This week, I’m sharing an State Silhouette on Canvas project with you. I made this a few months ago, and now realize I didn’t take quite enough pictures. I hope my instructions are clear enough, if not, feel welcomed to ask me any questions!
Supplies You’ll Need:
- One Canvas {You can choose the size, I used 11X14}
- Paint {Your TWO favorite colors. I decided to use green and blue paints for my project. I love how the colors play off one another.}
- Foam Brushes {These are great because you can toss them after each use if you choose. I do rinse mine, and find that I can use them three or four times before they start to break down. Recently, Michael’s had them on sale 14 for $1.00. I made sure to stock up.}
- Freezer Paper {Found near the aluminum foil and wax paper in most stores.}
- Cricut, scissors, or a straight-edge blade to cut your design
- Iron
What You’ll do:
Paint the entire canvas with the background color of your choice. Keep in mind that if you choose a dark color for the background and a lighter color for the state that the state color may not appear as you’d like. The darker color might “bleed” through. I’ll talk more about an idea I have for a dark background with a light state image below.
Allow canvas to dry for at least 60 minutes. While the canvas is drying, choose your state design and cut it out. A great resource for maps is google. Just type in “[your state name] maps” and use the one you like best. I cut the map using my Cricut, and the Sure-Cuts-Alot software. If you don’t have a Cricut, you can easily print the design directly onto Freezer paper and cut it out using scissors or a straight-edge. Be careful when cutting if you’re using scissors as we’re using the silhouette of the state, not the state itself.
Apply your silhouette cut out directly to the canvas. Use your iron to adhere it to the canvas, if necessary. Paint the inside of your silhouette moving your brush from the outside in. This step helps to preserve your edges of your design. You can see on the bottom of my Massachusetts, that my painting is not a smooth, straight line. Considering this was my first attempt, I decided to leave it as it. Which completely defies my type-A, perfectionist tendencies.
Hang on your wall and display proudly!
Easy as pie. The hardest part is choosing your color combinations.
If you decide to go with a dark background, light state image….you could try cut the image out first, adhering the state itself to the canvas with your iron. Paint the entire canvas the dark color. Once the paint has dried, remove the state image and paint. You’ll want to use a fancier, and small brush, than the foam type as you’ll now be focusing more on the details of the state. I haven’t tried this method, I’d love to see how yours turns out.
This would make a wonderful wedding gift – imagine creating two for the couple to hang side-by-side showcasing where they’re both from – or maybe a housewarming gift for someone who moved to a new state. You could add red hearts to cities of significance. The possibilities are endless!
