Looking for creative wall art ideas? I have the best tip for you. You can make this project from photos around your home and create your own art in minutes.

creative wall art ideas entry

Remember when I wrote a post asking for ideas for original art for this space?

I have that big blank wall going up the stairs and it looked so empty and big and blank and a little sad.

And then?

I asked you all for ideas.

If you are looking for artist recommendations—just read these comments.

I’ve read them.

A zillion times.

Twice.

And I contacted artists and looked at everyone’s paintings and oooohed and ahhhed and put together an inspiration folder.  But along the way I discovered something important.  Real art is expensive.  And it’s not something I want to rush into and buy just because and I need to take my time and find something that I truly fall in love with.

And then?

The most brilliant comment showed up in my inbox that sparked these creative wall art ideas.

creative wall art ideas

It went a little something like this:

My favorite artist in this case, would be you.

Definitely pictures of your family or maybe pictures of your previous home.

You have some beautiful ones and would be perfect in black and whites with black or wood tone frames.

Also adding a rug would/could bring in a little more color. Love that paint color too! ~Amy K

And my sweet friend Terri dittoed it.

I know, right?  See what I mean?  Brilliant, creative wall art ideas from these amazing readers.

I’m not an artist—but I am a photographer.

I have zillions and zillions of photographs I’ve taken over the years.

creative wall art ideas wreath

Like this one.

(total aside:  I took this picture seven Christmases ago of the staircase molding when my mom still owned the house).

creative wall art ideas hearts

And this one.

creative wall art ideas mirror

And this one.

And what if?

What if I turned the photographs into art?

So I went to one of my favorite apps, Waterlogue.

I’ve talked about it for years.  When I got it a long time ago it was free, but I just checked and it’s now $4.99 in the app store.

It is a game-changer.

All you do is upload your picture to the app and select which setting you want.  There are bright watercolor looks and watercolor looks that resemble sketches and tons of options to create a painted look out of your photo.

And it’s so easy to use.

Just click the button and your photograph will look like this.

I did a few more barn pictures to kind of create a series.


And this one.

Then I downloaded the picture to my computer.

As in—I saved it to my phone and then e-mailed it to myself.

Now all I had to do was to get it onto a canvas.

I found a source online that someone recommended called Canvas Pop.  All you do is select your canvas size, upload your photos and they will print out a canvas and mail it to your house.  It says it takes a week to a week and a half.

Depending on the size you pick, it’s pretty affordable.  An 8″x 11″ is only $39 (not including the canvas wrap) and then there was a coupon for 45% off.

And the best part?

It’s artwork that I created.

Something I made.

Art made with a little piece of my heart.

PS  This isn’t a sponsored post—just something I found and loved and wanted to share. 🙂

PPS  Happy creating.

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Posted On: May 4, 2018

Written By: KariAnne Wood

Comments

  1. Image for Andrea Andrea

    I love that app! I have so may of my photos turned into watercolors around my house. Thank you for originally sharing it with us several years ago!

    Reply
  2. Image for Debbie Debbie

    I love those Barn pictures. Great advice from Amy. Thanks for the great tips. By the way do you have any recommendations t keep an area rug in place on a carpeted floor? Thanks friend.

    Reply
  4. Image for Shelley @ Calypso in the Country Shelley @ Calypso in the Country

    First of all, I want to say that I am obsessed with the molding on your stairs! And yes, the Waterlogue app is the best! I made some "watercolors" for my dining room a few months ago and everyone commented on them at Thanksgiving. Love your photos! Shelley

    Reply
  5. Image for Jeanne Jeanne

    Perfect! I love, love, love this. And on a quick safety note...the canvas idea is the best in a heavy traffic area...no fear of framed glass photos crashing down. I have an oversized canvas wrapped photo in the bathroom (36 x 24)...it gets wiggled occasionally but there is no fear of breaking glass. Can't wait to see your completed look. :)

    Reply
  10. Image for Carrie Carrie

    I've used that app for YEARS! One of my favorites is of my sweet old Sammy, who gave us almost 15 full years of unconditional, patient puppy love. Your photography is one of my all time favorites, and maybe that will be the next branch you step onto (from the book world if you ever need a 'jump' from authoring books!!) Fly, rock star, fly!!!

