Guest Post by Amy of She Wears Many Hats Presents Homemade Family Wall Art

Hey y’all! I’m Amy from She Wears Many Hats, and I’d like to thank Jennifer for inviting me here today. I’m sharing with you a project my family worked on years ago when my kids were little. It makes for a great gift or family heirloom piece to share with generations to come. Plus, it’s just plain good fun on a cold winters day when you’re cooped up inside. Enjoy!
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Years ago we had a big blank wall over our sofa. I searched high and low for that perfect something for that space, but never found anything I liked or felt I could justify the money on. Plus, I really like to have things in our home that have meaning or is special in some way instead of just finding something to match the couch.

Finally I decided I would create a piece, or rather, in this instance, we would.

I mean, I do have an art degree. I can do this, I thought.

So I headed out to the local art supply/craft store to pick up supplies. To make a long story short this is what we created, together, as a family.

Composition? No. Balance? Huh? Harmony? Eh? We threw all the elements and principles of art out the window that day. I’m sure people who come over for a visit, and don’t know that it’s a finger painting (yep, finger painting) by 2 adults and 2 children (children who were then ages 3 and 6) think, “Okay… and she’s got an art degree? No wonder she’s a stay-at-home-mom.”

But I know better. Besides, we get to enjoy remembering that night we all circled the kitchen table every time we look at it – my son standing on a chair donning only his pull-ups so as not to mess up any clothes, my daughter in one of her dads white t’s down to her knees as a paint smock. What a fun, colorful memory.

So if you have a wall space you’re looking to fill, want to make an addition to your valuable art collection, or just the thought of getting covered with paint tickles your fancy, here’s how we did it.

First the supplies. Simple stuff folks.

Acrylic paints. Inexpensive acrylics like these work great. Plus depending on the size canvas you choose, you’ll need lots of paint. Choose the colors you like. We used primaries along with orange, purple and a few brighter greens and yellows. We had white on hand as well for lightening if needed.

A canvas. Many sizes are available, and our local craft stores regularly offer coupons for 40% off one item. I like the ones with the deeper edge. Of course, you could always make your own.

In addition, you’ll need some paper plates, paper towels and newspapers or other covering for the work surface. That’s it for supplies.

Oh, and these of course.

Next prep a table for the fun by covering it with newspapers or whatever you have to protect it. An outside table would be a good idea if available.

Then prepare the paints on paper plates like this. You’ll want at least one plate per person.

Here’s a tip. Pair colors that are side by side on the color wheel so as not to create mud, if they (and they will) get mixed together. For example, green and blue like shown, or yellow and orange and so forth. This is about as much art knowledge as you’ll need to understand.

I’ll try to explain. Colors on the color wheel that are next to each other will combine nicely. Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, or complimentary colors, when mixed make mud. The trick is to control the paint colors by not letting them combine in a yucky way.

So when everyone is dressed for the mess and everything is ready, place the plates around the table and begin painting. I did not gesso or prime the canvas. Every now and then, rotate the canvas and/or exchange plates, being careful to watch for the colors getting muddied. Whatever works for you. Be sure to cover the whole canvas. The more paint, the better. Texture is good, so glop it on!

This is not complicated. Be sure to relax and have fun – you can’t mess it up. And if it does get yucky, let it dry and paint over it again. You could even paint all one color then let dry and add another color if you’d like. It’s yours, do whatever you want. That’s the beauty of it – it’s your masterpiece.

When finished let dry and hang. Possibly plan a gallery opening for the event.

Have fun. I hope you end up with a priceless piece that you’ll never part with.

And maybe it’ll match your couch too! Mine does.
Here’s the supply list again:

Acrylic paints (get plenty)
Canvas
Paper plates, paper towels and newspaper (or something to protect work surface)
Fingers (with people attached)

Happy painting!