DIY Word Art Wall Decor


Today we are pleased to introduce the first of a few posts featuring D.I.Y.'s (or how-to's) from the talented Rikkianne of Chakra Pennywhistle. Rikkianne as you many of you know, is well-known for her beautiful eco-friendly products from pillows, accessories, and children's wear. She has an amazing eye and style, and a great ear (follow her on blip.fm, we do!). She has some awesome ideas to share here, and we hope you love her first one today, "Words As Art", we think it's an awesome idea to make for Valentine's! Visit Rikkianne at her etsy shop here!


 

I found this project on the Mint Design blog. Meghan from Mustard and Sage made the loveliest painting for her husband using a Neutral Milk Hotel tune. When her painting popped onto the screen, I had one of those moments where you almost fall out of the chair because you realize how beautiful it is and that you might just be able to do that yourself! That is the reason why I had to share it with you. Be sure to check out Meghan’s process. While mine is a bit different, both tutorials share a simple project that actually says quite a lot.

The hardest part is picking out what to say. I am a music lover and I immediately knew that I would never complete the painting if I had to pick one song. I decided to use a quote that my husband and I have kept close to our hearts for the nine years that we have been together. My quote is taken from a Time Out New York interview with Julia Child. I have kept the clipping for years and this project allowed me to showcase it in the most perfect way.

Supplies:

Artist Paints: I used gouache for my painting. I happened to have some in the studio and tried it out. I liked the effect. It is a bit thicker than acrylic and leaves a more textured/aged look. Acrylic is easier to stamp leaving a smooth print. You can even use an inkpad. I have provided examples of all three styles.

Paint Brush: To apply the paint to the stamp and also nice to have on hand for touch ups.

Foam Letter Stamps: You can find different sets and fonts at your local craft shop.

Stretched Canvas

Pencil / Ruler


Process:

1. Take a ruler and draw a horizontal line across your canvas. This line will be your stamping guide.

2. Paint color on your stamp with the paintbrush. I found that this was easier then dipping the stamp. It makes for a more even print.

3. Place your stamp on the canvas and press.

4. Continue for each word, all the while using your horizontal pencil lines as your guide.


Below are the different stamp effects …

Top: Gouache
Middle: Acrylic
Bottom: Inkpad – Mine was rather old and dry but I think that you can get the gist.

That’s all there is to it! I hope that you enjoy this tutorial. If you decide to make one of your own, please share what your words would be!

Jan Halvarson

23 comments:

Ursula said...

what a fun, simple project that makes the perfect statement! I'm off to make one for myself if I can choose my words!

Barbara Bechtel said...

very nice! i've been thinking about making one of these as well after i saw the one at mustard and sage. i really like Rikkianne's trying out different media to get the effect she wanted. a good reminder when you're salivating over a new idea!

wynzia said...

i've been dreaming of this project since i first saw it. now, you remind me again. thanks for sharing your process. i think it's finally time for me to make my own...

SimaG Jewelry said...

I LOVE IT!!! what a great idea to create simple and fun project with the kids.
THANK YOU for sharing.

Sophie said...

Wow, very simple and great tutorial, thanks !
I'm french and of course i think of french words like : amour, il était une fois...

nichole said...

Oooh, I love this. Great tutorial!

Mandy Behrens said...

This is simply delightful! Look forward to more. Thank you Rikkianne + Jan!

Finch said...

This is so so awesome! I love the look and it's such a great tutorial. The only thing I'm meh about is Julia Child - ever since I read her comments about gays and just the rampant homophobia - I've no longer been able to see her the way I used to, and it makes me sad, especially considering I used to love her and even lived down the street from her famous Cambridge, Mass apartment/kitchen.

Chakra Pennywhistle said...

Oh my gosh! I did not know that about Julia. That breaks my heart!

I am glad that everyone is enjoying the tutorial :) It really is easy to do and would make a great Valentine's Day gift.

Renee Wagemans said...

Do you "fill up" these letterforms?
I love what you show in this tutorial.

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

Oh how fun, I love this! Thanks so much, I'll be linking to this.

Jen Singh said...

oh don't tell me that about Julia-I just saw Julie and Julia and fell in love with her! Fab idea and love the idea for Valentine's Day, my husband and I have started to run out of ideas, year 15 and all...

Chakra Pennywhistle said...

Hi Renee,

I just painted a single layer of paint onto the foam stamp. I did that each time that I pressed a letter.

Hope that I answered your question. Feel free to ask more. I will be happy to help :)

Meghan said...

It turned out so well! I love it.
And thanks for the link love. :)

jordan said...

umm...love this!!! thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Thank you! Your blog post will be advertised on the DigiFree Craft Items search engine today (look for timestamp: 14 Jan [LA 10:50pm] - 15 Jan [NY 01:50am, UK 06:50am, OZ 05:50pm] ).

redorgrayart said...

thank you for this tutorial /idea my senior in high school daughter and i will use this to make graduation gifts for friends dorm rooms, song lyrics for sure!...smaller size probably.

alexkeller said...

this is great!!! i recently saw a vintage bus stop sign, and his would be a great way to replicate it! yay!

pame said...

tipography... i love it!!!
www.pamedcv.blogspot.com

Katie said...

So great!!! I love this idea!

Kendra Zvonik said...

Fun tutorial, Lady Chakra! Thanks!

ethanollie said...

great tutorial rikkianne! i am always so inspired when I see a DIY project like this, but fall short when it comes to actually doing it

this will be fun for me and my little guy to do together

looking forward to seeing more from this series...

Vesta Monroe said...

what a nice idea!!!

Vesta Monroe
Domestic Goddess Guide