Mixed Media Canvas

These are hands down my fave project. The first time I made one, I thought, I can't do this. I'm not an artist, I play with paper. I'm no painter.

Not bad for a non-painter ehh?

This project was created with a $5 canvas from JoAnn Fabrics. I painted it with an array of bronze, purple, and green. I like to go all "Bob Ross" with it, and commentate as I paint. I find this part crucial to the over-all success of the project. I truly am not a painter, so don't be intimidated. I just swirl some pretty colors around, and when it gets too poopy brown, I know I went too far, so throw something metallic or glittery in the mix to make it right.

After my masterpiece dried, I somewhat modge-podged my paper of choice onto the canvas. I say somewhat, because I am out of modge podge, so I mixed Elmer's glue with a bit of water to thin it, and used that instead. I'd love to take credit for the stroke of brilliance, but alas, the glory belongs to Pinterest... one of my other life loves and time thieves. The key, as with all good things, is moderation. No need for over-zealous canvas-soaking. Apply a layer, and then come back to it. Walk away. Trust me.

With each layer I applied some paper pieces, and letters I cut using my Cricut. I let each layer dry. Then comes my FAVORITE part. Embellishing. 

I wrapped a piece of gold-ish tulle I got in the dollar bin at JoAnn's. Just tied in a knot, with a decorative straight pin through it.Then, with a hot gluegun, I attached some homemade rolled flowers, made from fabric scraps from Frieda Marie. I also have some from Adornments by Amanda, but I'm hoarding them. Perhaps... I will share this knowledge of making rolled flowers with you. But only after I learn how to make more than flower okay?

You can add any embellishments you want. Rhinestones... Brads... stickles... Bling it up... whatever strikes your fancy. I was trying not to get too crazy, cause I was so darn excited about my fabric flowers, I had to keep myself from covering the whole thing in fabric flowers. I get a little out of hand sometimes, and I'm learning to use moderation.

So there ya go. You can make these as cheap, awesome, holiday gifts for people you know. Let them think you bought some pricey modern art, when really you made it yourself in a day, for under $10.