Effortless Wall Art You Can Make Yourself

Empty walls can make a room feel unfinished, but original art can be costly. The good news is that striking wall art does not require painting talent. It requires a good idea, a decent palette and a few inexpensive materials.

These five projects use abstract shapes, texture or natural elements, so there is no need to draw a realistic image. Each includes a budget, time estimate and a tip to make it look like something from a gallery rather than a craft table.

Color-block canvas

You need a 16 by 20 inch canvas, painter's tape, three to four little bottles of acrylic paint and a flat brush, for about $20 total. Apply tape to divide the canvas into geometric sections, then paint each section in a different shade of the same color family or a coordinated palette. Remove the tape after the paint is dry to the touch, about 30 minutes, to reveal sharp lines.

Tip: Seal tape edges with a thin layer of the base color first, so any paint that seeps under the tape matches the background.

Pressed botanical frame

Collect flat flowers or leaves, such as ferns, pansies or little herbs. Place them between sheets of parchment inside a heavy book for 2 to 3 weeks, or press them with a snug iron for 10 seconds with no steam. Arrange the pressed pieces on heavy paper, secure with a tiny dab of glue, and place behind glass in a frame. Frames cost $5 to $15 secondhand.

• Use ferns for graphic shapes, and little flowers for color.
• Keep the arrangement off direct sunlight, which fades color.
• Choose a mat to give the piece a polished look.

String art with an effortless shape

Use a wood board, about 12 by 12 inches, a printed template, little nails and embroidery thread. Tape the template to the board, hammer nails about half an inch apart along the outline and tear the paper away. Wrap the thread around the nails in a crisscross pattern. Hammer nails only partway, about a quarter inch deep, and wear closed shoes. Letters, hearts or geometric shapes look best.

Abstract watercolor print

Wet a sheet of 140-pound watercolor paper with a damp brush, then drop in two or three colors and let them blend. Tilt the paper to guide the flow. Dry flat for a few hours. Place a white mat around the finished painting to elevate it. A student-grade watercolor set costs about $12 to $20 and produces many pieces.

• Choose colors next to each other on the color wheel to avoid muddy results.
• Use masking tape on the edges to leave a clean white border.
• Press paper under heavy books overnight if it curls.

Textile wall hanging

Choose a wooden dowel 18 to 24 inches long, and attach a piece of fabric, a scarf or a woven piece with strings. Even a fabric remnant from a thrift shop can look striking when hung on a dowel with a cord. Cut a decorative fringe on the bottom edge, and seal it with a little bit of fray-stopping glue. The material cost is generally under $15.

Hanging and layout tricks

Center art at about 57 inches from the floor, and leave about 6 to 8 inches above furniture such as a sofa. For a group, keep consistent spacing between frames. Use picture hooks rated for the weight, and stud or anchor mounting for heavy items. Painter's tape marks the position, and a level keeps it straight.

Choose a palette that suits the room

Pull two colors from existing items, such as a rug or pillows, and pick one new accent color. Neutral pieces make a calm space, while one bold piece draws focus. Take a photo of the wall and look at it from a distance, since many art problems are only visible from across the room.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Hanging art too high, which disconnects it from furniture.
• Choosing a piece too little for the wall.
• Skipping a frame or a mat that makes the piece look finished.
• Painting without testing colors on scrap paper.

Start with the color-block canvas if you are unsure, since it is forgiving and speedy. After one finished piece, your confidence will carry you into the next project.