Intersecting Circles Wall Art Tutorial

Remember how I promised a fun paint chip project a few weeks ago?  Well, here it is (finally)!  It's more DIY art for us "non-artists", so I hope you have some bare space on your walls 'cause you're sure to want to make this.

Just like my last DIY art for non-artists, this masterpiece is a knock-off of a pretty canvas from World Market. 

Yeah, it costs $129 at World Market.  My version cost about $3.  Total.  No joke.

If you want to make one, here's what you'll need:

one canvas in a size of your liking

TONS of paint chips

Mod Podge and a foam brush

Lots of patience
Saran wrap
A book (I used the Complete Works of Shakespeare Volume 1, but you can use any book you like--lol)

A template (Directions on making one follow)

Ok, first let's talk technical stuff.  You're going to need to think about math for a few minutes, so brace yourself and don't be scared.  Your canvas needs to have sides in a size where you can find a common denominator.  For instance, if your canvas is 15"x30", your common denominator would be 3" or 5", so you'd want to choose either 3" or 5" circles (I'd recommend 3").  If your canvas is 12"x18", you'll want to choose 3".  I used a 16"x20" canvas, so I used 4" circles.  Whatever you do, just make sure you have a common denominator when you choose your canvas, preferably 3" or 4". 

If you're mathematically inclined, a picture like this may help you envision what we're trying to accomplish.

Or, here's a simple way I came up with to make my own template--it's easier than it looks so please don't get scared now!

1. Start with a circle in the size you need.  (Remember to use a canvas where the sides share the same multiples or else you will not get an exact match up and you'll be disappointed.)

2.  Fold it into quarters

3.  Cut out your quarters. You'll need two.

4.  Overlap the quarters by lining up the corners (the curved sides should overlap one another).

5. Trace along the exposed curved side.

6. Cut along the line you just traced--and badda bing--you have your template!

Use your template and trace a it a bajillion times on a bajillion paint chips and cut those shapes out.  (Really, you need 4 chips per circle. Think of it this way, I used a 16"x20" canvas and 4" circles, so there are 20 circle shapes on the canvas. I needed 80 "leaf shaped" pieces cut out.)

To make placement of my pieces easier, I lightly traced a 4" circle in rows over the canvas.

I also laid out my paint chips in the intersecting pattern prior to placing them permanently onto the canvas to ensure I was happy with the color distribution.

Finally, you're ready to place the leaf-shaped pieces onto your circles.  It's not rocket science--look at the finished project and you'll be able to see how to lay them out.  To adhere them to the canvas, I used a thin layer of Mod Podge.   The paint chip cut-outs will begin to warp and fold up--don't worry!  Just brush a layer of Mod Podge over the top of the paint chips, cover with a piece of saran wrap and then lay a book over it for about 15 minutes.  This should prevent the edges from curling up.  Be sure to remove the book and saran wrap before the Mod-Podge dries!  I worked in sections over the course of a few hours to accomplish this.  (It's worth the effort, pinky promise!)

Once you have all of your pieces firmly secured, cover the whole canvas with a thin layer of Mod Podge.  Once the first layer dries completely, go ahead an do one more layer just for luck.  You're done!  Now find a purdy spot to hang your masterpiece!

I put it in my living room for taking pictures...

But it found a permanent home in Junebug's bedroom with the Felt Heart Garland from Valentine's Day.  She loves the bright colors!