Crafty! Wall Hangings

These wall hangings are pretty quick and simple to make and require affordable, easy-to-acquire materials that many people may have on hand. I can usually finish one within an hour or so (depending on the complexity of the decorations on the fabric) but they can easily be completed in steps whenever you have some spare time. The finished product is delightful (and cheap!) and can add a lot to a room by brightening it with color, creating a focal point, or just taking up bare wall space.

You will need:

• 1 piece of scrap plywood: a 2’ square or rectangle is a good size, but you can make it whatever size you want. You can get scrap plywood for cheap or free at most hardware stores – just ask the people in Lumber. It doesn’t have to be pretty as it will be covered.

• Quilt batting that is 1” larger than your plywood on each side Fabric that is 3” larger than your plywood on each side
  
• Anything you want to decorate the fabric with.
• Some ideas include: Acrylic paint, buttons, beads, shells, ribbon, scraps of fabric… Newspaper (if painting)
• Staple gun
• Length of thin wire that is about 6 inches wider than your plywood
• Hammer and nail to hang

1. Cut batting and fabric to appropriate sizes (see above).
2. Decorate the fabric. You can paint a design, sew on beads/buttons/shells, or just use fabric with a design you like. If painting, make sure to put down newspaper and let the paint dry before the next step.
3. Lay fabric face-down on a hard surface. Center batting and plywood on the fabric.
4. Pull the fabric evenly taut and staple it about 1” in from the edge on the back of the board. I recommend beginning by stapling opposite corners like this:

1 3

4 2

Then staple along each side, making sure to keep it evenly tight.
5. Staple each end of the wire in each side of the board, about 2” from the edge and 1/3 the way down, leaving the wire slack in the middle so it bends around what you plan to hang it on. Leave about 2 inches of wire at the end of each side, then twist them tightly so it doesn’t slide out of the staple.
6. And you’re finished! Just hang it on the wall and enjoy your artistic masterpiece!

Other ideas:

• Sew several swatches of fabric together in a patchwork design. Make multiple (odd numbers are best) matching or complementary pieces to decorate the room. Use different sizes and shapes of plywood and colors or textures of fabric to make each piece distinct.
  
• Sew pockets into the fabric before stapling it to the board and hang one by the door for keys, notes, dried flowers, etc…
  
• Be creative! There is no end to the possibilities once you get started.