i'm so excited about this DIY! it was so relaxing and fun to do and i think really approachable for anyone because you can interpret it in a million different ways! watch the video above for the full DIY and explanation.
the pattern was inspired by the textile designs of William Morris. i bought the canvas at my local art store for $30 and the natural elements were either picked up off the side of the road, from a crafts store or from the grocery store (popcorn kernels and pistachio shells). i hope you love this DIY and please comment with any questions, etc. also send me your nature art DIYs, i'd love to see them! attach to comment or email kate@mrkate.com.
What You Need:
- large canvas (mine is 36" x 36")
- pencil or waterbased marker to sketch your design
- acrylic paint in the color palette of your choosing
- paint brush
- various natural elements: raffia, corn kernels, pistachio shells, dried leaves (press and dry them in a heavy book first), berries (dry them by hanging them upside down), moss, twigs, sand
- hot glue gun
- Elmer's clear school glue, if you're using sand
- a spray-on clear coat sealer - i used Krylon's Low Odor Clear Finish in Matte
- paint your base color on your canvas - make sure to paint the edges if you're going to hang it on the wall with no frame, it makes it look much more finished.
- plot and sketch your design in pencil or water-based marker
- fill in your design with paint colors - also plan what natural elements you're going to put where so you know what background paint color to use. let paint dry.
- hot glue your natural elements to your design. if you're using sand, use a coat of Elmer's glue, then sprinkle with sand, wait for the glue to dry completely and brush off excess sand outside.
- finish with a couple coats of spray sealer to seal your natural elements and prolong the life of your piece. if you've dried your leaves and berries before-hand, your art should last and last!
- mount it on your wall and enjoy it's peace and beauty!
