DIY Mini Canvas: Sunset

By Andrew Jacobs
Jan 29, 2018

As I look through Pinterest, I can't seem to find anything. I keep scrolling, scrolling, and can't fathom doing any of the projects. Too difficult. Too easy. Too many steps. I turned around pondering what to do and see one of my paper craft books, Beautiful Paper Cutting, standing on a shelf. Here's what I found:

And I was so excited, I had to make it myself. And then I noticed these on my desk:

No not the clips, even though they are a close favorite to my le pens. The box it was put in! This cute wooden box would be my canvas, and I would create one shadow box like in the book. Then I figured this out:

Putting all the different sizes of our wooden clips together, I can make an awesome panel canvas (they are like totes in right now). But really, they are. And this is when my excitement on a Friday afternoon really started.

YOUR SUPPLIES:

Paper from JAM aka JAM Paper
Mini Wooden Clips (for the boxes, and now you'll have two awesome DIY crafts!)
Hot Glue Gun (to put the "canvas" together)
Scissors
Glue Stick

STEP 1: The Background
Pick your background color to be the color of your most upfront 'wave'. This would be my aqua (lightest blue) color for my particular project. ***You have to be patient when putting your background up. This is because you want it to cover the entire canvas, leaving no wooden spots. At the same time you cannot have it overlap or it will not lay flat. Keep this in mind throughout the project!

STEP 2: The Sun
Now in relation to your canvas, you want your sun to be a little less than half of the biggest box (or the middle). Cut out the same size circle for Gold as for Dark Orange (you can use yellow, then orange, or light grey then navy blue for the moon). The Dark Orange goes behind the Gold Stardream and peeks out to its right a little. Measure where you will cut and cut the sun in half. This way you will make a cool effect on your canvas instead of the whole sun in only one box.

Step 3: The "Mountain"
For this, all you're doing is ripping paper. The Navy Blue (or the darkest color) should be the roughest. Rip a piece of paper and you will see there is a smooth side and a rough side. **Always pick the rough side. You are ripping the navy blue paper to look like mountains. Cover one end of the sun with the navy blue and put the other Navy blue box under the sun. And then just measure the rest so it covers the whole bottom of the canvas!

Step 4: The Waves
The waves are the only paper you are cutting with a scissor instead of ripping. This is to create a smooth finish. Make each color a different size wave so they are not overlapping one another once you glue them on. Order: presidential blue, teal, and aqua. As you see in the picture below, the brush lines are all different, not having the same wave

Step 5: The Sky
Again the art of ripping paper comes into play. Order: violet (bottom), pink (middle), red (top). You don't have to show the pink in every canvas box, but you should definitely have the red in each.

And there you have it! Your own DIY Mini Canvas! Take your time with the project (mine took about an hour and a half). I had so much fun, that I gave it to my mom for a present. Now she has it on top of her door!

Show us your creations in our comment section and we'll share it everywhere!

Posted in Arts & Crafts

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DIY Mini Canvas Sunset Tutorial

Key Summary:

This article will provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to create a DIY mini canvas sunset, perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike.
Materials needed include mini canvases, acrylic paints, paintbrushes, and optional embellishments.
Step-by-step instructions will cover preparing the canvas, painting the background, adding details, and finishing touches.

With the rising trend of DIY crafts, creating mini canvas art pieces has become increasingly popular. In this article, we will explore the appeal of creating mini canvas sunsets as a relaxing and creative activity. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crafter, this step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process of creating your own mini canvas sunset masterpiece. From preparing the canvas to adding final touches, you will learn valuable techniques and tips to enhance your painting skills and unleash your creativity. Get ready to dive into the world of DIY mini canvas art and discover the joy of creating beautiful sunset scenes!

Materials Needed

Before starting your DIY mini canvas sunset project, gather the following materials: mini canvases, acrylic paints in various colors, paintbrushes in different sizes, water cup for cleaning brushes, palette for mixing colors, paper towels for blotting, and optional embellishments like glitter or stickers. These materials can be easily found at your local craft store or online, making it convenient to get started on your creative journey.

