You might remember when I was participating in Crafting with the Stars and had to come up with a brand inspired knock off. While ultimately I chose to make my French Fruit Wall Art, my star partner, Amy of Mod Podge Rocks had sent me quite a few brand name ideas to choose from. One of them was this cool “big sur pillow cover” from West Elm. I knew right away I wanted to make something from it, but wasn’t quite sure what.
Recently we painted my teenage daughter’s room using two different shades of purple. She has some black accents in the room and the trim is all white. I showed her the picture of the pillow case and she really loved the design, so I knew what I had to do. My idea was to use white canvas and paint the trees using purple and black.
I found a great deal at Michael’s on the canvas and used the little sample buckets of paint that we had purchased before painting her walls. I never throw away those little sample buckets! They are great for craft projects. :)
I also used some gray to add a third color element. This was very easy to make and my daughter and I love the results!
Originally i was going to create a pattern, cutting it on freezer paper with my Silhouette machine, then stenciling it on. However, it was pretty easy to just lightly draw it on with a pencil and freehand it.
Circle Tree Modern Art
You will need
2 pieces of 16″x20″ wood framed canvas
Acrylic paint: dark purple, purple, gray and black
Pencil
Paintbrushes
The first thing I did was to sketch out the design on paper and use colored pencils to help me decide what color would go where on the canvas. I measured the paper and figured out where each of the trees should be. That made it a lot easier to then draw the designs directly onto the canvas. See my little helper, isn’t he cute? :)
I used a pencil to lightly draw the design onto each piece of canvas.
Next I thinned some black acrylic paint and used a liner brush to paint on the branches and trunks.
I loaded a paintbrush with paint and, in one motion, added each of the circle leaves. You may notice I work from right to left. I’m a lefty so I start at the right so I don’t accidentally drag my arm or hand through wet paint.
I added a second coat on each of the leaves and that was it, they were done! All that was left to do was hang them on the wall. :)
My daughter loves the way they came out and the white canvas really pops against the dark wall. Hope you like it! :)
Circle Tree Modern Art
Supplies
- 2 pieces of 16″x20″ wood framed canvas
- Acrylic paint: dark purple purple, gray and black
- Pencil
- Paintbrushes
Instructions
- The first thing I did was to sketch out the design on paper and use colored pencils to help me decide what color would go where on the canvas. I measured the paper and figured out where each of the trees should be. That made it a lot easier to then draw the designs directly onto the canvas.
- I used a pencil to lightly draw the design onto each piece of canvas.
- Next I thinned some black acrylic paint and used a liner brush to paint on the branches and trunks.
- I loaded a paintbrush with paint and, in one motion, added each of the circle leaves.
Amanda Formaro
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Amanda says
January 20, 2011 at 2:10 amThanks so much Kari! Really appreciate that, she loves it!
Kari @ Ucreate says
January 20, 2011 at 2:02 amMy daughters room is this color!! I can't get over how cool this is! You did a fabulous job!
Amanda says
January 15, 2011 at 11:29 pmThanks so much Heidi, so nice of you!
Heidi says
January 15, 2011 at 6:46 pmI have to tell you how much I love your projects! You do an amazing job!
Heidi
Amanda says
January 3, 2011 at 1:41 amQatch – That is so cool! I love the pillow you did – it was wonderfu!!
More Than A Mom says
January 3, 2011 at 1:30 amBeautifully done. I'm inspired!
Qatch says
January 2, 2011 at 1:07 pmHi Amanda,
I am a textile designer & I discovered your blog last night as they featured it in Kireei.com, one of my favourite blogs too. I think your job is great and very inspiring. While I was learning more about your lovely projects I clicked on your Circle Tree Modern Art project & what a nice surprise, the design which inspired you to create this project called 'Big Sur' from Westelm was designed by myself! You have done a great job with it & your blog is very inspiring! I think you have a new fan…
[email protected] Crafty Home says
December 27, 2010 at 4:57 amGreat job! I love that pattern, it's so cool- your daughter must love it!
maggy, red ted art says
December 22, 2010 at 12:44 pmOh wow! These look great!! V stylish! I bet your daughter is VERY pleased!
Love them.
Maggy
(Thank you for linking up to Kids Get Crafty! Much appreciated, as always!)
Barbara @ Modern Comfort Food says
December 21, 2010 at 11:08 amGorgeous, Amanda, and I love the simple modernity of this design! Your daughter must be absolutely thrilled.
Christina says
December 21, 2010 at 5:20 amThey're beautiful!
Jessica says
December 21, 2010 at 4:51 amLOVE LOVE LOVE
laxsupermom says
December 20, 2010 at 9:49 pmGreat color combination! Love the simple geometry of it. Great knockoff!
freckled laundry says
December 20, 2010 at 3:36 pmVery pretty, Amanda! I love purple/lavender. I've been meaning to stop in and say hello, introduce myself, and say that I'm very excited to be resident blogging with you in January.
Merry Christmas!
Jami
Liz says
December 20, 2010 at 2:47 pmThat's amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Kim says
December 20, 2010 at 2:20 pmThat is soooooo cute…I wonder if I could make it look that good? :-)
Lisa says
December 20, 2010 at 2:07 pmI love this! It's so simple, but it's made a huge statement. Very pretty! Now I'm wondering if I can do this somewhere in my house!
blesid says
December 20, 2010 at 1:26 amAhhhh, West Elm inspired things are pure bliss … and so is your awesome project! Just gotta follow you now! jules
Amanda H. says
December 19, 2010 at 7:07 pmAwesome! This will look great in my daughter's room. She has a circle theme. It will add a really nice touch!
My House of L says
December 19, 2010 at 2:35 pmVery cute and loved your items on Crafting with the Stars!
Madigan at madiganmade says
December 19, 2010 at 1:37 pmI love the graphic statement. It really pops off the purple wall.
Alice says
December 19, 2010 at 4:05 amso awesome! love the color combination!
Mama Washington says
December 19, 2010 at 2:09 amI love it!