Attack of the Hungry Monster: Gift Idea Wednesdays: DIY Bird Art

Wow, there are 80 days left until Christmas.

Does that freak anyone else out besides me?

Well, don't fret, because from now until the holidays I'm going to be coming at ya' with fun gift ideas every Wednesday. I wish I could think of a more clever title than "Gift Idea Wednesdays," but that's all I'm coming up with. Let me know if you have any better ideas.

Ok, so on to gift idea number 1. This DIY bird art is super easy and would be a great gift for a variety of ages. You can do different silhouettes instead of birds for the recipient to coincide with their favorite animal. Birds are "in" right now, so I'm going with that to give you a generic idea. Plus, I am totally hanging this in the craft room. Ok, it is a gift for me. That's okay. I like gifts. Even if they are from me.

Here's what you need:

*Canvas (I used a 14"x14" square, found for 40% off at Hobby Lobby--here's a coupon if anyone is interested: click here)
*School glue
*Newspaper(s) (got these for free at the library. One is in Chinese, so I thought that was cool--at least I think it is Chinese. Could be one of several languages. I dunno.)
*Foam brush for spreading glue
*Black acrylic paint
*Little brush for the paint
*An image to work from (I got mine on Google Image search for "birds on a wire")
*Optional--transfer (or carbon) paper
*Pencil for putting image on canvas (not pictured)

I cut my newspaper in chunks because I did not want any pictures, only text. Then squirt some glue directly on the canvas and smear with the foam brush. Press newspaper down and try to avoid bubbles. The more glue you use, the more likely you'll have bubbling. I glued all over the top part of the canvas, then glued the sides like I would wrap a present. Then put a little water and glue in a container and brush the mixture lightly on the newspaper-ed canvas. You could use Mod Podge if you'd rather, but I refuse to buy it--mostly because I'm afraid I'd Mod Podge everything in the house.

Now, let your canvas dry. I set mine outside for an hour.

Then use your transfer paper to put an image on your canvas or draw it free hand (if you are awesome). Fill in your design with black paint and you have a lovely bird silhouette to gift to yourself or someone else!