DIY Gift: Flowering Tree Art on a Canvas

Hi all! My name is Pihu and in this Instructable, I will show you how to make a flowering tree on canvas using 5 simple supplies.

The same thought goes through my head every birthday or anniversary: "What should I get them as a gift?" I've always believed in creating gifts from scratch as it adds more value and personal touch. This flowering tree is the perfect way to make a simple gift for any occasion! It can also double up as beautiful wall decor for your room.

NOTE: If there is something you think would look better and would like to change in your project, go ahead! This Instructable is just a guide.

The only materials you will need for this DIY are listed below. Each one is linked with where I bought them!

• 9x12 back stapled canvas
• magenta and pink felt - use red felt only if you need it, I skipped it
• hot glue gun (this one is similar to the one I'm using; it has the same dual temperature settings) and hot glue sticks (CHECK THE SIZE - glue guns usually have two sizes of sticks, the mini ones use the smaller sticks linked)
• brown and light blue acrylic paint
• 3/4 inch pearlized pins

Tools:

• assorted brushes or whatever size brush you feel most comfortable with
• black permanent marker
• protractor and compass
• scissors - doesn't matter which one you use, as long as you can cut details with it (I like using barber scissors since they are extra sharp and can cut easily through felt)
• pliers - I used 2 pliers, one to hold and one to bend
• paint palette - you can also pour the paint directly onto the medium, this isn't a necessary tool

CAUTION: Hot glue is HOT!! Make sure you are staying safe by keeping your hands away from the metal tip.

In this step, we will start by making a background for the tree using blue paint. Squeeze some of your blue paint onto the palette or canvas. Use a wide brush to gently brush back and forth to cover the canvas. Make sure not to forget the sides!Set aside to dry.

For best results, repeat this step 2-3 times. This will give you a nice, even finish on the canvas.

We'll be using the hot glue now. Start by adding a bunch of lines going diagonally from the corner. Have with it! Layer them, but make sure each line is completely dry before adding another on top or they will blend together. DON'T FORGET THE CORNER!

Once you have the trunk, add more hot glue branching out from it. Reduce the amount of glue lines as you get further from the trunk.

If you want to add more texture, you can use the tip of the hot glue gun and drag it across the glue without squeezing more out. It will melt the glue and add a cool texture to make it look more realistic!

Once all the glue is completely dry, take your brown paint and cover all the hot glue with a thin brush. If some of the paint gets onto the blue (picture 3), just paint on another branch (picture 4) and it will be covered up! Set this aside to dry

For best results, repeat this step 2-3 times. Picture 5 shows the difference between one and two coats.

While the canvas dries, we can start making a template for the flowers. Draw a circle on a small square of paper with a compass (I used a radius of 1/2 inch) and divide it into tenths using a protractor. Fold in half along one line, then fold the paper back and forth along each of the other lines. It will look like an accordion (picture 4). Flatten this out and draw a curve touching the edge of the original circle. Cut along the new curve and unfold the paper. You now have your template ready to use!

Trace the template from step 4 onto the felt sheets using a permanent marker and cut it out. Pinch the tip of each petal (picture 3) and apply a small dot of hot glue in the center. Squeeze the felt on the sides of the dot and hold until dry. Repeat this process for all 5 petals and you should end up with something that looks like picture 5. If it doesn't, make sure each petal is pointing in the same direction. Squish the flower to spread the petals and you have a flower just like picture 5!

Put a pin through the center of the flower and poke through the canvas. Use pliers to bend the leftover metal on the backside. Seal the end with hot glue and glue it down onto the canvas.

Repeat steps 5 and 6 for 40-50 flowers depending on how spaced out you want them to be.

If this is a gift for someone, you can write a small message at the bottom of the canvas to make it extra special.

I hope you enjoyed making this project as much as I did and thank you for following along!!