A few months ago I got to work with the wonderful people at Elmer’s and throw a craft party! We had a BLAST! Then last month they invited me to participate in a “look for less” challenge. I was so excited, I had a hard time narrowing down the “look” I wanted to create my own version of. But I finally found something (on Pinterest of course).
I fell in LOVE with these pieces by Valerie Boy (as seen on Apartment Therapy). My version… and Valerie-Boy’s.
Her’s is made of powdered metal cut and bent, mine is Canvas, paint and lights! Her’s cost an arm and a leg (and a first born) and mine was a grand total of $25!
I had a weird wall space I wanted to cover so I went with a long and narrow canvas that I picked using a 50% off coupon! This is 24″ x 48″ that I got for $25 (the only thing I had to pay for!)! The perfect size for my project.
Next I used the X-ACTO Designer Series Gripster Knife and cut flowers out of black cardstock that I had on hand (so I could see it through the paint), then using CraftBond Repositionable Glue Stick I stuck, (and removed and re-stuck until I like the placement) the flowers onto the canvas! AWESOME, I am already in love!
Next I used some thick Acrylic paint all over the front, in 2 coats. I used big strokes going for a thick chunky look. But you could paint it on pretty smooth if you wanted. I kind of wish I’d gone for 3 coats, but I wanted to peel off the flowers while it was still wet, and before they were stuck on for good.
Next, obviously, I peeled up the black paper. There was something very satisfying about peeling it all up!
I let it dry overnight! I was planning on using a fancy expensive light to light up the back, but then I laid eyes on my icicle lights (in a pile of throw away- no more icicle lights for me- what were we ever thinking? So messy looking). Anyway I used some nails to attach the lights (I nailed them half way in then bent them over the lights) in a criss-cross pattern to cover the whole back.
And they work! Not QUITE the look I was going for, but the back is lit, and it’s MUCH cheaper than buying some fancy, heavy lights trying to get them to work. (notice this is with a flash)
So my weird wall space, between two doors I have this narrow space with this HUGE, ugly electrical panel. I haven’t found anything to cover it with so this was the perfect chance! I love it there. It’s off centered for 2 reasons, 1) to cover the panel and 2) to leave the light switch uncovered. I don’t want it to fall off the wall as the kids try to turn on lights! (no flash but the middle of the day)
And all light up in the dark! I love it! Of course it’s hard to really capture lit up pieces with cameras! SO come on by and check it out! (no flash at night)
I finished my project a few weeks ago BUT with all my computer issues I haven’t been able to post it, so I’m the LAST blogger whose participating to get my project up! Gah… my computer issues are a pain, but when they mess up something I’m doing for someone else it frustrates me to no end! Lucky for me Elmer’s not only has wonderful products, but they also have amazing people working there, they have been so patient with me
I was given free product to review and use for this project, but all opinions are my own
amber
I’m definitely going to try this! But how did you hide the cord from the lights?
Ashlee
I have the board and batten and I just stapled the cord into the crack going down the wall to the first doorway and wrapped it into that room and plugged it in. Not ideal, but works in my space. If I didn’t have kids I would have done a bigger canvas and had it on the floor leaning against the wall so the plug would be completely hidden.
Claire
You clever,clever girl…can’t wait to have a go myself, thank you for the inspiration, huge hug.
Ashlee
awwww thanks! I debate cutting around the petal edges every few days, but still haven’t done it!
Stephanie Creamer
I sooooo love this idea. So just to confirm if I buy colored flower stickers being that its the only ones I can find, then I just paint white acrylic paint over top of the stickers then peel the tickers off? I’m going to make one tomorrow so I just want to make sure I’m doing process correct. And I just use the acrylic paint over the stickers or do I paint the entire canvas? The canvas I’m purchasing is already white. Thank you in advance and once again amazing job and thank you for sharing!!
Ashlee
I used vinyl because I could cut out the shapes I wanted. As for stickers, it all depends on how sticky it is. If they don’t stick well enough you’ll have troubles. I put the stickers on first, then paint over them.
Melanie
I’ve been looking for a tutorial for the same light fixture/artwork – THANK YOU!
