Painter's Tape Artwork

I've been updating my Art Wall (see post) and needed some more art for my 6 year old son.  We decided to make this simple painter's tape artwork for the wall!  It was so easy and turned out great!

I bought a blank canvas and attached blue painter's tape in random patterns across it.  Make sure to press the tape down very well.  Then my son painted each shape with the color of his choice using acrylic paint.  I let it dry completely and then carefully peeled off the painter's tape.  (We only had a problem with a couple of colors getting under the tape and I think these were some older bottles of paint that were a more liquid consistency.  So, watch for that if you are using leftover paint.)  It looks awesome on the art wall!!

Tissue Paper Art Initials for Teachers

I made these initials for our teachers with the help of the kids!

I found these large wooden letters at Hobby Lobby.  I painted the backs and sides of the letters light pink (Americana Poodleskirt Pink acrylic paint).

The kids helped by making tissue paper art.  I gave them a 4x6" piece of white cardstock on top of a paper plate & paper towels.  The kids then placed tissue paper squares on the cardstock in whatever pattern they wanted.  Then, I sprayed the tissue paper with a mixture of half water and half vinegar.

Let the paper dry completely then peel off the tissue paper.  This results in cardstock with pretty pastel colors. (I found that the red, orange, and light pink tissue paper did not bleed onto the cardstock for some reason.  So, the cardstock was simply white where these colors were used.)  Here is the tissue paper cardstock we created:

Next, I cut all of the 4x6" cardstock into 6 2" cubes.  I brushed Mod Podge onto the front of the letter and onto the back of the cardstock cubes.  I placed the cubes all over the letter, not worrying about the edges.
I let this dry then used an X Acto knife to cut around the edges of the letter to trim off the excess cardstock.

I added another layer of Mod Podge over the top and let dry.  I glued pretty pink ribbon to the back of the letter to finish it off!I added the school name and year to the back of the letters as well.  These are so pretty and I loved that the kids had a part in making them!

Art Wall

So, with 2 kids, I have art work coming out my ears!!  Not only is my 8 year old doing the usual school art class, but he also does an after school art class that generates lots of nice, frame-worthy art!  I decided I needed a place to put it all!  Also, I wanted to be able to change out all of the art work as both boys bring home different masterpieces over the years.

I was able to get 3 frames from the school art fair that are matted and easy to change out on the back.  I also got 4 ready made frames from Hobby Lobby.  For an extra $2 a frame, they screwed the canvas art work in place, which I can simply change out with a screwdriver.  I also got a couple of shadow boxes and had a couple of extra frames that I added fabric to and mini clothespins to attach the art work.  (I cut the fabric to fit the glass or backing and used spray adhesive to attach the fabric.  I painted the mini clothespins to match the fabric and glued them to the fabric using E6000 glue.)  I used all black frames for some continuity.  I also got and painted 3 wooden letters from Hobby Lobby to spell out "A-R-T".  Then, I had to lay it all out and figure out what art would go where.  My hubby hung it all on the wall and here is how it turned out.  I am in LOVE with it!