So easy a caveman can do it

Don't you love it when you get the, "what?! You made that??" response to one of your crafts? I do. Stay tuned, and I'll show you how to make a beautiful stencil painted canvas that will awe your guests and leave them speechless. Ok, maybe that's a bit too far. But they'll love it.

I have been focusing on covering up my bare walls lately. They're bare because we just moved in... seven months ago. What? I've been busy, people! Anyways, we needed something for our entryway area, so I headed to good ole' Hobs Lobs. While browsing the aisles, inspiration struck (as it usually does in that glorious store). I decided to paint a canvas and then go over it with stenciling in a different color.

Here's what you need:

• A canvas board measuring to whatever size you need
• Some acrylic paints (two colors... or more if you so choose)
• A stencil in a neat design (purchase it or make your own using Tristin's freezer paper stencil idea)
• Paint pens (optional)
• Paint brush or mini roller (not pictured)

These items are pretty inexpensive, and there are only 4 or 5 of them! Depending on what you decide to do with it. I already had a mini roller, so not including the paint pen, my project was under $5! (Make sure you buy the canvas with a coupon.)

The first thing you do is paint the whole canvas your background color. Let it dry - about an hour or so (whatever it says on the bottle), and go do some chores!

Next, you position the stencil however you want and paint your accent color using it. Let it dry before you hang it up. It's as simple as that!

Now, the paint pens are for if you want to go further and personalize your newly painted canvas. My original intentions were to write "The Ramseys Est. 2010" with a funky border design, but I was not happy with my end result, so I didn't post it. (That's why there's not a picture of the end result hanging up.) The problem was the background was too soft and light, and my paint pen was way too dark. But you bet I'm going to try it again! Even though it's painted beautifully, it's still a "blank canvas", so feel free add your own custom design. Or leave it how it is. It's your canvas, and you can do what you want!

This project is so easy (a caveman can do it)! And with only a few supplies needed... what are you waiting for?