2 questions – you said you were going to get 2 lights vs. the string lights – did you ever find something that worked for you?
# 2- do you have to worry about paint peeling up when you take off the stickers? What to do there?
Ashlee
I never did, still meaning too! I took off the stickers while the paint was still wet so no peeling.
Vika
OMG this is amazing! I paint so I always have canvases at home. This will be perfect in my girls room. You are one talented lady!
Ashlee
Thanks! I wonder if cutting the outer edge of each petal to let more light through would work, or would it stretch the canvas badly?
Vetinari
Love Love Love!!!
Ashlee
thanks! I saw a version the other day where they cut around their design to let more light through too, very cool effect
Traci Becker
hello – I love this idea and want to put one in my massage treatment rooms. I have two outlets to use and cover. Thinking about doing a 5 foot by 3 foot artpiece. My question is this: How did you figure out the on/off switch? The on/off switch in my room works the overhead florescent, I need a toggle switch. Do you have a toggle switch in any of these, and if so, how did you do that without it showing? Please let me know. Very interested!! Thank you.
Ashlee
I didn’t, I just plugged it in and unplugged it when I wanted it off. Sorry, not quite that fancy!
Crystal McKee
This is gorgeous… In a later comment you stated you were switching out the Christmas lights for 2 Lights for a glow?? What two lights?? I would like to purchase them?? You are amazing by the way! Thank you so much for sharing this!
Crystal
Ashlee
I never ended up switching anything out. Then my baby drew all over it. So it needs a lot of fixing. I’ll add an update if I ever try something new
Jacquelynn
Absolutely love it! I saw the other one & I’m so happy you came up with this easy tutorial! Thanks for the inspiration:)))
Ashlee
you are so welcome! Have fun making one!!! There are so many possibilities!
Vina
I saw your version on Pinterest and I have already bought the canvas! I want to make it a light purple, a Lilac color. Do you think that would work? I love yours!
Ashlee
Totally! the flowers will show up more since there will be the canvas color that shows up more with the purple that it would with the white but I bet it will look amazing
erin
Hi Ashlee, I’m new to pintrest and just saw your project. I’m curious about your thoughts on painting the canvas maybe a light silver color. Than putting on the flowers and painting over that with a light lilac or similar, than removing the flowers and putting a pin prick size hole in the middle of the flowers, than lighting the back. I wonder if that would allow to much of a glare with the holes? Thanks, I love your project
Ashlee
I’d be worried that the light wouldn’t show through that first layer of silver paint, but you could try it with some cotton fabric first to see
Grammy Holly
Beautifully done! I am going to make one as a headboard for my bed, Thank you so much for sharing!!
Ashlee
OHHHHHH i bet that will look AMAZING! tag me in social media if you share it!
Alana
Hey there… seeing your beautiful piece, and reading thru earlier comments and ideas, has me swooning and thinking of all the possibilities for my home. I saw another Pinteresting idea… working from the backside of an empty frame, attach random twigs/branches across the bottom of frame, then run string lights up and down the frame. Cool eh?
Thanks so much for sharing and providing an oh-so-simple step-by-step. I’m so excited to try this project! PS… I like the idea of cutting just a sliver of canvas on the upper and lower edge of random (not all) flowers. I’m sure you’ll agree a test on a smaller canvas is wise. ?
Ashlee
I like the small copper wires – they’d look great on branches
Anna
I am wondering what makes the canvas so dark looking if you used white acylic paint
I am wondering if I have the steps correct:
1. Glue on flowers
2. Paint two to three layers of acylic paint that is white. Then peel off the flowers.
3. Attatch lights and then done.
Am I correct?
Thank you.
Ashlee Marie
Yes that is correct! It looks so dark because they layers of paint stop the light from coming through
Elvira
Hi there, all the time i used to check blog posts
here early in the break of day, because i like to learn more and more.
Ashlee Marie
I’m so glad they’re helpful!
Ashlee Marie
Thank you! And thank you for giving me the credit:)
Ashlee Marie
Thank you for the acknowledgement! And yes this was a great easy project:)