Family Rules Project-Complete!

 I started with this blank 18×20 canvas [which I purchased in a pack of 2 on Sale at Michaels for $14.99. Plus I had a 40% coupon and saved an extra $7] and I painted the edges brown.

Then I picked out what paper I wanted to use. Normally, I would have gone for something that coordinated with the colors in my kitchen, but for some reason, I was feeling spontaneous and decided to just buy paper that I liked. I do recommend that you make sure that whatever paper you decide to use is light enough that you can write on it. There are a lot of really beautiful designs that are just too busy to use for something like this.

I used different borders for my paper, even “tearing” some of it to give it a different look. For the ones that you tear [if you do], I recommend tearing it from the back that way you don’t pull the color off of the front that you will be using.

Apply a layer of Mod-Podge to your canvas, lay down your paper, and apply the Mod-Podge to the top. I found that the project looked more symmetrical when I met the paper in the middle instead of off to the side or something. The whole thing looked more even and organized. Atleast, in my opinon. Haha. Also, the thicker cardstock paper doesn’t bubble up as bad as regular scrapbook paper does. It lays almost perfectly flat. I left the paper full sized, hanging off of either side until the mod podge dried and then I cut it off with an Xacto razor. It tore off much easier and I was able to get an exact measurement.

After my paper dried, I applied 3 additional top-coats of Mod-Podge for extra shine and durability.

Then, I used a plain black Sharpie Marker to write my rules. I don’t have a printer so I didn’t print my rules off on paper like I’ve seen some do. And I didn’t want to spend the money to buy a whole bunch of different scrapbook stickers, so I free handed my rules. I use fonts from kevinandamanda.com so I just pulled up the Word program on my computer, typed out my rule and then played around with the fonts until I found on that I liked.

This was the hardest part for me because I can’t center anything for the life of me. You can ask my husband if you don’t believe me. I layed a ruler down on the canvas to ensure that I kept the words straight and just did my best. The places where they were off center, I added an embelishment.

Here is the finished product:

Our Family Rules are:

*Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.

*God first, others second, then self.

*Never leave angry.

*Forgiveness is mandatory.

*Obey Mom & Dad.

*Clean up your own messes.
*Share everything-except negativity.

*Say, “I love you”…alot.

*Always do your best.

This was a super fun project that I am really very proud of.  I think I liked the fact that this is a messy project. It isn’t something that has to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be completely and totally in line and in sync. My house isn’t perfect and something that was would be kind of out of place among the toys, dust and stray cheerios that litter my floor. Have fun with this. 🙂

Also, you know those really cute reusable shopping bags that you can buy for like 99 cent or something? I found a great use for one that I bought at Michaels the other day. I love polka dots and I had to have it. I just didn’t know what I would do with it, until I got it home.

It’s the perfect size to hold several LARGE packs of 12×12 scrapbook paper, pens, scissors, stickers, stencils. There are a ton of items packed into this little baby and it’s so much easier to move from room to room. Unless of course, you are one of those lucky women who has an entire room to put your crafting stuff in. Which, I will….in time. Haha. I would love to see pictures if any of you make your own canvas. Hope you have a fantastic day!!

Only 3 More days until I am able to purchase my new ‘toy.’

My Canon will be in my hands on Friday!!