DIY Easy Graphic Art

I'm still on a decorating kick, and now that two of my larger projects are completed for the bedroom redesign my mind is wandering back towards art. I started playing around with a few simple materials and whipped up these easy graphic art canvases in practically no time flat. I think you'll like this project for a few reasons: first because it's actually fun to do, second because the supplies are super inexpensive (seriously. like, a couple bucks per canvas), and third because the finished product just looks cool!

Here's what you'll need:

• Reynolds Freezer Paper. You can find it in the grocery store
• Paints. I used screen printing inks because I already had them, but acrylic craft paints would work, too
• Paper plate or piece of cardboard
• Stenciling brush
• Burlap canvases. I got a 3 pack at Michael's for something like ridiculous like $4. Flat canvases work better than wood framed ones
• Craft knife 
• Cutting mat
• Iron
• Ruler 
• Pencil

Sketch out some ideas for the layout. Simple shapes made with straight lines are the easiest, and it's best to apply the light colors first and the dark colors last, so keep that in mind when planning the layout.

Draw the shapes onto the paper side of the freezer paper and cut out with the craft knife. Place the stencils for the first color (mine was white) on the canvas, paper side up, glossy side down, and iron on medium high heat. The shiny part of the freezer paper will fuse to the canvas and create a perfect stencil! Make sure the edges are stuck down well. Try holding the iron at an angle to get to all of the stencil edges.



Dip the brush in the paint and remove the excess onto the paper plate or cardboard. With a mostly dry brush, dab the paint onto the canvas around the stencil edge. Reload the brush and fill in the center of the shape. Try to get even coverage. Pull up the stencil and let dry.



Repeat the steps for each color/shape once the previous color is dry, overlapping the shapes.



Enjoy as-is or layer it in a frame with a mat.



I hope you try this out! I think it would be fun to do on a larger scale, on a great big canvas with spray paint. I have a big roll of freezer paper leftover to play with so I may just try it!