Saturday, October 1, 2011

Among the Trees...

Or... Tree Art for Kids Room Tutorial



But isn't "Among the trees" much more poetic?

I am writing this in the middle of the night because I want a fresh post up before I go on a weekend trip.  The other item I was going to post isn't done drying yet so you'll have to wait on that one.

Anyway, I hope what I'm saying makes sense... See I'm already rambling. Oh dear.

This is a tree I helped my sister make for her daughters room. I posted a bit about my niece here

My sister had a girl, and I didn't. Life is not fair, but I have been able to borrow my niece often so that makes it a little better... Well, not really. But at least I've gotten to go shopping in the "pink" isle once in awhile.

Back to the tree.

We got the idea from Pottery Barn Kids... but who needs to spend like $200 on kids art?



This is PB's version

Now onto our version.

We bought some blank canvas at Hobby Lobby. Just the cardboard ones that come in a 4 pack.

• We painted them with some left over antique white semi-gloss paint that I had used on my old kitchen cabinets. I recommend using semi-gloss because if you use regular craft paint it can be harder to antique it, because it is porous and absorbs more.

• Then I sketched out the tree with a pencil. 

• We painted in the brown tree over my pencil sketch. For that we just used craft paint.

• I had some nifty "Antiquing" medium that we brushed on over the paint. But watered down craft paint will have the same effect. 

• While the paint was drying my sis and I cut out a bunch of leaves from scrapbook paper.

• We arranged them on the tree how we liked them and mod-podge-ed them on.

• Then we put a coat of mod-podge over the whole thing to preserve our work, and also because it makes it look like this took more effort then it really did.



Here are a few close ups. This was an easy project. I might need to make one for my room... maybe ;-)


Here is an inspiring quote I'll leave you with in order to get your creative juices flowing.


I hear the wind among the trees
Playing the celestial symphonies;
I see the branches downward bent,
Like keys of some great instrument.
                                    -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Happy Crafting! - RM


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18 comments:

Sara said...

I love this! I am adding this to my project list.

Johnson said...

I might be calling you sometime. Well, I might have to get your number. Can you move back to GA please? I want to do this project. It is adorable!!

Anonymous said...

Love love this.. very pretty!!

Janice said...

This is great! I would love it if you would link it to up my blog carnival Family Time Tuesday.

Thanks!
Janice

ARK said...

I love the scale of your piece! I love that you were inspired by the PB piece, but not completely literal - beautiful work!

Nan ~ Playful Decor said...

Wow, this is great! I love the colors. And I love the name of your blog! LOL - I have 2 boys so I get it! I'd love for you to add this to my party today - Tuesday's Nursery. It's for all ages of kids decor. I hope you can make it. Nice to meet you - following & I'm off to look around more....

Michelle @ Delicate Construction said...

This is amazing! It looks great!!! I am visiting from Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommy and I am a new follower!
Hope you are having a good week!
Michelle
www.delicateconstruction.blogspot.com

NanAppetit said...

Great idea! Going on my pinterest! The good thing about Pottery Barn is that their style is "homemade" :)

Barb said...

Love the blog title (I have 4 boys & 1 girl myself)!

After your explanation, I feel like I could tackle this. I think a visit to Pottery Barn for inspiration is in order.

jess@balancing the dream said...

soo pretty!!! and honestly....i like your art wayyyy better than the pottery barn inspiration!! great job!

Q @ JAQS said...

This is fabulous! Love the colors and the design is great.

I would love for you to link up your creation at http://www.jaqsstudio.com/2011/10/jaqs-studio-first-ever-linky-party.html

Anonymous said...

Oh, I love this! Pinning for future reference!

April said...

So pretty! Love it!

Leanne said...

I love how this turned out. The leaves are so fun. Thanks for linking to the party. I'm featuring this today.

Anonymous said...

That's the prettiest wall hanging. You've done a fabulous job reinterpreting the design. Well done! Tammy @ cotton loft desings

Nectarine Dreams said...

Love this. Very pretty and much nicer than PB one!

Mel said...

Love this. Found this post via Pinterest. You have inspired me!

Unknown said...

thank u very much, I made my own version and while it turned out ok for my first real art piece, it does not compare to yours.

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