With the heat rising to the mid-nineties and above, it’s a great time to take a break indoors and create something for your home. If you’re looking for some inexpensive ways to decorate, try your hand at painting canvases. You don’t need to be Monet to make some abstract art that can add some color to your walls. Crank up your favorite playlist and create a masterpiece that will mean more to you than anything from a home decor store.
Supplies list: (all of these items can be bought at a local craft store such as Michael’s)
- painting canvas of your choosing
- acrylic paint
- paintbrush(es)
- painter’s tape (optional)
How To:
- Prep your surface. Paint the canvas with a base color (or white) to provide a similar texture for the other colors. Let it dry.
- Place secondary paint on the canvas by plopping several paint drops where you roughly want each color to be.
- Begin to paint. Don’t overthink it, just paint, combining or keeping each color seperate. Add more paint when the color or texture is thin. Keep going until the color looks right.
- Let it dry for 24-48 hours.
- Hang it on a wall with a thumbtack or nail.
Other Suggestions:
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- To make a geometric pattern, cut out the desired shape from cardboard, trace with a pencil, and fill in with paint. Patterns can include triangles, chevrons, stripes, circles, or checks. Look for pattern stencils online.
- To make a more modern matting look, place painter’s tape around the edges of the canvas before painting the base coat. Make sure the base coat goes over the tape edge for a crisp line. Let the base coat paint. Paint as normal, then carefully take off the tape while the paint is still wet.
- After prepping the canvas with paint and/or tape, let your child discover his inner Picasso and finish the rest. Compare the results over several years and see how her skills grow.
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If you find a babysitter or caretaker that you appreciate, ask them if they would be willing to put on retainer. A simple monthly payment can ensure that you have a weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly guaranteed date (or mom’s) night and be assured that your children are doing well at home. Your sitter also has the advantage of guaranteed employment and a chance to continue a relationship with the children in their care.