As you know, I’ve been making progress in my office / living room. However, until recently my walls have been pretty bare. I’ve tossed around many ideas on how to fill the spaces, but have been afraid to pull the trigger. Since looking at empty walls is no fun, I thought I would give DIY art a try. Other than purchasing several blank canvases, I used supplies I had on hand. I figured that if I ended up hating the end result, it wouldn’t be a huge drain on my wallet. Thankfully though, I’m super pleased with how my Colorful DIY Art turned out.
About a month ago I came across this gorgeous space / home in Melbourne, Australia. I was immediately attracted to the art that is part of a gallery wall in one of the rooms. I came back to that very image when creating my DIY art.
With some color and design changes, plus a little gold leaf, I’d say that I have a pretty fabulous and fairly inexpensive new and personal art collection for above my TV.
What do you think?
I’m really happy with the way the canvases turned out. The colors match my space perfectly, and the geometric lines work great with the other elements in the room. I think they will be hanging around for a while.
In case you want to create the look for your space, let me explain what I did.
Here’s what you will need:
artist canvas
paint
painters tape
paint brush
gold leaf
Begin by taping off areas of the canvas you want to paint. Be sure to press the tape down firmly to ensure that none of your paint bleeds.
Using your paint brush, apply paint to your canvas; then immediately remove the tape. Allow the paint to dry and add more tape and more paint. Repeat the process until you achieve your desired design.
To give your canvas a bit of bling, apply gold leaf. I used Martha’s Stewart’s which is available at most craft stores.
And that’s it!
This project does take a little time and patience, but it’s a fairly simple process and the results speak for themselves.
As you can see from my finished pieces, I ended up following the patterns in the inspiration picture fairly closely. However, you can get as creative as you’d like with your designs.
What I also love about this art is that you can choose colors to suit your space.
I hung all off the pieces with removable picture hanging strips. This made lining everything up so amazingly easy. Plus, I didn’t have to put six more holes in my newly painted walls. I usually don’t trust these strips, but the canvas is pretty light, so I expect them to stay in place.
One wall down and a few more to go. Do you like my Colorful DIY Art? Are you going to make some pieces for that blank wall in your home?
Where are the poofs from?? Love the art!!!
A DIY project that actually looks do-able! Love the colors!
I’m always on the lookout for DIY art projects and this looks great! Good work 🙂
I love your art work! It looks great 🙂
Where did you get the rug ? I would like to get one for my home . Great decor ideas!
Thanks Barb! The rug is from CB2.com
xo Michael
Absolutely stunning, Michael! Your room looks lovely, your artwork great and, most importantly, very comfy and inviting! Well done!
Came out great! Can you list what colors you used? They work so well together.
Thanks Kim!
All the colors are from Martha Stewart in a satin finish. They are: granny smith, pool, yellow jacket, wild blueberry, and habanero.
Hope that helps! 🙂
xo Michael
Love it Michael!!!
I love the artwork and the colors you used. There is such a calming feel to your new room.
They look great! I love how you were able to create something that complements the rest of the room so perfectly. I’ve been thinking about doing some DIY abstract art for my own wall. Just trying to work up the courage to do it. 🙂
I love how these turned out Michael! I am doing something with a large piece of wood right now, love the geometric designs you chose- xo
Wow! You really nailed this, Michael! You took your inspiration piece but I see you totally ‘made it your own’ with the bright colors, some variation in color – the gold leaf! Squeeeeeee!!! Seriously, your pieces turned out way better that the original inspiration pieces. Keep on making art – you’re good!
Michael, I love the way the artwork mirrors the spirit of the carpet. Perfect for this room.
Michael, just wanted to let you know that the Command strips work great. I have a French metal tray that is 2ft. x 1ft. and I used two strips and that was a year ago and still holding. I am going to do your project because I just changed my bathroom colors and I need something to cover a large wall. Can’t wait to try it. I had been thinking today of what to do with this wall and now I know. Thanks again, for all your wonderful ideas!
I just want to move into your house. Sigh. So much loveliness. On another note, I clicked over to that show house and I absolutely love those swirly prints/paintings. I am going to have a go at doing something similar. Stunning space. My hubby comes from Melbourne and I lived there for 7 years when we were younger. It is a fantastic city. I think you would love it.
looks so good!!
How fun! I have seen instead of painting using fabric that you love and stapling to some type of canvas. Using different sizes to place on the wall.
That’s a great idea Lisa!
xo Michael
Wow! You could sell those! They’re gorgeous and perfect for the space. Love what you’ve done with the office. 🙂
Had to come over from IG. Really really love this. Your living room is always such eye candy to look at.
Thanks so much Julia!
xo Michael
LOVE!!!! Love the color, the inspiration!