First I want to thank everyone who left a kind comment about the loss of my father. It means the world to me. I haven’t been doing much for the last week so it’s time to get back in the saddle …
I’m going down the shore.
Translation for anyone not from the New Jersey area: I am traveling to the beach.
Since I can’t bring myself down the shore when the temps are 14 degrees, I’ll do the next best thing and bring the shore to me – well, to my daughter’s room anyway – with an abstract painting that reminds us of ocean waves.
Best part – it literally takes just minutes to create.
I don’t want to hear any moaning and groaning like, “I’m not an artist” or “the only thing I can paint are my nails.”
No negative thoughts because anyone can do this – even a monkey (oh no, what does that say about me)?
DIY Abstract Art Diptych
Materials
Canvas (I used two 16″x20″)
Craft Paints – I love Martha Stewart Paints and chose seven in a range of ombre colors with a little silver and white thrown in but use whatever colors you love …
– Wild Blueberry, Blueberry Slush (glitter), Surf, Diving Board, Blue Sky, Sterling (metallic), Summer Linen
Martha Stewart Craft Squeegee (or you can use a putty knife)
1) Lay your canvases side by side and squeeze a few drops of your darkest color paint near the bottom of each canvas
2) Use your craft squeegee to spread the paint around the bottom few inches
Note: I like a textured look so I made sure to have thicker areas of paint on the canvas
3) Repeat dotting the other colors of paint onto the canvas (one at a time, from darkest to lightest) and continue to spread with the squeegee
Note: Make sure to overlap the colors while they are wet for a blended look and rinse the squeegee after every couple of colors
4) When done, go back over some areas of the canvas with the darkest and lightest colors to give it more texture and depth
5) Hang your diptych (fancy word for a two piece painting), step back and pretend you’re down the shore
She sells seashells by the seashore.
I also am excited to have finally found the perfection solution for the jumble of my daughter’s jewelry with this bottle drying rack turned jewelry holder.
Fingers crossed that it will stay this neat (a mom can dream).
Gotta run – there’s snow to shovel.
Now hop over (we are sharing our fave 10 Minute Decorating Ideas every month) to see what my three fabulous friends did in under 10 minutes.
Sources:
Shell Filled Glass Lamp – thrift store
Floral Lampshade – HomeGoods
Bottle Rack Jewelry Holder – HomeGoods (find similar here)
Blue Tray – HomeGoods
Floor Mirror – Ikea
Shag Rug – Overstock.com
Blue Pouf – Target
Dog Bank – Target
This is my third year as a 12 Months of Martha blogger where I create cool things from mystery boxes sent to me from my BFF Martha. I only speak the truth.
Very cute, Kelly. Love that color palette! It’s perfect in that room, which, by the way, already looked pretty perfect. Love that crocheted poof on the floor and the hook on the wall holding your bracelets! Inspired design : )
Thanks Sue – my daughter loves it and I’m thrilled to get her jewelry organized (finally)!
i love the look! gorgeous colors, too!
Thanks Cassie – I had to remove a few posters of Austin Mahone but my daughter approves!
I’m still not convinced that I could do this as I am completely challenged when it comes to art, but dying to give it a shot….gorgeous colors and with our 8 degree temperatures in NC, you have me dreaming of the beach!
You can do it – plus what better way to spend a freezing day?!
What a great project Kelly…one that all ages can do….and love that bottle rack wall hanging…great idea for jewelry!
Thanks Shirley – it’s such a quick, easy thing to do!
It looks so professional! I love it and how easy you made it look. I need something for my hallway that we just repainted and now has bare walls. Maybe, just maybe I’ll get enough confidence to give it a go…….
Thanks
You can do it Deb – send me a pic when your creation is complete!
Pretty! I’ve been art window shopping lately and abstracts have always caught my eye and was even contemplating painting one! You just gave me a great idea!
Can’t wait to see Vel!
I love this idea. I’m redoing my bedroom and need art over the bed. This will be perfect. Thanks for sharing.
My bedroom needs a facelift – have fun with redoing yours!
I love your ideas! Where did you find the bottle drying rack? It’s a perfect idea for necklaces!
I love the bottle drying rack – it’s from HomeGoods Karen!
I include you and your family in my prayers.
After the loss of my six day old daughter a dear friend called us to say the key to their Jersey shore house was sitting as in the mail box, “Just go.” We did.
Something about the shore that soothes, gives way to clarity of thought, so that one can be still and quiet to honor the loss.
Even in 14 degree winter weather.
I will hapily walk the frozen sand, listen, and search the beach for sea glass with you any time.
Thank you for including the photo of you and your father. It was sparkling and bright. Keep that image and his love in your heart.
I am so very sorry that you lost your little girl Hallaren – how devastating. Thanks for taking the time to share that and for leaving such a nice comment
I love this project, Kelly! There’s something about painting and creating that is just fueling and restorative. I’ve been praying for you and yours… hugs to you. xo Heidi
Agree – painting is something we can get lost in and forget about everything else!
Love your artwork…it is fun to paint with non-brush tools and items. I once took a painting class where one of our assignments was to paint a painting using anything but a brush. Fun project!
What did you use Judy?
I used a feather and palette knife and don’t remember what else since it was around 35 years ago. The painting was a “Great Blue Heron” which I gave my brother as a gift when he graduated from college (one day I will take a photo of it for you to see). Just thinking about the endless items you can use to paint with, so many! Thanks for bringing back a memory of mine!
Love it
Thanks Julia – coming from the queen of abstract art, that’s a high compliment!
So pretty, Kelly. You always inspire! Are bottle drying racks like that hard to find? I would love to mount one to a wall like you did to use for belts, etc.
I am also sorry for your loss and I am thinking of you and your family at this sad time.
Absolutely beautiful and original. I love those colours. Thanks for your pretty blog.
xoxo
Thanks Maria – thanks for reading!