Seasons Paper Mosaics

Ever since we went to an art festival a few weeks ago, I've had this idea that I wanted to do some sort of square artwork inspired by the seasons.  This weekend, with nothing else to do, I decided to start working on them.  I went to Michael's and found a pack of four 6 x 6 canvases for $12.99.

I love how thick these are.  Perfect for hanging on the wall without a frame!

I also picked up some scrapbook paper.  I bought 12 patterned sheets for 35 cents each, and a pack of foil cardstock with 10 different colors for $3.59 (all of the paper was 40% off!).  I already had the solid colored paper.

The "Winter" color scheme.

I cut the paper in half-inch strips.  The Fiskars rotary cutter is my best friend!  I don't know how I ever lived without it.

I painted the canvas first in a matching color with paint I already had, then started laying out my design.  I cut random lengths of the paper strips and laid out each square, then glued each piece down with regular Elmer's school glue (best to work from the outside in, I think).

It took me about 6 hours to get them all completed, and I love them!  I'm not sure where I'm going to hang them yet, but I'm sure I'll find somewhere. 

It was so incredibly easy, just a little time consuming.  I had a lot of fun doing it though.  I watched Big Brother After Dark while I worked and it went by super fast.  I'm debating whether or not I need to spray some sort of protectant on them, but I'm afraid I'll mess them up, so I'll probably just leave them as is for now.

So, for about $22 (with tax) and 6 hours of work, I now have awesome artwork for a blank wall.

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