DIY Gifting: Custom Painted Initial Canvas for Baby

In 2005 my cousin Kelley gave birth to her first baby girl, Avery... and for her baby shower, I painted a simple pink "A" on a yellow canvas with a few little flower details, to hang in the nursery. Avery, now 7, still has her "A" hanging in her room, which makes me a happy God Mama. My cousin is now preggo with her second girl, who will also have a name that begins with the letter "A" and asked me to paint an initial canvas for the new baby as well. I did this one a bit different than the last and since I wasn't blogging in 2005, I thought I'd post a little how-to in case anyone wanted to do the same.

Here's what you'll need...

* Canvas {I used a pre-stretched 11 x 14 canvas I found at Aaron Bros}
* Acrylic paints
* Paint brushes... cups for water & mixing paints {I use old take-out containers}
* White colored pencil



* If you don't find the exact color you're looking for in one tube, make your own by mixing like colors.



* Add a little water and stir until blended well into the color you like.



* Paint your entire canvas, including your edges and let dry.



* Acrylic paints are water-based and dry pretty quickly! {rinse off your brushes after use}



* I created polka-dots with a rubber wine cork...



* Space them however you like or begin at the center and work out like a grid.



* Use a paint brush to touch them up and fill in the gaps.



* Using a white colored pencil, lightly draw out your letter. ***You may also create or use a stencil if you don't trust your free-hand skills.



* Mix your pink and carefully paint your letter... * I chose a fancier "A" because she's a Lady, but use whichever font you prefer.



* Use a fine brush to touch it up... Once dry, you may need another coat so save your paint just in case!

** NOTE: Your paints may dry a bit darker than they look wet.

Voila!

Have Fun!

Find all my DIYs here!

* See my Pop Art Word Canvases DIY here

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