Oh heeeeeeeeeeey: I’m back with another Christmas DIY to shove down your gullets! Thanks for all the love on my Christmas tree string art last week, by the way. It really is a simple and enjoyable project with zero frustration and minimal effort, which is my favorite kind. It actually inspired me to host a Christmas craft night, so next weekend some gals are coming over and we’re going to have some munchies, listen to Christmas music, and string up some festive templates! I’ll share the best and the worst in my Instagram stories. Welcome to Crafter’s Thunderdome, ladies.
The next project I’m sharing with you is another budget friendly idea that stays on brand with the whole “decking my halls on the cheap” theme. Anyone can do this simple canvas art, and depending on the size you choose it will cost you no more than $20.
Here is what you’ll need:
- Stretched canvas of your preferred size (mine is 18 x 24). I got a two pack at Michaels for $19.99, and I had a 50% off coupon so I essentially paid $5 for each canvas. (Are you even shopping at Michaels if you’re not using a coupon?)
- Fine point black Sharpie marker
- Pencil
- Design template (I printed mine off on regular ol’ 8×10 computer paper)
- Tape
- One 8 foot board of 1×2 pine and 2″ wood screws (optional)
First you will need to decide on your design. Obviously it will need to either be text or a silhouette in order for it not to look cheesy as all get out. If you would like to do the reindeer names, you can download my printable PDF here, keeping in mind that it is sized for an 18×24 canvas.
After you’ve chosen your design and printed it off, position it on the front of the canvas to see how you want it spaced out. Once you are happy with the layout, do some quick measurements so you’ll know where to tape the papers onto the back of the canvas. (As you can see, I wanted Rudolph to be set slightly apart from the other “original” eight reindeer. I thought this really spoke to the way in which he was ostracized from his peers until they realized they could use him to their own benefit.)
Once you have your template situated how you like it, hold it up against a window or another source of light and trace the outline with a pencil. This part takes a little time but it is worth it to ensure it won’t look sloppy or like something a small child has done.
Once you’re finished tracing the outline, carefully fill everything in with your Sharpie: it’s very soothing. I decided to go a little wild and add a red period after Rudolph’s name, but that is up to you.
I framed my canvas with pine to give it a little somethin’ somethin’ extra, but this part is optional! If you do want to frame yours out but don’t have the means/tools to cut the pine, just ask the folks at the Homedepot (or Kent, etc.) if they would mind doing it for you. For an 18×24 canvas you need two 18″ pieces and two 27″ pieces (so about 8 feet total). I didn’t get fancy with mitered corners or anything like that; just drilled some pilot holes and then attached the corners together with 2″ wood screws. If you don’t have a drill, you can use wood glue and clamps to create the frame instead.
And that’s it! I hung my canvas on our black shiplap wall by the wood stove and I love it: simple and festive.
I am normally not a fan of typography in decor, but I make an exception to that rule when it comes to holiday stuff for some reason.
As you can see, I did another canvas for the other side of the stove: a group of pine trees. I don’t like it nearly as much as the reindeer list: it looks a little bush-league to me but it will have to do.
Next up is a giant HO HO HO banner that may or may not be a motherloving disaster when I am done. I promise to share it regardless of how it turns out so check back soon. As always, I’d love for you guys to share if you end up making one of these for yourselves! Happy crafting!
love this al!