My daughter and I were at Crate & Barrel a few weeks ago and per usual I wanted everything and looked at most things, with the thought–I can make that. When I came across this beautiful canvas wall art and saw the outrageous price, I knew I could easily make it for not even a fraction of the cost.
The best part…I already had all of the supplies on hand (minus the frame). And chances are good, you do too! Over a year ago, I snatched this canvas out of someone’s trash, knowing it would come in handy at some point…..
I know! Isn’t she lovely?! Let’s change her up and make her beautiful!
DIY Textured Canvas Wall Art
(Instructions are based on the following dimensions: 31 1/4″ wide x 46 3/4″ long)
Materials Needed:
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- 36×48″ Canvas (The least expensive way to go, is to find an old canvas….i.e.: at a thrift shop or even your own house-an old picture that you don’t like anymore). But if you don’t have any luck in either of those areas, here’s the cheapest one I was able to find on Amazon-Note: it does include two canvases).
- Primer (I like this one)
- Joint Compound (Drywall mud)
- Hot Glue Gun
- White paint (any house paint will work)
- Baking Soda
- Putty knife
- Paintbrush
- 220-Grit Sandpaper
- 1″ x 1/4″ (thick) moulding (13 feet needed)
- Tiny nails (1/2″ or smaller)
- Hammer
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Step One: Primer the canvas
Paint your entire canvas with primer and let dry. Be sure to get the sides of the canvas too.
Step Two: Spackle and sand the canvas
Cover your canvas with joint compound. Don’t worry about how thick you put it on. You’re going to have different textures and depths of compound and that is perfect. However, if you want a more creamy, smooth look, I share exactly how to get your joint compound to that consistency, in this post. It’s truly personal preference, but both ways look great!
Let dry completely. This can take a day or few-depending on the temperature it’s in. The key is, you want it completely dry. When dry, sand with a 220-grit sandpaper. Just smooth enough, that you still have texture. Again, this is really personal preference on how much texture you want your canvas art to have.
Step Three: Mix the paint and baking soda concoction
Mix paint and baking soda together to get close to a peanut butter consistency. Do this, by pouring some paint into a bowl and adding baking soda, until you get the consistency you want.
Thoroughly paint this concoction over your entire canvas and let dry completely.
Step Four: Finishing touches: hot glue gun
When completely dry, you’re ready to add the final touch to your abstract art. But first, take a scrap piece of cardboard or wood and practice drawing your rectangles with your hot glue gun. I found it helpful to get a feel for what I was doing first with this extra step….
I noticed when I had the canvas on the table and tried to hot glue gun my rectangles, they started to go downhill. Therefore, I stood the wall decor canvas up and this helped tremendously with keeping my lines straight.
Using your hot glue gun, and starting at the top (working left to right) make rectangles of different sizes. Some narrow, some wide. Some tall, some short. The best part is, you can’t mess up this DIY project. The less perfect, the better….
With the whole thing covered in rectangles, when finished, your canvas wall art should look something like this….
Step Five: Paint canvas wall art again
When completely dry, paint your canvas again. This time with just paint…not the baking soda mixture….
When finished, it will look like this…
Once the final product is completely dry, you’re ready to add the frame.
Step Six: Add frame to canvas wall art
I have to say, these abstract paintings are beautiful as is. No need to add a frame. But, I do love the warmth a wooden frame gives. So, I did finish off my textured canvas wall art with a low-profile, very streamlined wooden frame. What you choose for your own canvas wall art is completely up to you. But know that your art project will be beautiful, no matter how you choose to finish it.
Because I was so excited to get it finished and onto my wall, I forgot to take pictures of adding the frame. BUT, it’s very simple. Stain your moulding strip first and let dry. Then cut your 1″ x 1/4″ thick moulding to fit. I added the side moulding pieces first. Glue them on with your hot glue gun and add a few nails in just for extra holding power. Then add the top and bottom moulding pieces (cut to fit). And that’s it! Your textured canvas wall art is now ready to be hung.
(UPDATE: I now have a full tutorial on how to make this frame. Here’s the link!)
I love the layered look and had a hard time deciding between this Juniper Print in front of my canvas wall art….Affiliate Link Included
Or this Highland Cow I snagged from my kitchen…Amazon Affiliate Link Included
In the end, I went with the Highland Cow. 🙂
But of course, she’s perfect by herself too….
Next week, I’ll share how I made that hemp wrapped console table! Perfect for this spot and for setting my new handbag I personally designed by The Sak. Quick shameless plug: 🙂 The Sak reached out to me a few weeks ago and asked me to share with you, this new feature they have. Through this link, you can design your own Sak handbag or tote. With so many styles and designs to choose from, it was so much fun designing this handbag. And the quality is exceptional! (Affiliate link included) (UPDATE: Want to build this hemp wrapped console table? Here’s the link!)
One more look at my new handbag. Great for Spring! And the best part, The Sak offers free shipping on most of their products.
This project was so much fun to make. I’m now on the hunt for more places I can add these texture canvas prints. They make such a statement and oftentimes, become a conversation-piece.
FAQ’s About Textured Canvas Wall Art
What is textured canvas wall art?
Textured canvas wall art refers to artwork created on canvas material that features a tactile, three-dimensional texture. This texture can be achieved through a variety of methods:
- thick brushstrokes of paint
- adding layers of mixed media materials; such as joint compound
- through digital printing techniques that simulate the appearance of texture
Why add this type of artwork to your living spaces?
- Textured canvas wall art can add depth and dimension to a room, making it feel more visually interesting.
- There are a variety of textures available, ranging from subtle to bold, that can complement different types of decor styles.
- Textured canvas wall art can be an affordable way to add art to your home without breaking the bank.
How can I incorporate textured canvas wall art into my home decor?
There are several ways to incorporate textured canvas wall art into your home decor:
- One option is to choose a piece that complements the color scheme and style of your room, and use it as a focal point on one wall.
- Another idea, you could create a gallery wall of textured canvas art pieces in a variety of sizes and textures to add interest to a larger space.
- Finally, you could use textured canvas art as part of a vignette on a bookshelf or mantle, pairing it with other decorative items like vases and books.
As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to comment below or send me an email. I love helping you guys with all of your building/DIY questions. 🙂
PIN IT FOR LATER….
Let’s go beyond the design to build something beautiful together!
Until next week,
Happy Building, Friend!!
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More Easy DIY Posts:
Easy How to Make a Picture Frame for a Printable
Easy DIY Anthropologie Mirror Dupe-Make it for a lot Less
Easy DIY Textured Vase with Baking Soda and Paint
