Do you ever find yourself searching endlessly in stores and on the web for a specific piece of artwork but nothing speaks to you? This is me… all the time. I will have a vision in my head and it’s rare that I find a picture or painting that matches exactly what I am looking for. My solution? Make it yourself.

I had been on the hunt for a piece of artwork that was based on the word gold. I wanted it to say gold, be gold, have a gold theme, or something. I just needed it to be simple and elude gold. I looked online and different shops on Etsy but I wasn’t feeling the prices for artwork that I wasn’t in love with. I saw a few options in a couple of stores. The artwork was either covered in gold glitter, said something I didn’t care for, or was made with gold foil which really looked orange… ugh, no bueno. As I sat in my car, pondering what store to go to next, I looked down at my left wrist. A few years ago I drew out the word golden and had it tattooed. It has survived a 2nd degree burn and even though it is now a little distorted it is still my favorite tattoo (I think the burn gave it character). I decided that I would create my own artwork by copying my tattoo onto canvas. After a quick run into Michaels I was ready to do some painting.

Here is what you will need:

• Canvas in the color and size you want like this
• A Pencil
• Acrylic Paint
• A Paintbrush depending on what you are painting. I used this one
• Damp cloth or papertowel

*If shopping at Michaels be sure to print out or pull up a coupon on your smart phone. They ALWAYS have coupons!

**You can find each product or a similar one through the link within each product.

I started out by drawing the word onto the canvas with a pencil. I did this as a guide because I wasn’t sure about my freehand abilities. By doing this I was able to erase any mistakes and get the drawing just how I wanted it.

Next, I began to paint. I painted the main parts of each letter and saved the connecting lines for last because I wanted it to flow. As you can see the lines are a little crooked and uneven. But that’s ok, it will be fixed.

Lastly, I continued to paint over each letter making some parts a little thicker for character (like the loop of the G and D, as well as the first hump of the N). As I went over each letter I made sure the lines on the inside and outside of each letter was smooth and even. I accidentally swiped paint on a random part of the canvas and was able to clean it up with a damp cloth.

I was in love with the final product. It was simple. It was gold. It was perfect. I was able to easily create my own artwork for under $15. I also have the satisfaction of being able to say “I made that!” when people ask where I bought it. Stop stressing over finding the perfect wall art and make your own. It’s so rewarding.

Stay golden- D