Make Your Own Modern Canvas Wall Art

Have you notice that canvas art is trending right now?  It's so unique and fun but a little expensive so I decided to make your own modern canvas wall art.

It didn't look too hard and making my own was going to be so much cheaper than buying one.  Plus the benefits of getting the exact size I was after made it an exciting prospect.  

Reasons to Make your Own Modern Canvas Wall Art

1. Self-expression: Making your own modern art allows you to express yourself creatively in a way that is unique to you. 

2. Stress relief: Engaging in any form of art can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. 

3. Personal growth: Creating modern art can also be a way to challenge yourself and grow as a person. 

4. Decorative art: Your modern art can serve as a unique and personalized decoration for your home or office. By creating your own art, you can ensure that your space reflects your personal style and taste.

5. Gift giving: Creating modern art can also be a way to create thoughtful and personalized gifts for your friends and family. By making something with your own hands, you can show how much you care in a truly meaningful way.

Location, Location, Location

After painting a shiplap corner we have in our main living space I wanted to change up the decor and art.  I had beautiful farmhouse signs but I was ready to make a change.  Creating something more modern.  

I gave the walls a beautiful update with a fresh coat of paint. In a beautiful dark moody grey green color so I wanted something lighter to fill the space.  Check out how this space looked before the update here.  

After looking for a piece of art that fit the space and budget I got wondering how hard could it be to make my own.  So after doing a little research I felt confident it would be something I could make and create.

Finding the Canvas 

My first concern was finding canvas for a good price and large enough.  I originally looked on Amazon but didn't find anything so I went to Hobby Lobby.  There were so many size options.  Because Hobby Lobby has weekly sales I knew waiting a week for it to be 50% off was worth it.  

There were so many great sizes, square, rectangle, large and small.  Making it really easy to find the perfect canvas for the space.  Before I made my purchase I took pictures of all the sizes available then checked my shape at home. 

There are a lot of options on Amazon so don't be afraid to check it out for shopping ease.  

Supplies for the Project

Because this modern canvas wall art was going on a dark wall I knew I wanted it to be white.  I didn't have to purchase anything for this project other than the canvas.  We had mud from a previous project and the drywall tools.

Here is a list of all the supplies I used and links so you'll be able to find them easily.  Canvas  drywall compound drywall tools

        

That's it, you really don't need a lot of create a beautiful piece of modern canvas wall art.  I did use a notch tooth trowel but I didn't love the look but it is a beautiful way to create something different.  It is an amazing what to add depth and something exciting.  This comes down to the look you are after. 

    Notch tooth trowel 

Lets Get Started

Because I've never worked with canvas before I decided to paint the canvas before I started.  I wanted to make sure it was sealed and would hold up to the drywall compound mud.  So giving it a coat of paint only took a couple minutes with a roller.  I happened to be painting a wall at the time so it only took a minute.  If you're not rolling something at the moment just use a brush and paint the canvas. 

After the paint is dry you will be ready for the fun.  I painted it a day or two before I planned to add the drywall mud, so it had a long time to dry and set.  I'm sure you could get going just a few hours after it's painted.  

Adding the Texture 

This is where you get to be creative and let your imagination run wild.  I knew what direction my canvas was going to hang on the horizontal shiplap.  Because the shiplap was running horizontally I wanted the design of the canvas modern art to run vertical.  

I will let you know I have worked with drywall mud before so it wasn't completely new to me but I have always used it to cover screws, patch holes create beautiful smooth walls.  

So it was a little different trying to cover the entire canvas with texture and design. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty.  I use the trowel to apply the drywall compound to the canvas.  Dip in the bucket of mud and start spreading it on.  Making sure to cover the entire canvas but also leave it textured.  Working in the same direction. 

I started applying on one end and worked my way to the other.  As I got going I started applying mud to the edges, being sure to give it texture.  After I had it completely covered I started stepping back and adding more texture where needed.

The compound is something you can manipulate, so you have some time to add, take away making it your own.  After I had it covered I started adding texture with the notch tooth trowel.  

Adding Texture With a Notch Tooth Trowel

  

The notched tooth trowel does skip a little which wasn't a good lucky.  Luckily you can line it up and go over again.  I just didn't love the look with lines.  I've seen it done and like it in stores but I was liking the look I created without the lines. 

I tried straight lines and curves.  It was fun to do but I didn't love the grooves.

So I used my flat trowel and smoothed out the notches.  This was one of my favorite projects.  It was really fun to work on and play with.  

I love the look of the finished product, especially when it was wet.  It looks like icing on a cake.  I wanted to keep playing with it but had to force myself to stop.

The mud takes awhile to dry, obviously the thicker spots took longer to dry.  If you look closely you can see it as it dries.  I did make a mistake that frustrated me, yup I touched it where it was wet to see if it was still wet.  So I had to repair a finger print because it seemed so noticeable.  The lesson is don't touch it until it's completely dry.  

Something to Watch Out For

Drywall compound doesn't dry incredibly fast so you have some time to work with your modern art.  But I did learn if you put things on to thick it will crack as it dries.  The thicker you apply the longer it takes too dry and the bigger chance it will crack.  But don't panic because it is easy to repair. 

Because I didn't think about cracking I didn't have any drywall compound remaining.  But I did have hole repair mud.  It goes on pink, dries white and was perfect for the touch ups.  

  You can get the spackle here

 Use a small spackling knife that comes with the kit.  Gently cover all the crackers working in the direction you want the texture to run.  This spackle goes on pink but dries white.  It was a simple effective way to repair the cracks.  

 

Modern Canvas Wall Art

This modern canvas wall art project really didn't take too long.  Unless you include the drying time but the creation was less than an hour.  I love the way it looks.  There are so many options, you could add color, swirls or different textures.  

I have even thought about framing it but love the texture on the side of the canvas.  Stay turned it may happen. 

DIY and Inspirational T-shirts

 I am a compulsive DIYer, whether the projects are big or small.  I was so tired of wearing ugly worn out shirts or ruining my everyday clothes I decided to to design a line of beautiful t-shirts perfect for projects.

You will love wearing them to create or run to the store for supplies.  There are also some perfect for inspiration and motivation.  Check out Decor to the Door there are some New Arrivals.  

        

 

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