Supplies:
- Three 11x14" canvases
- Black latex paint
- White latex paint
- Small roller
- Thin paint brush
I had all of the supplies on hand, so this project cost me next to nothing. I used the small roller to paint two coats of black interior latex paint onto the front and sides of three 11x14" canvases that I had sitting around from some project I never completed. While the paint was drying, I sat and wondered how I could make my octopus look as amazing as Lord Bodner's...then I googled it. Oh, how I love the internet. It turns out that I wasn't the first to try to recreate this masterpiece. Holly from 1922 House created her wood panel version by using this free clipart, which, if I'm not mistaken, IS Bodner's octopus. I used this same image and inverted the colors in Photoshop. I sized the image to fit on the three canvases, printed, cut it out and taped it together to recreate the image. Then I cut out the large empty spaces in between tentacles.
Next, I traced out the image with pencil onto the canvases.
And finally, I got to painting with some white latex interior paint.
If you're not too much of a perfectionist, this project really is quite easy. And while, it's not the Lord Bodner $3550 version, it's pretty damn close!
This is gorgeous! I would be so intimidated to paint something on this scale. You did an amazing job.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! It feels great to hear that and thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWow! This is so cool. All I could picture while reading it was us trying to trace those stupid letters on the NW Aluminum sign. I'm sure you now know some tricks that would have made that job a lot easier. (Wait, why did that sign need to be painted if the plant was closing?)
ReplyDeleteHahaha! Oh man, BEST.JOB.EVER! Seriously, I wish we would have been willed that cushman when the plant closed. Shared custody? It would have been the right thing to do.
DeleteGreat job! I've looked at that thing on those other sites and drooled, then gagged at the prices. Love your free version and don't you just love telling people you painted it! Happy Easter. highpointcircle
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love that part of it..."oh that? yeah, i made that." :) Happy Easter to you, too!
DeleteThis looks fantastic well done. I don't think I would have the patience to trace something so intricate but its worked out so well for you xox
ReplyDeleteThanks! Seriously, it was easy. I just traced the outline of the body, so no patience was needed. :)
DeleteThis is amazing, Meg! I totally LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, sis!
DeleteAmazing job! You are very talented.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
DeleteThat is beyond amazing! I think I actually like it better than the original. Its head is just so intense. You've got some talent, m'lady.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elle!
DeleteMy sister also fell in love with this. For several years we have been looking for something affordable that compared. I dont suppose you would be willing to make one for a gift. I of course would pay you.
ReplyDeleteUmmm....yes! Feel free to email me at revamphomegoods@gmail.com with the specifics. And, thank you!
DeleteWow! What an incredible creation! Love the way you were inspired by the vintage piece and made it your own so cleverly and artfully.
ReplyDeleteI've decided to make your post the sole feature on this week's "A Little Birdie Told Me..."! Definitely deserves its very own spotlight!
Best,
Jenn
Thanks so much for featuring this project, Jenn!
DeleteYou should definitely make this a new business. I would buy this in a heartbeat!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Amy!
DeleteWow gorgeous and incredible! I would buy in a heartbeat also, but I would never make. You sure are talented, and did an incredible job. I actually like it better than the original too! Thanks for sharing you creative inspiration at Sunday's Best!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Cathy!
DeleteWOW!
ReplyDeleteYou did an amazing job! It looks incredible!
Thank you so much!
DeleteYour homemade art looks amazing! If I didn't know you had painted it yourself I would think that it was an art print you purchased! Great job!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much and thanks for stopping by!
DeleteAmazing job! ! found you thru knock off decor and am so impressed with your octopus! Nne follower and fellow paintern/diy'er!
ReplyDeleteKim
Thanks so much, Kim!
DeleteStunning! I'm amazed at your mad DIY skills!
ReplyDeleteAww...thanks, Tanya!
DeleteSeriously? This is amazing. I wish I had your painting talent.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sharon! And thanks for stopping by.
DeleteYou are a freehand painting rock star.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bromeliad!
DeleteAWESOME!!!! I'm SO trying this!
ReplyDeleteDo it!!! I cannot stress how easy it is!
DeleteI've admired this print before (saw it on fabric, too). It's wonderful!!!! Time consuming??
ReplyDeleteNot at all - the most would be working with the template (sizing it, cutting it out, tracing) but really that only takes about an hour.
DeleteGreat job! I've never seen the original, tho, but yours turned out great.
ReplyDeleteThanks Monica & thanks for stopping by!
Delete