DIY Mini Canvas: Sunset

By Andrew Jacobs
Jan 29, 2018

DIY Mini Canvas: Sunset

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

Now the Paper Choices. These are totally up to you, depending on if you want a sunrise, sunset, a nice beach day, etc. Here's what I used:

Sky: Red, Pink, Violet
Sun: Gold, Dark Orange
Water: Navy Blue, Presidential Blue, Teal, Aqua

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 3: 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 pattern.

Step 4: 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!

Creating Your Own DIY Mini Canvas: Sunset

Are you looking for a fun and creative project to do at home? Why not try making your own DIY mini canvas featuring a beautiful sunset scene? This project is not only a great way to express your artistic side, but it also makes for a unique and personalized piece of decor for your home. By using simple materials and following easy steps, you can create a stunning sunset landscape that will brighten up any room. Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting out, this DIY mini canvas project is perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of creativity to their space.

The Benefits of DIY Mini Canvas: Sunset

One of the main benefits of creating your own DIY mini canvas featuring a sunset is the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with making something beautiful with your own hands. Additionally, this project allows you to unleash your creativity and experiment with different colors and techniques to achieve the perfect sunset effect. Not to mention, the finished canvas makes for a unique and thoughtful gift for friends and family. By engaging in this DIY project, you can also de-stress and relax while immersing yourself in the creative process.

Use Cases for DIY Mini Canvas: Sunset

There are countless ways to incorporate your DIY mini canvas featuring a sunset into your home decor. You can display it on a small easel on a bookshelf, hang it on a gallery wall, or even use it as a coaster or trivet. This versatile piece of art can also be used as a decorative element for themed parties or events. Additionally, creating multiple mini canvases with different sunset scenes can result in a stunning and cohesive gallery wall display.

Alternatives to DIY Mini Canvas: Sunset

If you're looking for alternative DIY projects, consider creating mini canvases featuring other natural landscapes such as mountains, oceans, or forests. You can also explore different art mediums such as watercolor, acrylic, or mixed media to create unique and personalized pieces. Additionally, if you prefer a more abstract approach, you can experiment with geometric designs or patterns on mini canvases.

Tips for Creating DIY Mini Canvas: Sunset

When embarking on this DIY project, it's important to start with a light-colored canvas to achieve the vibrant colors of a sunset. Use a variety of warm hues such as reds, oranges, and yellows to create a realistic sunset effect. Additionally, blending and layering the colors will add depth and dimension to your canvas. Don't be afraid to experiment with different brush strokes and techniques to capture the beauty of a sunset. Lastly, be sure to seal your finished canvas with a protective varnish to preserve the colors and ensure longevity.

Adding Personal Touches to Your DIY Mini Canvas: Sunset

One of the best things about creating your own DIY mini canvas featuring a sunset is the ability to add personal touches that make it uniquely yours. Consider incorporating elements such as silhouettes of trees, birds, or boats to enhance the sunset scene. You can also customize the colors and composition to reflect your own interpretation of a sunset. By infusing your personality and creativity into the project, you'll create a one-of-a-kind piece of art that truly speaks to you.