Do you have boxes and boxes of your kids paintings, drawings, scribbles etc, stored away because you just cant part with them and dont know what to do with them? Well here is your solution - Create a canvas wall art collage thats original, creative, cheap to make, and a fun activity that you and the kids can enjoy together. They also make great Christmas presents from the kids to the Grandparents A guaranteed winner your kids will be proud of. The basic idea is to glue your kids art directly onto the framed canvas in an overlapping collage style, similar to the method you use for decoupage or making paper mache items. All items youll need can be found at any $2 bargain store. This is the best way to keep the costs low; however youll also get all you need from an art supply store. Canvas sizes vary so just get one that will suit the wall you want to hang it on, and some smaller ones to keep as future presents. What you need - A large ready framed canvas and some spare smaller ones for leftover art (available from any $2 bargain store or art supply store).
- A bottle of white PVA or woodwork glue.
- A packet of mixed size foam brushes (bristle brushes are fine if you already have them).
- A pair of scissors.
- A collection of your kids paper artwork.
- An old bed sheet or plastic sheet (do not use newspaper as this will stick to the canvas).
Lets Start - Get a large plastic bowl and squeeze into it approximately one cup of glue and half a cup of water, mix thoroughly.
- If necessary cut off the excess blank areas of paper on each of your childs artwork, this will reduce bulk.
- Lay the canvas onto your sheet or plastic. Using a large brush apply a thick layer of the glue mix all over the canvas, including the sides.
- Begin laying the sheets of artwork randomly or orderly if you prefer, onto the canvas.
- Make sure to overlap each layer as you go, and brush each piece down with the brush so it sticks. Continue this until the canvas is completely covered with your childs art.
- Apply another layer of glue all over the canvas and allow to dry for one hour in the sun, or two hours indoors.
- When the canvas is dry check to make sure all the layers of artwork are glued down and edges are lifting up. If they are then apply more glue under the lift piece and again over the top.
- Apply a final coat of glue all over the canvas, remembering to paint the sides as well. Allow to dry completely again, but this time indoors or in the shade outside.
When the canvas is dry its ready to hang in your kids room, or anywhere in the house. A great idea is to hang it somewhere at work where you can be reminded all day long of just how wonderful and clever your kids are!
If you have any artwork left over, make another one with smaller canvas you bought and give them away to family as presents theyll love it!
To see a finished example of the artwork click here http://makinartworx.com/ezinearticlesimages.html |
