I kind of pride myself on seeing something and thinking, “I can make that,” and then figuring out how to do it. Or seeing a really cool box and thinking what can I make with that? But here’s where I STRUGGLE….seeing the potential in something that starts out sad, ugly, or less than fortunate.
Maybe that’s how I am with people too?
Hmmm….I think I just blew my own mind.
Looking at some of my favorite blogs, I’ve realized that I need to step it up on the “seeing the potential” skills. I feel proud, today, that I think I have succeeded.
My son’s bedroom is sadly, appropriate for a 3 year old. He’s about to turn 8. We’ve known all summer that we’re planning a room re-do at some point. Actually, we’ve decided to do a “Extreme Bedroom Makeover” while he’s at his Grandma’s house in August. Stay tuned for that.
So far, we’ve kind of got him looking at ideas and colors. (just to see what he likes) I have decided on a palatte, and a theme. I’m now on the lookout for accessories, paint…everything.
Of course a big part, will be replacing the pictures with, age and theme appropriate things.
I started with an idea to use a technique I’ve used many times before. It needs a canvas. I went to Hobby Lobby to see if I could get one on sale. But then I took a sharp turn at the “80% off” section. 80%???? Seriously?
I found this little beauty. It’s not ugly, really, but it’s very much not my style. And certainly doesn’t belong in an 8 year old boy’s bedroom. But it was $6.99. And I couldn’t even begin to buy one canvas for that. Let alone 3, and a thick one to boot. The base is at least 2″ thick. Yay!
- I started by lightly sanding the whole thing. It was covered in a really glossy laquer, and I wasn’t sure paint would stick. Then I primed. (love you, primer!)
- Then I sprayed the whole thing with a bright orange spray paint. Focusing on the bigger section. But coating everything.
- After dry, I taped off the raised canvas sections. Taping is another step that I’ll never regret. Worth the time!
- Then I painted each section a shade of the room’s color palatte. (orange, light blue, gray, and cream. Surf theme.)
I designed some little graphics in Photoshop. But you can find most anything you want on the internet. There are some DEFINITE things here…pay attention or it won’t work (this is some serious trial & error on my part….over MANY similar projects):
- You’ll need ink-jet iron on transfer paper. Make sure it’s the kind for “white” or “light” colored material. The dark ones won’t turn out right.
- Your graphics need to be black & white. So what ever you use…just turn it black and white.
- Faces are rough. They don’t always turn out. I’ve had some work, and others…not so much. They can be really cool…but it’s a gamble. Just be aware.
- Anything with a lot of small details will most likely not work.
- The entire thing will need to be printed out BACKWARD. Use the setting on either your program or your printer. Sometimes it’s called “mirror image” or “transfer paper”. Just make sure you flip things, or they’ll be backwards.
- Follow the application directions on your paper. I don’t prefer one brand over another. For this application, they all turn out about the same.
- Iron on according to the directions.
- In a perfect world, and for best results, there should be a HARD surface right under your canvas. Because of the stretcher bars, the canvas is not hard. I usually try to put a book up inside the hole. But sometimes I can’t find one that fits. (or in this case, I couldn’t get one behind them at all) You can still make it, you just have to be patient, careful, and work at it.
- Be super careful with the iron and exposed paint. They don’t like each other. It WILL melt. And if your husband finds paint on his work shirts…he’ll probably not be happy. I actually wanted this one to get burned up. But if you don’t, and there’s a boo-boo. You can re-touch the paint after.
- When it’s ready, peel up a corner, and slowly peel off the paper.
- There will be sections that aren’t stuck. That’s okay.
- The combo of the canvas and the transfer paper doesn’t always mix perfectly. That’s what makes this project so cool. It’s supposed to look old and torn. As long as most of it’s stuck…you’re good. I usually “artistically” scratch off some additional areas to make the aging even. (and pretty)
- When you’re happy with your aging and tears….you’ll want to cover the entire thing with a thin layer of Mod Podge. That will ensure that it stays exactly as it is, and can’t come off any more. It won’t change the look at all. Just the durability.
