Hey there! Welcome to Lovin’ Life’s Journey DIY, where I share all kinds of fun and budget-friendly DIY projects. Today, I have a fantastic Dollar Tree DIY project for you – it’s all about creating faux metal wall art on a budget.
In this video, the creator shows you how to make beautiful butterfly and dragonfly wall decor pieces using inexpensive materials from Dollar Tree. The technique involves using aluminum baking sheets to create a faux metal look, which is a great alternative to working with real metal. You’ll also learn how to make faux metal flowers and an outdoor version of the wall art using the same technique. Plus, the video gives you some tips on how to use apps that let you earn money back while shopping, and you can find the creator on various social media platforms. So, if you’re looking for a fun and affordable DIY project to spruce up your home decor, this is definitely the one to watch!
Dollar Tree DIY Faux Metal Wall Art
Metal decor is a popular trend in home decor, but it can also come with a hefty price tag. Luckily, there is a way to achieve the same look without breaking the bank. In this DIY project, we will show you how to create faux metal wall art using inexpensive materials from Dollar Tree. The best part? You don’t have to work with real metal, which can be difficult and dangerous. Let’s get started!
Materials Needed
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather all the materials you will need for this project. Here is a list of the items you will need:
- Picture frames
- Aluminum cookie sheets
- Pineapple cup
- Whistles
- Wire
- Chalk paint
- Craft paint
- Glue
- Sandpaper
- Clear matte sealer
Make sure you have all these materials handy before you begin.
Creating the Faux Metal Technique
The first step in creating this faux metal wall art is to glue the aluminum baking sheets together. This will create a triple layer for sturdiness. Apply some glue to one of the trays and press another tray on top of it. Repeat this process for the third tray, making sure to cut off the rim before gluing it onto the other two trays.
Once the trays are glued together, it’s time to trace and cut out butterfly and dragonfly shapes. You can either enlarge existing shapes from a picture or find your own butterfly and dragonfly shapes to use. Trace the shapes onto the aluminum trays and then cut them out carefully.
Next, paint the trays with chalk paint. Use a foam brush to apply a light coat of paint, making sure not to cover all of the silver. You can leave some areas uncovered or blot away excess paint with a paper towel for a mottled look. Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat of the chalk paint and blot away any brushstrokes.
To give the trays an aged look, use a darker colored paint, such as truffle, and brush it around the edges and in random spots. This will create a rusty appearance. Let the paint dry completely.
While the trays are drying, take the pineapple cup and the whistle and paint them with black craft paint. The goal is to make them look like wrought iron. Apply two coats of paint for an even finish.
In the meantime, disassemble the picture frames and remove the backing and any other inserts. Paint the frames with chalk paint in the color ivory. You can do two coats and distress the frames with sandpaper for an aged look. Wipe off any excess paint dust with a damp cloth.
Adding Stability and Assembly
To add stability to the dragonfly wings, attach craft sticks to the back of the wings using e6000 glue and a hot glue gun. This will give the wings more support when attached to the frames.
Now it’s time to assemble the dragonfly and butterfly onto the frames. Use e6000 glue and hot glue to attach the wings to the frames. Make sure the wings touch the frame in multiple places for a secure attachment. Position the bodies of the dragonfly and butterfly in the desired spots and glue them down.
To create antennae for the dragonfly and butterfly, cut a piece of wire and fold it in half. Insert the folded end into the head of each insect. This will give them a more realistic look.
Final Touches
Once all the pieces are assembled and glued onto the frames, it’s time for the final touches. Apply a clear matte sealer to protect the artwork from damage. This will ensure that your faux metal wall art lasts for a long time, even if you choose to hang it outdoors.
Now it’s time to showcase your project. Hang the faux metal wall art on your front porch or find a suitable spot inside your home. The unique and eye-catching design will add a touch of elegance to any space.
Project Cost and Comparison
One of the best things about this DIY project is the cost. The approximate cost of the materials needed for this project is around $10. Considering the size and impact of the final piece, this is a significant cost savings compared to a similar item sold for $40 or more.
Additional Information
If you enjoyed this DIY project and would like to see more, be sure to follow the creator on their various social media platforms. They share ideas and inspiration for all types of budget-friendly projects.
For companies interested in collaborating with the creator, there is contact information provided for collaborations. Please reach out via email for more information.
It’s important to note that this is not a sponsored video. However, there are affiliate links included in the video description. If a purchase is made through these links, the creator may earn a small commission. The inclusion of these links helps support the creator’s content and future projects.
Lastly, the creator mentions money-saving apps that allow users to earn money back when shopping. These apps are free to download and use, making them a great way to save even more money on DIY projects like this one.
In conclusion, creating DIY faux metal wall art using inexpensive materials from Dollar Tree is not only a fun and creative project but also a budget-friendly alternative to purchasing expensive metal decor. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can achieve a professional-looking result at a fraction of the cost. So go ahead and get creative, and let your walls shine with this unique and affordable wall art!