Creating Inexpensive Custom Wall Art for the Nursery

This guest post, part of our Nursery on a Budget series, is from reader Holly. Find out how to easily add the finishing touches to your nursery without spending big:

You’ve done it! You have finally chosen the perfect bedding for your nursery. Or maybe, just maybe, you haven’t. Either way, art work is a great way to make that bedding pop or provide a much needed change to those recycled linens. There are so many options for art work! Personalize your room with a monogram, tailor those gender-neutral textiles, or add a dash of fun. The possibilities are endless!

Most parents automatically assume that there is no way they can actually make the artwork for their newest bundle’s room. I promise, you CAN! There are a few simple things that you need to consider first:

Look at the size of your room. Large open rooms with taller ceilings are a great fit for larger pieces of work. I have found that smaller rooms are the perfect backdrop for several smaller pieces of art that help define the spaces in the room.

Think color. Take your bedding in consideration. Do you want similar colors or something that provides more contrast? Either way, you may want to consult a color wheel. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to visit your local paint shop. Take a sample of your bedding. They will easily be able to show you complimentary, contrast, or tonal colors to go with what you already have. If this is just too much for you, check out some of the websites or magazines of home décor stores. Look for something with similar colors, not similar function or furniture. Take on one aspect at a time.

Go with a theme. This is probably my favorite part! I have had the opportunity to create several complete nurseries for friends. Each one has a very specific theme or feel that matches the parents. If you love being outside, choose a lighter, airy theme. If cuddling in with a good book is more your speed, add child-friendly characters to your room. Many moms even use their sorority’s mascot! Don’t be afraid to take a leap, paint is easy to change! Pairing color and theme make the next few steps so much fun!!

Design!! Yup, I said it—design. You really can do it yourself. Most children’s art is based on basic shapes. Still a little scared? Use royalty-free clipart and carbon tracing paper (available at most craft stores). Print the picture to the size you want, place the picture on top of the canvas with the carbon paper sandwiched in between. Trace the major lines. One important thing to remember though—prime the canvas first!! Just use a basis white acrylic paint, cover the canvas completely, and let it dry overnight. After priming, add the major lines of your print using the carbon method or free hand drawing. Use acrylic paints to fill it in. And, ta-da, you’ve done it! One of the easiest ways to finish of a painting is to use a sharpie instead of trying to use a small paintbrush to add the finishing details.

Add the little touches. I like to use a coordinating ribbon around the edges of my canvases. This is just one way to finish off the picture. I also like to hang them in creative ways. One of my favorites is to use a cabinet door knob. Most hardware stores sell a two-sided screw just for this. I know Home Depot does! Just put one of those plastic anchors in the wall, put the two sided screw into the knob, then screw the knob into the anchor. Add ribbon or tulle to the top of your picture. Hang it and you’re done! However, I do suggest adding a small nail just under the top edge because some ribbons or tulle can stretch.

Another important thing to consider is what other options you have. Sometimes you might want something a little more original that just the standard canvas. One option that’s popular right now is a feather wreath. Just use a foam floral wreath, several feather boas in your color choice, and some straight pins. Add a loop of ribbon for hanging before you begin wrapping the boas around the form.

Another idea that I love as a teacher is to use the dust jackets from children’s books as a room border. Not big into books? Use family photos!

Old window panes are also an option. Add these to walls where your child will not have access to because they are so heavy! Canvases are a much better choice for over the crib, and possibly over the changing table depending on how active your baby is.

Also consider using the quilt to your bedding as artwork. Use small nails to hold it to the wall. If the nails pull through, add a decorative button as a “washer.”

The most important thing to remember when doing art work for your little one’s nursery is this: you have to like it! You are the one that will be seeing at all hours of the day and night. Make it fun or make family focused. Use color and theme. And remember, paint is cheap! Use canvases instead of painting straight on the wall. That way, if you don’t like, you only have to repaint the canvas, not the entire wall or room!!

Whew! I think that’s a pretty good start! I would love for ya’ll to reply with what you have used as themes and color combinations.

This post is part of BC’s Nursery on a Budget Series. See more posts in the series.

Share/Bookmark