Makin' art

Bored? Don't think you're artistic but want to do something fun?

I was sent this website with a really cool wall mural (see photo above) Looks hard right? Wrong! it's so easy! (Also I realize it has a baby crib in it, but it's still a cool design that everyone can enjoy!)

This website offers a simple way to break down large pictures into smaller squares so that you can easily measure off a grid and draw each square. It is not very overwhelming if you work with one square at a time, user-friendly and good for people who can't draw well!

I love the photo that they used (they purchased the photo from a stock photo website). You can also google pictures you would like- surprisingly,Microsoft Office Clip Art has a lot of really cute art design ideas. Personally I like a lot of icon-style pictures. This style also makes it easier for using a few basic colours to create a beautiful mural or piece of art.

Live in an apartment and don't want to mess up your wall? Well you can actually print a photo you like onto regular computer paper. Then, tape it to a window and on the back trace the outline of the whole photo with a nice lead pencil. Next, flip it over (lead-traced side down) and tape it to a plain canvas, which you can purchase for next to nothing at DeSerres, Wal-Mart or Michael's. Next you trace the outline of your photo, and by pressing down you transfer a light pencil outline of your design onto the canvas. Next you can paint it with regular tole paints (so cheap!) and voila- your own art! Art stores do have acrylic paints, but tole paints are good for beginners, really cheap and fun to use. It's a great way to do something inexpensive hat expresses your personal taste-and a great afternoon project.

For those who are still scared or don't have time, you can purchase wall stickers which have become really popular. They remove easily from walls and don't damage existing paint-while still looking like a painting. They have them at DeSerres but I find them kind of pricey (gorgeous, but pricey). I've had some luck finding some at the Dollar store, Michael's and JYSK. They can also be found online if you google it. Another great way to add in your own artistic taste, with minimal effort and all the satisfaction.