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Large-Scale Abstract Art on a DIY Drop Cloth Canvas

February 27, 2017 By Erin Spain 2 Comments

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Plaid®. All opinions are my own.

Learn how to build your own oversized art canvas (on the cheap!) using a drop cloth, and make DIY abstract art!

Large-scale art can be incredibly expensive, but the good news is you don’t have to be an artist to create your own inexpensive abstract art. I’ll show you how to build your own large-scale canvas, and then you can get creative making your own abstract art! Anyone can do it, and all you need are a few supplies.

Project Supplies:

  • FolkArt® Acrylic Paint (I used 3 – 8 oz. bottles of Wicker White and 3 – 8 oz. bottles of Navy Blue)
  • 3 – 1×2 boards at 6 ft. long
  • Saw
  • 2 inch wood screws
  • Drill
  • Countersink drill bit (or a pocket hole jig and pocket hole screws)
  • Large canvas drop cloth (at least 3′ wide and 5′ long)
  • Scissors
  • Staple gun and staples
  • Large paint brush
  • Plastic plate
  • Plastic drop cloth
  • Sanding block or sandpaper

Step 1

First, cut your boards to the following lengths: (2) boards at 5 ft. long; (2) boards at 3 feet long. (Or whatever dimensions you choose for your canvas.)

Learn how to build your own oversized art canvas (on the cheap!) using a drop cloth, and make DIY abstract art!

Learn how to build your own oversized art canvas (on the cheap!) using a drop cloth, and make DIY abstract art!

Step 2

Sand the rough edges of the wood.

Learn how to build your own oversized art canvas (on the cheap!) using a drop cloth, and make DIY abstract art!

Step 3

Position your “frame”. Using a countersink bit, drill pilot holes in each bottom corner where your screws will go. Then, attach the frame with 2″ screws. (Alternately, you can use pocket holes for a stronger joint.) Initially, I had planned on attaching a board in the middle for added support, but I didn’t like the way it looked through the canvas so I nixed the idea.

Learn how to build your own oversized art canvas (on the cheap!) using a drop cloth, and make DIY abstract art!

Learn how to build your own oversized art canvas (on the cheap!) using a drop cloth, and make DIY abstract art!

Learn how to build your own oversized art canvas (on the cheap!) using a drop cloth, and make DIY abstract art!

Step 4

Iron or steam your drop cloth, and then lay it on top of your frame. Cut it to size, leaving a few extra inches on each side.

Learn how to build your own oversized art canvas (on the cheap!) using a drop cloth, and make DIY abstract art!

Learn how to build your own oversized art canvas (on the cheap!) using a drop cloth, and make DIY abstract art!

Step 5

Flip the whole thing over, and using a staple gun, attach your drop cloth to the frame. Be sure to stretch your canvas and pull it tight each time you staple. You may need to cut some excess fabric in each corner before wrapping and stapling it to the frame. I opted to work on top of a plastic drop cloth.

Learn how to build your own oversized art canvas (on the cheap!) using a drop cloth, and make DIY abstract art!

Step 6

After your canvas has been built, it’s time to paint! Paint the entire canvas white, and allow to dry. I used FolkArt® Acrylic Paint in Wicker White, and Navy Blue for the abstract pattern. It took about 3 of the 8 oz. bottles to cover the canvas in the white. I love this paint because it gives great coverage and is water-based for easy clean-up.

Learn how to build your own oversized art canvas (on the cheap!) using a drop cloth, and make DIY abstract art!

Learn how to build your own oversized art canvas (on the cheap!) using a drop cloth, and make DIY abstract art!

Step 7

Now comes the fun part! I just randomly splattered my navy blue paint all over the canvas. I did find that the smaller 2 oz. paint bottles have smaller holes in the cap, so those work much better for this. Since I was using larger bottles, I swapped out the cap with a smaller bottle. So I recommend either purchasing three 8 oz. bottles of navy blue and 1 small 2 oz. bottle and just swapping out the cap from the smaller bottle, or just buy a bunch of small bottles.

Learn how to build your own oversized art canvas (on the cheap!) using a drop cloth, and make DIY abstract art!

That’s it! Simple enough, right?

Learn how to build your own oversized art canvas (on the cheap!) using a drop cloth, and make DIY abstract art!

Learn how to build your own oversized art canvas (on the cheap!) using a drop cloth, and make DIY abstract art!

Learn how to build your own oversized art canvas (on the cheap!) using a drop cloth, and make DIY abstract art!

One more thing: Take this quick, 5-question survey by March 12 for a chance to win a craft prize pack from Plaid®!

Here is a pinnable graphic if you’d like to save this post for later!

Learn how to build your own oversized art canvas (on the cheap!) using a drop cloth, and make DIY abstract art!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

  • Side Table Makeover Using FolkArt® Milk Paint
  • DIY Faux Concrete and Gold Leaf Planter
  • Project Gallery

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Thanks for visiting!

-Erin

Filed Under: Art, DIY, Tutorials, Wall Decor

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Comments

  1. Kelly C says

    April 27, 2017 at 9:36 pm

    Love your website and this piece fits BEAUTIFLLY in that room. I can’t believe that’s all it took!

    I’m changing from a primitive to a farmhouse style and refinishing my first piece of furniture and found your website to be so useful! & inspirational!

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      April 29, 2017 at 1:39 pm

      Thanks so much, Kelly! I’m so glad you’ve found my blog to be helpful. Good luck with your first furniture makeover!

      Reply

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