West Side Stories: Family Rules Canvas

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Family Rules Canvas

In my attempt to be more creative and save money, I decided to try my hand at making some Christmas gifts this year. Actually, I was going to give these to several people, but, like always, my project brain has way more room(and time) than my project hands! I had seen something similar and wanted to try my hand at it. It's very similar to the canvas I created for Ava , but I wanted to make it even better. I wish I had taken a picture of it straight on before I gave it to my sweet friend, Jenny, but alas, one more thing I forgot. Here's how it came out:

I love the idea of having rules hanging in the living area or somewhere the whole family will see them; I need them as much as the kids will. I also love the idea of making something by hand instead of just buying it....makes it a little more special to think that mom made this for our home (I think...right? Please agree since I took the time) :)

Ideally, I would put these on a 24 x36 canvas, because I had about 17 great rules I wanted to include. I was afraid to gift one that size in case it wouldn't fit in Jenny's house. I think I'll make a large one for our living area; post on that to come. In case you can't see the rules in order:

Thank God for this family, for this day, for this home
Use kind words-obey your parents-always tell the truth
Encourage your siblings-share in their joy
Give your guest your best
there is no mine in this house-it's all God's
husband, love your wife-wife, always be on his side
be creative at all times
act responsibly, be respectful, choose wisely
you can never do wrong by doing right
say what you are sorry for-forgiveness is mandatory
Love the Lord your God

The time I made Ava's canvas, I used the paper I hand cut in different widths with different edging tools to apply directly to the canvas. Matt convinced me if I wanted to do this again, I needed to find a much faster way to accomplish this. (He also wants me to take orders and sell them! :) He helped me scan the papers above into a design program and that way I was able to use different fonts to give a little visual interest. I was able to print it in two sheets and I mod podged them to the canvas and built up a finish....you can't really see this part from the pictures.