DIY Wall Art

Since Jake and I have moved into our townhouse, I have been looking for cheap, DIY decorating ideas. We have an open floor plan and a big empty wall that goes through the kitchen and living room.

 I have been trying to find something BIG that can go on that wall behind the kitchen table. I've seen wall art in magazines using embroidery hoops, and I got step-by-step directions from the Shabby Chic blog. I went out and got a few embroidery hoops and a paper mache "K". First I laid out the design on the floor:

Then I collected my fabric. The colors in the kitchen are red, burnt orange and brown.

Then I painted the "K" ivory.

After that, I assembled the fabric on the hoops. First, unscrew the hoop and pull the rings apart. Lay the center ring on the floor underneath the fabric.

Then place the outer ring over top of the fabric and screw it back together.

Cut off the excess fabric along the edge of the ring.

And, the finished product...

I used my negotiating skills to purchase the slightly defective "K" for 50% off at the craft store, so I got it for $5 instead if $10. The damage is on the backside of it, so it didn't even matter. The embroidery hoops were $1.25 each. Overall, a pretty inexpensive project!