DIY Network

Moving Artwork to Outside Spaces

Crafter Michele Beschen, creator of the B Original series, explains how to create art that can withstand outdoor elements.

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	Most people don't think of creating paintings or needlework for their outdoor walls, simply because they know that Mother Nature is sure to take her toll on the pieces after a short time.
	The only difference between the paintings and needlework you do for the inside of your home and the ones you create for outside is the canvas that you use.

By Michele Beschen

May 21,2007 — Most people don't think of creating paintings or needlework for their outdoor walls simply because they know that Mother Nature is sure to take her toll on the pieces after a short period of time. However, with the use of a few unconventional materials, you can create stunning works of art that are virtually weatherproof.

The only difference between the paintings and needlework you do for the inside of your home and the ones you create for outside is the canvas that you use. Try your hand at these simple, inexpensive projects and you, too, will be able to share your love of art with your yard and garden.

Materials:

frame
fiberglass window screening
staple gun
white pencil or chalk
variety of string, yarn and thread
embroidery needle
landscape fabric
artist oil paints or exterior house paints
polyurethane

Steps:

1. First select a frame. You can use an old frame, purchase a new one or build one from scratch.

2. Cut a piece of fiberglass window screen to be the same dimensions as the outside of your frame. Attach the window screen to the backside of the frame.

3. Work from side to side, keeping the screen taut and secure with staples. Trim away excess.

4. Use a white pencil or chalk to trace your design on the screen. Gather a variety of colored strings, yarns and heavy embroidery threads. Use an embroidery needle to weave the threads through your design.

   (You don't have to know anything about embroidery or crewel stitching — just weave the yarn in and out through the screen meshes to create a colorful design or message.

5. Protect your work with a couple of coats of spray polyurethane.

6. Or, for a second idea, try creating an outdoor painting by using landscape cloth as your canvas. This stuff is indestructible and can be picked up at any garden or discount store.

7. Staple a piece of landscape fabric on the backside of your frame. Just make sure the cloth side of your fabric is facing the front.

8. You can coat with an exterior primer if you would like a different base color to work on, or you can just start painting directly onto the cloth.

9. Use paints that are suitable for exterior use. (Be sure to protect your work surface as you paint because the landscape cloth is porous.)

10. When your painting is complete, you can add more dimension by creating a tiny trellis or fence to your frame using frozen-treat sticks or other small scraps of wood.

11. Your climbing plants and vines can then "get in the picture," too! Hang proudly, and may the sun shine brightly on your handiwork!

(Michele Beschen is creator of the B Original series for the DIY Network. Contact her at www.couragetocreate.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)

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