IKEA Hack – DIY Wall Art Transformation

 
Hey Guys,

I can’t believe we’re halfway through February. I had/have so many plans for this year and all of the sudden I’m feeling pressed for time. What’s up with that? OK, enough with the ranting already and onto the project.

This project was fun, easy, and looks like it could be purchased from anyone of your home decor stores. I’m calling this an IKEA Hack because the wall art was originally purchased there. I purchased 3 and kept them on my wall for years. Once we moved, the art and perfectly good frames sat in a corner collecting dust. I was motivated to do something with them after being invited to a YouTube collaboration. And here is what I came up with.

It took me approximately 2-3 hours to do this including the time it took the spray paint to dry.

 

So let’s get started…

I wasn’t kidding when I said “collecting dust.” These babies have been screaming for something to be done with them. So of course, first things first, DUST.

 

 

Disassemble your frame.

 

 

Remove the art. We are going to use the shape of the photo as our guide.

 

 

Grab your popsicle sticks. For a project my size, it should only take 1 pack with plenty left over.

 

 

Using my wire cutters, I cut the round edge off of my popsicle stick so that I have something resembling a wood plank.

 

 

In my mind, I thought I may want to use the IKEA Art just the way I found it. So, I decided to work non-destructively. I covered the art with saran wrap so that I can work directly on top of my guide without ruining the art.

 

 

I cover the entire square with glue. I’m using wood glue because it’s what I had available, but I’m sure you could get away with Elmers. If you glue runs outside of the square, it’s OK. We will only place popsicle sticks where our guide is.

 

 

Place your Popsicle sticks in a staggering pattern, similar to a brick wall.

 

 

Don’t worry about the pieces that hang over the square. We will cut them off later.

 

 

 

Once complete, I allowed the glue to completely dry.

 

 

I drew a line on the sticks with my pencil to mark where the square ends. Then with my wire cutters, I cut off the excess. This will take a little time and requires patience. 🙂

 

 

This is what you should have. Dried, cut and ready to paint.

 

 

First I spray my silver spray paint and allowed it to dry. This will act as the base color.

 

 

I drew out the word love on painters tape, cut it out, and used it as a template.

 

 

Just to make sure there was a secure seal under the word, I topped it with silver spray paint and allowed it to dry. This ensures a crisp line when you remove your template.

 

 

Now for the top coat spray paint. I spray my black right on and allow it to begin drying.

 

 

Once the black spray paint is about 90% dry, I begin slowly removing the love template. This keeps the paint from peeling off with the tape.

 

 

Success!!!

 

 

So now for the re-assembly. We’re going to place this back in it’s frame. Turn the frame front side down with everything in place except the original art, and back.

 

 

Place you popsicle stick art face down on top of the square opening as shown.

 

 

Place masking tape around the edges of the popsicle stick art to keep it in place.

 

 

 

This is optional, but because I want to keep up with the original artwork, I’m placing it right behind the popsicle sticks face up for safe keeping.

 

 

Finally, attach the back of the frame and close the tabs.

 

 

Flip it over and you have your new 3D, Popsicle stick master piece.

 

Enjoy some pictures of the TRANSFORMED ART 🙂

 

 

 

 

And that’s a wrap everyone. I truly hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share this with your friends. Until next time, take care.

---

 

Guess what!? I’ve created a YouTube video for this post. If you have time, check it out. While you’re there subscribe, because I’d love to have you?

 

---