Oh my! I love it! I LOVE IT!
If I were Buddy the Elf….I’d be skipping around singing “I’m in love, I’m in love, and I don’t care who knows it!”
It’s going to look SO amazing in his room. I think a 50′s Old School Surfer theme will be totally tubular! Can’t wait!
The final price? Under $20. No way would you find something this cute for that much. And I’ve really awakened a beast inside my soul. I’m gonna look at everything (and everybody) with a new eye. And ask myself….what’s their potential?
I’m submitting this to the CSI project this week. It’s a “Frames, Art and Wall Decor” theme. Wish me luck!!
Also linking to:
****post note: We now have a Facebook Fan Page for Less Cake {more frosting} come over and check it out. I can’t promise…but I think it might make all your wildest dreams come true. No guarantee on that, however. ****
Oh my!it is so stellar! Dude, it is out of this world! Like for real! Good luck! I hope you win!
Perfect! I am so impressed!
That. Is. Awesome!!! I love it and I'm jealous of what a sweet deal you got on that canvas thingie too. I hope you win as well.
Brooke @ TheCraftingChicks.com
WOW! I would say you found the potential in something that started out 'less than fortunate'! Nice work!!
This is FANTASTIC! I've heard of this transfer paper and am amazed at what it can produce. But…where did you get yours??? Online? Is there a store??? I need to know! It looks great. Love it!
That is totally awesome!!! It will look amazing hanging in his room!!! Great score on the price to by the way!
LaKeta
I adore this. Adore. Never thought of using t-shirt transfer paper for anything other than t-shirts. Brilliant!!! Jealous of your photoshop skills, crazy jealous that you have a Hobby Lobby. California is sorely lacking one. Maybe I should move…
Great idea! I have a window frame I may need to play around with. Thanks for the inspiration! I'm visiting from Somewhat Simple. I'd love it if you'd stop by and link up to my Home and Family Friday Linky Party. I host each Friday. Hope you'll come join us!
Becca
becca-homeiswheremystorybegins.blogspot.com
that looks awesome! i love it! i would love to do this in my son's room!
Dude…that rocks! Great project. My son is turning 9 and his room looks like a 4 year old room – and that is only because we moved when he was 4…otherwise I do not think I could have brought myself to paint over his airplanes in his baby room. We are trying to 9ify his room right now.
Ok, so this is rad! I am totally gonna have to try this.
Wow! I love it! Amazing!!!
This is fabulous! LOVE it!
This is so, So, SO, SOOooo fabulous! I love everything about it. I am in need of making a few wall hangings for the baby room and Gabby's new room so I'm glad you did this post. I am going to try it! Your new blog is giving me hope that I CAN do the occasional project and survive. Thanks for all the awesome tips!
Ooh, I LOVE retro beach themed stuff and you really hit the target with this project! I'm dropping in from Today's Creative Blog: get your craft on Tuesday. **following**
That's totally awesome!! : ) you've successfully taken your son out of his 3 yr old bathroom!
That is so cute!! Thanks for the tips for the iron iron/transfer paper. I've really wanted to try to do that one of these days!! I'm new to your blog. I must be living under a rock. Can't wait to look around!
Nice!
That is to die for – you did an amazing job! Great re-purpose and so cheap! I'm inspired
wow! what a great makeover! I love the way it turned out, can't wait to see your extreme bedroom makeover!
That is really cool! Love it!!
I lovelovelove it! You did a great job!
Fantastic – my little guy would love it.
Hi there! I came across your blog today as I was surfing the internet looking for decor for my sons room and I love this idea. My sister-in-law Becky happens to not only know you, but absolutely love you and she said you do great work. I am not typically a crafty person, but I’d sure like to be. Anyway, I would love to do this for my sons room, but in different colors. I was wondering if I can get the images from you and I can print them off on the iron paper and make these canvas’ myself? Would that be possible?
Thank you!