Eight Dollar Art

OK first, let me rant a little about Hobby Lobby. Why on earth would you be closed on a Sunday? When else are normal people going to have time to complete projects? It is like Chik-fil-a... when is a better time to enjoy a chik'n mini and a large ice-cold Diet Dr. Pepper than when you are hung over on a Sunday morning? I get the whole 'and on the seventh day God rested,' but that doesn't mean humans have to as well. Resting on a Wednesday is just as rad... trust me.

That being said, after driving 20 minutes to the nearest Michael's, I retrieved the few and super-cheap materials necessary to complete my Sunday project, lovingly entitled Eight Dollar Art. And best of all, you can do it too! This project requires approximately zero artistic talent and very few materials. The only tool you might not have laying around your house is a staple gun, and you should have one. So mosey on down to Target (or UGH Wal-Mart, where I fought off the dregs of humanity in the name of proximity to Michael's), and invest in a nifty staple gun for $8.88 plus tax.

As I mentioned previously, I have acquired numerous fabric samples from my office. These are usually upholstery fabrics or curtain samples that have been discontinued and are, therefore, no longer usable for clients. You might argue that not everyone has access to materials like that, but here's the secret: you do. We have several people who come in every few weeks and sort through our discontinued samples. One woman comes in who makes them into purses, another makes pillows. They have no association with our business, they just asked. So try it... think of stores in your area that might have excess fabric and check it out. You've got nothing to lose, right?

So, with that, I took a beautiful coarse linen and made it into a cheap and chic piece of art. I like to think of it as a little bit retro, and a LOT of awesome. 

First, measure the fabric and determine the size stretcher bars necessary by giving yourself 1.5-2" around the edge. For example, my fabric was 34" x 25", so I bought two 30" bars and two 20" bars for $1.89 plus tax each. Look for them in the canvas section of your local crafts store. Added bonus? Feel like a superior artist amongst the scrapbooking moms by giving off the appearance of a 'real' artist who stretches and gessoes her own canvas.

Now, iron and lay your fabric face down on a carpeted surface. Starting in the middle of each bar, use your handy-dandy staple gun to pull the fabric tight. The best comparison I can make is to wrapping a present. Wrap your corners just like you would fold paper around a box. Stretch and staple all the way around. Flip over and hang on the wall. Instant awesome art.

Be careful when you are stretching not to pull too hard, ESPECIALLY if you are using a fabric with any sort of stretch to it (anything with spandex... beware!). Just be extra careful when you are stapling not to make any noticeable pulls in the fabric.

With a project of the day under my belt, I am off to take a shower and hit the hay... or maybe watch Mad Men. Decisions, decisions.