Create Your Own Canvas

Yesterday at Santa Rosa Beach I met a delightful woman who works with children. She's a volunteer and really enjoys what she does. And she's always looking for ideas. Aren't we all?

 

This little fish and all his friends are part of my "Little Bit of Happy" container. They are fun, small pieces of art that I sell for only $5 each. I want people to be able to afford art that will make them smile.

 

How can I offer these pieces for such a low price? I keep my costs down by using what I have. Some of the items are painted on small pieces of scrap wood. Others, such as this fish, are created on cardboard. Yes, that's right. Cardboard.

 

It all began with a stack of old CDs that I needed to do something with. Those who know me understand that I'm all about using what you have. But I didn't want to paint on the CDs. Yes. I know you can. Been there, done that. But just as I don't enjoy painting on glass, I didn't enjoy painting on CDs. So what was I to do?

 

I considered it and then I reached for something else we generally discard: Cereal boxes. I glued the shiny side of the box onto the CD to create a new canvas. I also placed a small piece of ribbon between the cardboard and CD to create a hanger.

 

Things I learned: Rubber cement works better than white glue. Always put something heavy on top of the cardboard to hold it in place and keep it flat.

 

Your cost? Rubber cement, a little bit of ribbon and whatever paint or embellishments you might use. And your time. There is always your time.

 

I suggested to this nice lady that smaller children could put handprints on the "canvas" and create a beautiful Mother's Day gift. Or she could let the children draw their own art or use cutouts for creating a special project.

 

I'm not sure this was an idea she was seeking but we sure had a good time sharing ideas.