DIY Aged Artwork

If you haven't bought this:

then you should run over to The Handmade Home and download it. I'll wait..... Go on!

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Ok, you're back! Good! 

I want to show you the project that I did this weekend, inspired by Ashley and Jamin's awesome artwork that they have created for their home. 

They are so creative and there isn't anything they have included in their book that I don't love. (Be sure to read to the end for a nice little tip!)

I have had these in my dining room since forever:

 And, I loved it at one time, but it isn't me anymore.

So, I set to work!

I'm pretty much a painting rebel and just do it in the kitchen....right on the counter. All those little paint drips just wipe right up! 

I used gloopy old latex paint samples that I have had for a very long time. (That's what Ashley does, too!) I poured a bunch right on the canvas.

I did this on both canvases and forgot to take a pic of the start of the large one:

Paint on canvas

 I spread it with my paint brush and left brush lines going all different directions.

Brush strokes in wet paint

Spreading paint on canvas

I didn't want it to be perfect!

Then, I traced out my wording in pencil, once the paint was dry. (Any stray pencil marks can be erased easily.)

Pencil outline on canvas

First Layer of paint

Once I had my outline, I started layering paint of different colors.

Layering paint to achieve aged look

I just kept layering until I achieved the look that I wanted.

I used my fingers to smear the paint and I swished a little paint of each volor across the canvas to give it a distressed look.

Once it was complete, I aged it with Old English furniture polish.  Yes, I know that is somewhat strange, but I didn't have any stain.

Completed aged artwork

After I looked at it for a couple of days, I decided it that it needed a little something. I added brackets to each side to fill up the canvas more.

DIY word art and arrow

I really love the way it turned out! 

I created the arrow the same way.  I freehanded the arrow and layered the paint in the same manner.

The letters aren't perfect, but I really like it.  

I have created other artwork for the house, as well.  

This "Believe" sign hangs in the kitchen and hides our internet router.

Believe Artwork hiding internet router

Large handpainted "F"

The "F" was cut out by Rex and I painted the stripes and allowed each one to bleed into the next.

It really doesn't have to be perfect. As long as you love the pieces you create it IS perfect for your home.  And, I guarantee, the pieces you create will get many more comments than anything else in your home.

Now go get creative!

Now for the tip: Laura over at The Turquoise Home has a chance for you to win a copy of Handmade Walls. Head on over and enter for your chance to win!

Pssst: I am not an affiliate, nor have I been compensated for this post. It's just a great little e-book!

Linking up:

Shabby Creek Cottage 

House of Hepworths 

The 36th Avenue 

Design, Dining, and Diapers 

Funky Junk Interiors 

Tatertots and Jello 

Six Sisters Stuff 

Skip To My Lou 

Craft-O-Maniac 

That's What Che Said 

The DIY Showoff 

Under The Table And Dreaming 

Flamingo Toes 

Thrifty Decor Chick 

SNAP! Show & Tell 

Someday Crafts 

Somewhat Simple 

Todays Creative
 Home Stories AtoZ 

The Owl's Skull 

The "PIN IT" Party @ Creative Geekery 

The Girl Creative Weekly Creative Inspiration 

Serenity Now 

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