Cross Painting

I got a lot of compliments on this painting when I did it over a year ago so I thought I would give a mini lesson on how I made it. It really is not that difficult.

What you will need:

- a canvas

- 4 different colors of fabric paint (2 dark & 2 light) 

(Also, when choosing colors think about where you want to hang your painting after it is done)

- 2 sponge brushes 

- a  small to medium size paintbrush 

- puffy paint (optional)

Step 1: Sketch out the cross on your canvas. You may want to measure to get the exact proportions correct.

Step 2: Paint the cross with your desired color using a sponger brush. 

Step 3: Paint your background with a separate color. It will look better if the cross and background are not both light or dark colors.

Your painting should look similar to this at this point.

Make sure to let this dry before moving on to step four. To speed the process up use a hair dryer, but make sure it is 100% dry before you move on.

Step 4:  Now it is time to add some flair with your paintbrush. Add swirls, hearts, or whatever you wish. This is the step most people stress over. Just loosen your hand and don't stress over it being perfect. You can use this picture as a guide but honestly the less you care the better it will turn out. As you can tell mine is not perfect and it does not need to be.(If you have a dark background you are going to use the lightest of the three colors you are using in this step. If you chose to paint your background light, you will start with the darkest of your three colors.)

Again make sure each layer of paint is dry before you move to the next step.

Step 5: Use your in between shade of paint and paintbrush to again go over your squiggles. Follow the same direction but do not be worried to be directly on top of your other squiggles. Letting the first color shine through gives it depth.

Step 6: After letting the previous paint dry add your third color over the squiggles. (Remember: if your background is light this will be you lightest color on top, if your background is dark like mine this will be your darkest color)

Step 6: This step is optional. I chose to put white puffy paint over my squiggles to make them "pop" a little more.

Here it is hanging in my kitchen! It really is easy and fun.

Below is a picture of my family and their paintings  to give you different examples of colors and designs. Another great place to pick colors for your painting would be on the Pinterest color pallets!