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!

Painted Wall Art for Non-Artists

 Some people think that if you're crafty, you're also an artist--and vice versa.  That's not totally true, however.  In fact, neither Sharon nor myself consider ourselves artists, but we still pretend every now and then.  So, here's what happens when I don a fancy beret and a wooden easel, palette and paintbrush in hand... NOT. 

This is not an original Tristin idea.  The whole idea came from this World Market print that I like (and costs over $100):

Pretty, huh?  But don't you look at it and say, "Hmm.  I could make that"?

I did.

Here's what you'll need:

A canvas in the size of your choice (I chose 16x20)
Cream colored paint (I used spray paint since I already had it)
Brown acrylic paint pen
Acrylic paint in colors of your choice
Round sponge brushes used for stenciling

First, of all, I spray painted the canvas with cream spray paint because the canvas was too stark as it came in the package.  This step was worth the little bit of effort.  You can use cream colored acrylic paint if you want, but I already had the spray paint and it's super quick.

Don't be scared, but it's time to start the "real" artsy stuff.  I drew branches using the acrylic paint pen.  Using a pen is SO much easier for us non-artists who are not used to gracefully maneuvering brushes.  I could explain how to paint the branches in words, but here's a picture.  A picture, after all, is worth a thousand words.  You get the picture, right?!

Once you're happy with your branches, it's time to bust out your palette, a.k.a. a paper plate with globs of paint.  Whatever, let's not get too technical here.

The next picture is primarily for showing you the sponge brushes I used.  They're pretty awesome to have in your crafty arsenal.

As I added color to the painting, I felt the need for some extra branches.  So, I busted out the brown paint pen again and added where I wanted to 'cause I keep it real like that.

Keep on adding colorful circles 'til you get something awesome like this:

Boo-yah artists.  I just created art!  You can, too.  Seriously. When your friends and family see this art, they're going to start requesting pieces for their own home.  Remember that art of this magnitude, while inexpensive to create, should be sold for thousands of dollars and be placed in a museum.  I kid, I kid.  But really, aren't you impressed?

In the words of my fav blogger, Thifty Decor Chick, "I luuurvve it!"

Edit: I've had more than one request for the colors of the paint used so here goes:

All paints are Anita Brand acrylic paints from Hobby Lobby.

#11079 Terra Cotta
#11189 Hay
#11056 Ocean Blue
#11025 Rust Red
#11061 Baby Blue