Hey there, art enthusiasts! Robert Kline here, your trusted guide in the world of handmade crafts. Today, we’re diving into a project that breathes life into your living spaces – literally! We’re crafting stunning living wall art with air plants, a perfect blend of nature’s beauty and artistic expression.
Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places
My journey with this project began unexpectedly. While prepping for the WorkbenchCon, where I was showcasing Rust-Oleum’s incredible Aged Wood Accelerator, I needed a backup plan for the Wood Art Challenge. This air plant wall art, crafted from leftover scrap wood, was my saving grace.
The beauty of this project lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s a fantastic way to use up those wood scraps that accumulate in every crafter’s workshop and add a touch of greenery to your home.
Gathering Your Supplies
Before we embark on this creative journey, let’s gather our tools and materials:
Tools:
- Drill
- Drill bit
- Brad nailer
- Brad nails
- Painter’s tape
- Small paintbrush
- Foam brush
Materials:
- 1×2 furring strips (or any scrap wood for the frame)
- 1×2 pre-primed MDF (or similar paintable wood)
- Thin plywood or thick cardboard
- 1/4″ oak plywood (for random shapes)
- Wood glue
- Rust-Oleum Aged Wood Accelerator (brown)
- White paint
- Caulk or wood filler (wood filler is recommended)
- Craft or jewelry wire
- Air plants
- Flush mount wall hangers
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Air Plant Wall Art
Ready to bring your living wall art to life? Let’s get started!
1. Building the Foundation: The Frame
Using scrap 1×2 furring strips, create a simple square frame. Secure the corners with wood glue and painter’s tape until dry. This frame acts as the base for your artwork.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the shape of your frame. Explore rectangles, circles, or even freeform designs!
2. Creating the Canvas: Plywood Backing
Cut a piece of thin plywood (or sturdy cardboard) to fit snugly within your frame. Glue it securely, creating a blank canvas for your wood scraps.
3. Adding Dimension: The Decorative Frame
Cut 1×2 MDF strips, mitering the corners at 45-degree angles, to create a decorative frame. Attach this frame on top of the plywood, turning the MDF strips on their side for added depth. Fill any gaps with caulk or wood filler and paint the frame for a polished look.
4. The Art of Layering: Arranging the Wood Scraps
Now for the fun part – designing your composition! Begin by gluing a centerpiece scrap to the canvas, followed by corner pieces. Continue adding scrap wood in various shapes and sizes, layering them to create captivating textures.
Robert Kline Art Insight: Embrace the uniqueness of each wood piece. The irregular shapes and textures add character and depth to your artwork.
5. Enhancing the Natural Beauty: Staining the Wood
Bring out the richness of the wood grain with Rust-Oleum’s Aged Wood Accelerator. Apply generously with a foam brush, allowing it to soak in and create a beautifully aged effect. This product is fantastic for red oak, enhancing its natural warmth and grain patterns.
6. Creating a Home for Your Air Plants: Drilling the Holes
Once the stain is dry, decide on the placement of your air plants. Drill two holes for each plant, strategically positioning them to create visually appealing clusters and arrangements.
7. Securing the Air Plants: A Touch of Wirework
Thread thin craft wire through the drilled holes, gently wrapping it around the base of each air plant to secure it to the wood. Be careful not to damage the delicate plants.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different wire colors to complement the wood stain and the greenery of the air plants.
8. Hanging Your Masterpiece: Finding the Perfect Spot
With the air plants securely in place, your living wall art is ready for display! Attach flush mount hangers to the back and choose a location where your artwork can bathe in indirect sunlight.
Bringing Nature Indoors with Robert Kline Art
This DIY air plant wall art is more than just a decoration; it’s a conversation starter, a testament to your creativity, and a beautiful reminder of nature’s artistry.
Have you experimented with air plants in your crafts? Share your experiences and photos in the comments below! And don’t forget to explore the unique handmade treasures on the Robert Kline Art website for inspiring gift ideas.