    Reply
  12. Image for Linda Linda

    Great idea! Can't wait to see them hanging on the wall. Could you please tell me the paint color on the staircase molding, love it! Blessings from Ocala, Florida Linda

    Reply
  15. Image for Rebecca Rebecca

    I have just learned of the app (I wasn’t with you several years ago) and am completely possessed by altering my photos into watercolors. It is so much fun. Your barn series is stunning. Enjoy! And thank you for sharing everything!

    Reply
  17. Image for Michelle Michelle

    (It's absentee me again...) Love this idea and think I'll incorporate same when my family does the reunion at the mountain cabin this year by sending them out as surprise Christmas gifts Keeping it a secret in the meantime is iffy for me. They don't call me Mikki Mouth for nothing LOL

    Reply
  18. Image for Teresa Gonzales Teresa Gonzales

    That is so wonderful! Had some pictures done the same way earlier this year for a theme party...turned out fantastic!!!

    Reply
  19. Image for Cecilia Cecilia

    Yay!! That's so, so cool! And just brilliant because it's something you've created. 😊😍makes all the more special, too. Hugs, Cecilia

    Reply
  23. Image for Dee Dee

    I always learn so much from you my sweet friend! What an enormously exciting, fabulous idea! I know I live under a rock, everyone else seems to know about it, but hey my computer decided to go to Computer Heaven a couple years ago and yes I've been using just my phone! Some things you can't do with your phone, so I store these things away until I have my new computer!

    Reply
  24. Image for Mary Jamieson Mary Jamieson

    I actually use a similar technique to my photos with Photoshop. I specialize in barns, old schools and old churches. The best price I have found anywhere for canvases is from Costco. :)

    Reply
  26. Image for RW RW

    I've turned photos into watercolors of sorts using Photoshop, but I don't quite know what settings to use in the filters, so have gotten mixed and random results. I appreciate the recommendation and will try out Waterlogue -- and perhaps (hopefully?) get better results since it's a tailored piece of software! I, too, would like to see these pieces of artwork in place in your house! Super results around the barn theme! Really attractive!

    Reply
  28. Image for Denise Cox Denise Cox

    This is too COOL!! I'm glad I read the previous comments as Waterlogue states it doesn't work on my device ( Samsung8+), so at least I have other avenues to check out. I did buy myself a new laptop for Christmas, but I'd prefer to find an app I can use with my phone. KariAnne, I too love your barn pics! Thank - you for your inspiration, dear friend.. 😚

    Reply
  29. Image for Botanic Bleu Botanic Bleu

    KariAnne, Brilliant DIY idea... You must PIN your results to DIY Rockstars! P.S. Love your barn series. 👏 Judith

    Reply
  30. Image for Tammy Lagaly Tammy Lagaly

    Four years ago we went to New Orleans. I was in love with the patina and colors of the old buildings and the the iron work. I needed art for my recent powder room makeover. Waterlogue to the rescue! I printed out 4 8X10's on watercolor paper and had them framed. My favorite art to date! Every time I look at them I am reminded of a wonderful trip AND I LOVE them. I will definitely look into putting some art onto canvas. Thanks for the tip. Can't wait to see your new art!

    Reply
  31. Image for laura nuss laura nuss

    HI Karianne, I used canvas pop for a 4" foot vinyl wrap of kid photos. It was a Father's Day gift for "current" husband. wink. Then applied it to HD precut plywood and add baseboard trim. Great option for a larger piece. laura ps I think you just replied to me from earlier question. thank you or as my son used to say, "tanks mom."

    Reply
  36. Image for JoAnn JoAnn

    I am so glad you are taking this approach. We filled our home with photos we've taken and put on canvas of places we love (the coast of South Carolina, shorebirds, etc) They make me smile and encouage our adult sons to share favorite memories when they are visitung.

    Reply
  37. Image for Leslie Watkins Leslie Watkins

    Well, of course. That’s what photographers do. So brilliant someone recognized your artistry! Can’t wait to see it all completed!

    Reply
  40. Image for Leila Leila

    I have a question about the app. There are settings for size (small to large) that you can use after you select which waterlogue style you select. I’ve always wondered what size to select. Does it make a difference when you print? Which size did you use?

    Reply
  42. Image for Linda Kuzior Linda Kuzior

    I am off to download! I live in a converted barn and always wanted watercolors like these. Thank you for sharing

    Reply

Comments are closed.