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Home » How to & Crafts » decorations

Lit up canvas wall decor- Elmers look for less

Published: December 21, 2011 | Updated: July 2, 2018 | By Ashlee

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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

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About Ashlee

With the right tips and tricks, I believe YOU can make, bake, or create anything. This is what I love to do - make some awesome, teach you how, and give you that boost of culinary confidence you need to rock your own kitchen! Read more...

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  1. amber

    April 30, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    I’m definitely going to try this! But how did you hide the cord from the lights?

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      May 6, 2013 at 8:16 pm

      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.

  2. Claire

    May 8, 2013 at 3:10 pm

    You clever,clever girl…can’t wait to have a go myself, thank you for the inspiration, huge hug.

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      May 10, 2013 at 1:11 pm

      awwww thanks! I debate cutting around the petal edges every few days, but still haven’t done it!

  3. Stephanie Creamer

    May 12, 2013 at 1:18 pm

    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!!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      May 13, 2013 at 6:32 pm

      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.

  4. Melanie

    June 21, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      July 1, 2013 at 2:19 am

      I never did, still meaning too! I took off the stickers while the paint was still wet so no peeling.

  5. Vika

    June 24, 2013 at 5:40 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      July 1, 2013 at 2:36 am

      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?

  6. Vetinari

    July 19, 2013 at 1:38 am

    Love Love Love!!!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      August 6, 2013 at 10:21 pm

      thanks! I saw a version the other day where they cut around their design to let more light through too, very cool effect

  7. Traci Becker

    April 5, 2014 at 1:34 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      April 15, 2014 at 3:00 am

      I didn’t, I just plugged it in and unplugged it when I wanted it off. Sorry, not quite that fancy!

  8. Crystal McKee

    April 15, 2014 at 1:22 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      June 23, 2014 at 3:40 am

      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

  9. Jacquelynn

    June 15, 2014 at 7:14 am

    Absolutely love it! I saw the other one & I’m so happy you came up with this easy tutorial! Thanks for the inspiration:)))

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      June 23, 2014 at 8:50 pm

      you are so welcome! Have fun making one!!! There are so many possibilities!

  10. Vina

    September 23, 2014 at 9:47 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      November 26, 2014 at 1:28 am

      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

  11. erin

    January 8, 2015 at 6:02 am

    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

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 1, 2015 at 3:18 am

      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

  12. Grammy Holly

    July 11, 2016 at 6:50 am

    Beautifully done! I am going to make one as a headboard for my bed, Thank you so much for sharing!!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      September 20, 2016 at 12:02 am

      OHHHHHH i bet that will look AMAZING! tag me in social media if you share it!

  13. Alana

    October 9, 2016 at 1:11 am

    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. ?

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      January 29, 2017 at 1:54 am

      I like the small copper wires – they’d look great on branches

  14. Anna

    October 14, 2020 at 8:24 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Ashlee Marie

      April 26, 2021 at 6:50 pm

      Yes that is correct! It looks so dark because they layers of paint stop the light from coming through

  15. Elvira

    December 15, 2020 at 3:11 am

    3 stars
    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.

    Reply
    • Ashlee Marie

      April 26, 2021 at 6:48 pm

      I’m so glad they’re helpful!

  16. Ashlee Marie

    April 26, 2021 at 6:50 pm

    Thank you! And thank you for giving me the credit:)

    Reply
  17. Ashlee Marie

    April 26, 2021 at 6:50 pm

    Thank you for the acknowledgement! And yes this was a great easy project:)

    Reply
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