Mini Canvases

When selecting mini canvases for your project, choose ones that are small in size but sturdy enough to hold the paint. Mini canvases are perfect for creating small-scale art pieces and are ideal for beginners looking to practice their painting skills. Make sure to have multiple canvases on hand in case you want to create multiple sunset scenes or experiment with different techniques.

Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are versatile and easy to work with, making them a popular choice for DIY projects. Choose a variety of colors to create a vibrant sunset palette, including warm tones like red, orange, and yellow. Acrylic paints dry quickly, allowing you to layer colors and blend them seamlessly to achieve the desired sunset effect.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have gathered your materials, it's time to dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating your DIY mini canvas sunset. Follow these detailed guidelines to bring your sunset scene to life and unleash your creativity on canvas.

Preparing the Canvas

Before you start painting, it's essential to prepare the mini canvas properly. Begin by priming the canvas with a layer of gesso to create a smooth surface for painting. Allow the gesso to dry completely before setting up your workspace with all the necessary materials. Make sure to cover your work area with a protective sheet or newspaper to prevent any spills or stains.

Painting the Background

Start by painting the background of your mini canvas sunset with a base color, such as a light blue or pink to represent the sky. Use a large paintbrush to cover the canvas evenly and create a smooth gradient effect. Then, gradually add darker colors like orange and red to mimic the colors of a sunset. Blend the colors together using a dry brush or sponge to create a seamless transition between shades.

Who Should Try This Project

Creating a DIY mini canvas sunset is perfect for:

Beginners looking to practice painting skills
Experienced crafters seeking a relaxing and creative activity
Art enthusiasts interested in exploring new techniques
Individuals looking for a fun and rewarding DIY project
Anyone wanting to add a personal touch to their home decor

When to Embark on This Creative Journey

You should consider creating a DIY mini canvas sunset:

When you have some free time and want to unwind with a creative activity
During a rainy day or when you're stuck indoors looking for something fun to do
As a gift idea for a friend or loved one who appreciates handmade items
When you feel inspired by the beauty of sunsets and want to capture that on canvas
As a way to explore your artistic abilities and experiment with different painting techniques

Examples of Creative Uses for Your Mini Canvas Sunset

Once you've completed your DIY mini canvas sunset, you can:

Display it on a small easel as a charming piece of home decor
Frame it and hang it on a gallery wall with other mini canvas art pieces
Give it as a thoughtful gift for a birthday, holiday, or special occasion
Sell it at a local craft fair or online marketplace as a handmade product
Use it as a creative outlet to express your love for art and painting

What Sets Our Product Apart

Our DIY mini canvas sunset tutorial stands out from the rest due to its detailed step-by-step instructions that cater to both beginners and seasoned crafters. The materials needed are easily accessible, making it convenient for anyone to start their creative journey. Additionally, the tutorial provides tips and techniques for blending colors, creating textures, and adding depth to the painting, ensuring a beautiful finished product every time.

Techniques for Blending Colors

One of the key features that make our product special is the focus on teaching techniques for blending colors seamlessly. By following our step-by-step instructions, you will learn how to create a vibrant sunset palette with smooth transitions between shades. This skill is essential for achieving a realistic and visually appealing sunset scene on your mini canvas.

Ways to Make the Most of Your Adventure

To get the most out of your creative adventure with our DIY mini canvas sunset tutorial, consider the following tips:

Experiment with Different Painting Techniques

Don't be afraid to experiment with different painting techniques to add variety and interest to your mini canvas sunset. Try using different brush strokes, layering colors, or adding textures to create a unique and personalized artwork. The more you explore and push your creative boundaries, the more rewarding your painting experience will be.

Artistic Inspiration:

As we wrap up this tutorial on creating a DIY mini canvas sunset, it's clear that this project offers a perfect blend of relaxation and creativity for crafters of all levels. By following the step-by-step instructions and exploring your artistic abilities, you can bring a beautiful sunset scene to life on a mini canvas. Whether you display it as home decor, give it as a gift, or sell it as a handmade product, your mini canvas sunset will surely brighten up any space and inspire others to embark on their own creative journey. So grab your materials, unleash your imagination, and let the colors of the sunset guide your brush as you create a masterpiece that reflects the beauty of nature and the joy of crafting.