I love to paint. Many years ago, I took a painting class offered by my local craft store. I was determined to become a better painter. But, try as I might, my paintings always looked horrible. I have found I am much better at painting objects like wood signs or plaster village pieces. Still, that doesn’t change the fact that I enjoy painting. So, I came up with this craft as a way to use both paint and sequins to create canvas art. Using some old Styrofoam from a discarded package, I was able to find a way to stick the sequins to the canvas.
By combining both paint and sequins, I was able to create a unique wall hanging that is both pretty and eye-catching. This is a perfect craft for a teen or tween, or for anyone who wants to create some sparkle on their walls. For this project, I used a picture of a butterfly, but you can use virtually any object, and you can use sequin colors that match the color of your room. The great thing I found about using painted canvas as a backdrop for my sequins was that if you have any gaps, you can simply fill it in with paint.
The items needed are fairly inexpensive. You can find sequins at any store that sells crafts. I found the pack of sequins I used for this project at Jo-Ann Fabrics. The canvas was part of a pack of two that I got at Walmart. Next, I printed a picture of a butterfly to trace. For the tips of the butterfly’s antennae, I used silver map pins that I found online. To fasten the sequins to the Styrofoam, I used ½” sequin pins and clear sequin beads. Then, using a fine tip black sharpie marker, I drew the antennae on the canvas. Once you start to add the sequins, the Styrofoam will hold nicely to the back of the canvas, so there’s no need to use glue. Since the canvas is porous, glue will show through onto the painted canvas.
Supplies:
1/2” sequin pins
Clear sequin beads
Cup sequins in color of your choice
2 silver map pins
1 8X10 canvas
Acrylic paint
Tissue paper and pencil for tracing
1 piece of 1/2” Styrofoam and craft knife Fine point black marker
First, I painted the canvas with three coats of lavender acrylic paint. Allow the canvas to dry between coats.
Using a sharp craft knife, I cut a piece of Styrofoam to fit inside the back of the canvas.
Next, I traced the picture of the butterfly I printed onto a piece of tissue. Then, I taped the tissue onto the canvas.
This is where the fun begins! Using your sequin pins and beads, start to trace outline of the butterfly.
Once you have the outline complete, you can start to tear away the tissue. I used a pair of tweezers to help with this step. Then you can start to fill in the butterfly’s wings with color.
I decided to keep the canvas a simple lavender, but you can always add painted highlights or even use a sponge technique to give your canvas even more dimension. To finish, I found an old frame that I had spray-painted silver.
For those of us who are drawing-challenged, I found this was a way I could still create fun wall art. Plus, I was able to find a good use for some old Styrofoam packing that would otherwise be tossed in the garbage.
The Quaint Crafter 