!
That is a really great idea, plus treasures from friends and family. I saw something on HGTV where they took big pieces of plywood, layered plaster on them (not smoothly, but with texture), and then painted over them the way you did. That might be an even cheaper one to try, but along the same lines as what you’re doing.
Wow, Boomama! I LOVE this–and would’ve never, in a million years thought of it. What a great way to decorate the kids’ rooms, too! And when you come to my house, guess what I’m going to make you do? :)
By then I should be in a new house (and dear Lord preserve me if I’m not), and I’ll need lots of free artwork to decorate. Besides, if you autograph it, I could sell it on eBay and make enough money to buy real art! You know, your Following and all . . .;)
Oh look, you and sister both have some serious skilz!!!! Impressive!
I love it! Now I need to go buy some canvas!
that IS art! I ‘specially like the red ones w/ the red sconces next to them.
Hey BooMama! Thanks for visiting and commenting on my Tour.
This is a timely idea for me because I’m desperate to find something to put a little punch over my white brick fireplace.
I’m a little afraid to paint my own though…but if I can get a canvas for $10ish… :)
It’s like a guest book for the walls! I love it!
Great idea! I think the paintings look great. I’m going to have to try this. :) Thanks for the idea.
Awesome Idea!!!
Congrats for being the Blog of the Week at Overwhelmed!
what a great idea! i love it!
I love your idea! I was thinking of doing something with canvas…painting some bible verses, I really like your idea of grabbing some company and having them contribute -the art would be truly priceless. I’m gonna try this soon.
Jenny in Ca
Boomama – I think these pictures are SO neat!!! That’s some AWESOME art that y’all have done over there at your house!!! Since we call my house – the House of many colors – I like me some color and your art fits RIGHT in with my house!!! LOVE IT!!!