Can I just take a moment right now to say that die cutting has completely revolutionized the way I craft!?!? I love how I can just crank a piece of paper and a die though my machine, and sha-zam! Suddenly, I have perfectly cut shapes to play with it. I used a Darice craft die cut set and an embossing folder to create this happy spring DIY canvas art. It took me no time at all! And if you’re someone who isn’t quite sure of her scissor skills, then die cutting is for you.
Supplies needed to make your own floral DIY canvas art:
- Blank Prestretched Canvas
- Watercolour Paints
- Paint Brush
- Water (for the paint)
- Cardstock (I used white and this fabulous Core’dinations Sandable Paper)
- Darice Craft Die – Circle Nesting Die Cuts with Wavy Edge
- Darice Embossing Folder in Vine
- Die Cutting Machine (Big Shot, Cuttlebug, etc.)
- Glue Gun
Before I started cutting out my shapes, I had to prep my canvas.
Now, I’m no Bob Ross, but adding some water colour pizzazz was easy! I made sure that I used even brush strokes across the canvas, and didn’t add too much water (it makes a bit of a bubbly mess).
In the end, I was pretty happy with my watercolour background. I was feeling confident.
Sorry guys, couldn’t help myself. I always channel my inner Bob when I face a canvas.
I left the canvas to dry and started to work on my die cuts.
In no time at all, I had a variety of flower shapes ready to be put together. I use a Sizzix BIGkick to die cut, but you can use a Big Shot or a Cuttlebug, or any other die cutting machine, so long as it accepts the size of the dies.
Each machine has its own directions, but for my BIGKick, I placed the dies on top of the paper (with the cutting edge facing down) and placed it between the sandwich of cutting plates. I then placed it on top of the platform and rolled it through my machine.
In no time at all, I was cranking these flowers out!
I wanted to add some dimension to the flowers, so I grabbed an embossing folder and ran some of my flowers through the machine.
For about two minutes, I thought I wanted to use this blue in the artwork, but changed my mind. That aside, isn’t the embossing beautiful?
This paper is really neat- it can be sanded to emphasize the embossing even more. I didn’t do that for this DIY canvas art project, but have in the past with great results!
Some glue-gunning and designing later, and my spring flower art was ready to be displayed!
I love the texture in this DIY canvas art – the embossing adds a lot of depth to the flowers.
But mostly – this DIY canvas art piece is happy. And when it’s spring and the house is cheery, what else can you ask for ?
If you’re new to die cutting, consider creating your own DIY canvas art! It’s a quick and easy way to get some personality up on the walls (or on the buffet, in this case)! You’ll be amazed at how quickly a piece can come together!
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Tara is the creator, writer, and flurry of chaos behind her blog, Suburble. Her blog focuses on making a home (emphasis on “making!”), but not forgetting to have a laugh in the process. Her partners-in-crime, her two little girls, are often beside her when it’s time to get creative. A mug of tea, good friends, and a project (or three) are all this girl needs. Join the gang at Suburble and see what we’re up to!
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