Feeling financial stress around the holidays while wanting fresh decor and thoughtful presents?
The solution to these worries might be found at your neighborhood thrift shop; I recently participated in a special $5 Goodwill Challenge to test this idea.
Spending no more than $5, I browsed a local thrift store for a DIY item, ultimately selecting this for just $1:
~ an 18 inch canvas featuring a wild painted pattern.
I aimed to transform it into a gift for an upcoming gift exchange, and the process proved quite enjoyable.
Transforming a Wild Patterned Canvas into a Painted Noel Christmas Sign:
1. Gently sand the canvas to smooth out the raised paint textures.
2. Apply a fresh base color and texture using a two-step painting method, such as the “slip-slap” and dapple techniques (I learned this at a painting course a few years back).
3. After the primary texture and color are set to your liking, apply shading near the borders.
4. Once totally dry, utilize a circular item, like a dishpan, to lightly trace the wreath shape.
I completely neglected to capture more photos during the creation process!
Fortunately, I recorded the entire thing on video, which you can view with time-stamped descriptions below.
If you need guidance on a specific stage, I've organized the breakdown according to the video timing:
- Texturing a flat area with a 2-step method -1:04
- Applying the “Slip Slap” Coat – 1:04
- Applying the “Dapple” Coat – 1:29
- Using a blow dryer to hasten drying time – 1:54
- Shading the sign's edges – 2:24
- Tracing a large shape – 3:48
- Painting a wreath outline with a paint brush – 4:00
- Adding evergreen boughs using a paint brush – 4:36
- Placing berries with the tip of a pencil – 5:20
- Tracing the word “Noel” – 5:42
- Painting the word “Noel” with a paint brush -6:05
Ultimately, the transformation looked like this:
And ended up looking just like this!
For anyone wanting the specifics, I've listed the materials and shades below:
- foundation layer – Folk Art Chalk in White Adirondack
- highlighting the edges – Americana Acrylic paint in Raw Sienna
- The wreath and evergreen elements – Acrylic paint in Black Green
- The berries – Acrylic paint in Cranberry Wine
- The 'Noel' accents – Acrylic paint in Black
- My preferred thick round brush is from Miss Mustard Seed’s.
- For all the fine lines, I used the Artist’s Loft #6 small paint brush
