Creating Wall Art

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-736 -- More Projects »
PHOTO

A little bit of paint and some homemade stencils can transform a boring bare wall into a work of art.
Interior designer Anne McKevitt suggests creating a wall mural for a bare space that needs covering.

Wall Mural

Materials:

tape measure
pencil
masking tape
paint in three shades (light, medium and dark)
plastic plates
paintbrushes
damp cloth
white or cream-colored paint (optional)
heavy gauge paper
scissors

Steps:


  1. Mark the width and height of the sofa on the wall with a pencil. Measure in 12 inches from each side and mark.

  2. Divide the space into three panels. Measure between the two marks and divide by three. For example, a 48-inch wall would have three 16-inch panels. Mark the spots.
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Figure A
  • Mark how high the mural is going to be and tape off the outer edges of the mural. Center a piece of masking tape over the two marks dividing the wall into panels (figure A). Be sure to press down firmly on masking tape so paint won't bleed under it.
    • PHOTO

    Figure B
  • Use three shades of the same color and put a bit of each color on separate plastic plates.

  • Use a damp cloth to dab paint onto wall--one color for each panel (figure B). This background color should be applied lightly, transparently. Be sure to take paint all the way to the masking tape for crisp edges.

  • To create new colors or extend paint, add white or cream to the color.

  • Make stencils out of heavy gauge paper.

  • Draw simple leaf shapes and cut out.

  • Tape stencils to the wall, at the masking-tape joints, so they can be removed easily.

  • Dab on stencil paint.

  • Wipe off excess paint on a paper towel before applying to the wall for even application.

  • When completely dry, remove tape and erase pencil marks.
    • Resources
    Style on a Shoestring: Simple Ideas for Fantastic Rooms
    by Anne McKevitt, Shelly Warrington
    Bay Books, 1998
    Order this title from Amazon.com.

    Guests
    Anne McKevitt
    Interior Designer / New Business Manager, Anne McKevitt Ideas
    PO Box 24463
    London, UK W5 1FS
    Website: www.annemckevittideas.com
    Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-736
    •Microwave Fudge
    •Vegetable Arrangements
    •Creating Wall Art
    •Smart Solution of the Day