Painted Dragonfly Made From Maple Tree Seeds

Here's another cute idea I came across on Pinterest, these little dragonflies
were made from twigs, maple tree seeds and paint. Imagine them in a 
myriad of different colors... Not only would these be a great craft to do with
kids, but I think I could have plenty of fun making these myself! 

Dragonflies made from maple tree seeds, paint, and twigs by Filth Wizardry

The photo below was her inspiration. 
I have to say I like the painted one above!

Original idea from Parents online  image by Ed Judice





What do you think?

DIY Stenciled Nature Wall Art on Canvas

Creating your own wall art can be simple! 

All you need are a few basic materials and a little bit of inspiration. 

Now that summer is in all its glory, why not take to the great outdoors for some of the materials needed for this project? 

You probably can find plenty of leaf and flower specimens in your very own backyard or garden. 

Or, take a nature walk with someone special and collect some leaves or other natural materials on your way. Once your project below is finished, you'll have a nice keepsake to remember the day!

photo via pinme

Materials needed: (photo 1)


newspaper to cover and protect your work space


a store bought framed canvas for acrylic paint


acrylic craft paint


craft paint brush


repositional spray adhesive (aka artist's mounting adhesive)


spray paint in a contrasting color to your acrylic paint 



Instructions:


First, cover your work space with newspaper. 
To start, paint your entire canvas with acrylic paint in the color that you would like your leaves to be and set aside to dry (photo 2)


Once your canvas is dry, place your leaves or branch (or whatever you will be using as your stencil) on a separate piece of paper or newspaper and spray with mounting spray/respositional spray adhesive. (photo 3)


Next adhere the adhesive side of your leaves to your painted canvas and press down gently to adhere.


Spray over leaves with contrasting color spray paint, allow to dry, and then carefully peel off your leaves/stencil. (photo 4)


Display your finished artwork! (photo 5)

Here are two types of repositional spray adhesives/mounting sprays

What other kinds of materials would you use as a stencil for this project?  Aside from plant life, I think this project would be fun with lace or paper doilies.


What do you think?

Paint It Black: Stylish Black Painted Furniture

There's something about black painted furniture that I just love! Check out these examples and maybe you'll see what I mean...

Black accent chest

By Knackstudio via Etsy (and below)


Wallpaper decoupage on the outside of the drawers....


...and also wallpaper on the inside the drawers

Satin black Bombay chest dresser

Detail of a painted dresser

My favorite black look: black painted dining room set with natural wood tabletop

What do you think? Do you like this look?