I wanted to make something for my mom with her grandkid’s names on it. Something I could add a name or two down the road if need be. (I still have young siblings — who knows?)
The first thing I did was cut a large piece of primed canvas. I bought a huge roll from Hobby Lobby almost a year ago and hadn’t used it yet so this was perfect. My Subway art is approximately 3’x4′.
I painted the canvas with a base (Essential Grey) Sherwin Williams paint I had on hand.
Then I used some Martha Stewart butterfly stencils sprayed with stencil adhesive and some “metallic Sterling” paint to create a heart background on almost the entire canvas.
The stencil adhesive was cool as it is reposition-able. I sprayed them once and used them over and over on the entire canvas.
I wish I would have left it like this but I was afraid it would be too prominent with the names too so I dry brushed some of my base paint over the top of the whole heart.
Which made it too light but I didn’t want to start over — so I went with it.
Next, I used freezer paper to create stencils that I could iron onto the canvas. I cut some of the names out with an Xacto knife because I couldn’t get my cutting machine that I bought over a year ago and never took out of the box to work.
Luckily, when Wes came home from work, he got it running for me. What a guy!!! The machine was SOO much faster.
Then I ironed the freezer paper onto my canvas. I used a thin cotton cloth to protect my iron from the base paint. When you iron the freezer paper (shiny side on the fabric), it sticks and generally comes out crisp and clean.
I painted the names using several different mixtures of Sterling, my base grey and some of the Martha blues. I wanted it to be monochromatic.
With just a little POP of color.
Next I stapled it to a frame I found in my pile of “thrift sore finds” in my workshop that was the right size. I starting with the top, then the bottom, stretching it as I stapled. Then I did one side and then the other.
I tended to the corners by using the “gift wrap” technique.
And that is that. I wish I wouldn’t have muted the butterfly heart because it barely shows up now.
But I think my Mom is going to love it anyway.
elspeth says
That’s really nice. Hope she likes it!
becky mercado says
I love the canvas … I know how you feel when you don’t quit when you should. I’ve done that a lot. I guess you just learn for the next time. But it looks good. I see you used freezer paper for your name stencils. I’ve never used that. Do you use that cuz you can iron it on. Does that make it stick to the canvas? Do the words turn out crisp with this paper? I’d sure like to try it.
Sandra says
Yes, when you iron the freezer paper, it sticks to fabric. Then you peel it off when your done. It stuck to the painted canvas pretty well. There were a few areas that I had to touch up but most of it was crisp.
Kim @ Sand & Sisal says
What a neat idea! I like how the subway art is so personalized, not just random places or names but names of family who you all love!!
Laura @cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot says
Perfect. Grandma would love this for mother’s day with all the grankids’ names.
Thanks for the idea,
Laura
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking says
I like the blue!
When did you have time for this, in between tearing down the wall and removing the bathtub? LOL
Sandra says
I did it yesterday while I was waiting for all the Bathroom Design ideas to come in. I have to step away from “reno/remodel/construction” and get crafty every once in a while or I get cranky. LOL
Christine says
I think it’s beautiful, for what it’s worth.
Nancy Wyant-Barr says
I have been wanting to make one of these for myself… but I have to wait for the name of my in the process of being adopted from Bulgaria grandson’s name! I guess I could just fill in the blanks spots later! I have 9 to put on it now!
Nancy (Your mom will love it!)
Maria says
What a great idea and the details has given me all sorts of ideas for decorating around the house! Sadly my mom and mom-in-law are both gone.
Vivienne @ The V Spot says
Awesome! I love how it turned out and I think it’s good that the butterflies are kind of muted.
Mod Podge Amy says
SO pretty Sandra! Love the subtle butterflies in the background.
Cheryl says
we are a dog loving family… I think I will make one and put paw prints on the background instead of butterflies and add the dogs names we have had, do have and then will add the new ones!
Michelle O says
LOVE IT!
Question – where did you get your rug? LOVE that too. 🙂