DIY Mum Reveals How She Made Stunning Polyfilla Wall Art For £40, Saving £100s
- Ruth Palmer, 32, wanted to buy wall canvases for her new home but they cost hundreds
- Instead, she decided to save money and try to make her own
- She bought budget materials such as Polyfilla, acrylic paints and palette knives, and created stunning neutral canvases for just £40
If you’re decorating your home and need some wall art, you might have been put off by how expensive wall canvases can be.
But Ruth Palmer, 32, a mum of one and civil servant from Brighton, decided to save money and try to make her own.
She bought budget materials such as Polyfilla, acrylic paints and palette knives, and created stunning neutral canvases for just £40, saving hundreds.
Ruth told money-saving Facebook group DIY On A Budget UK: "After having a baby and moving house, it felt like the process of decorating went on and on and on, with the more personal touches being totally neglected because of time and money.
"We had a huge wall above our sofa that needed to be filled and after reading about DIY modern art using Polyfilla and loving the textured look of it, I thought I’d give it a go.
"After watching a few YouTube videos I realised it was super quick and easy method and had the finish of something much more professional and classy!
"I found the materials at Hobbycraft and Toolstation.
"Only a few items were needed and they were all super inexpensive compared to buying artwork.
“I bought canvas boards for £8 each, two tubs for Polyfilla for £6 per tub or more if you really want to build texture, a couple of small neutral acrylic paint pots for £2 each, large white acrylic paint for £3, a paintbrush used for the walls for £3 and palette knives for £4. That was all.
"When my little one was in bed and my partner was out on a bike ride, I lay an old bed sheet down and got creating!
"The process is to lay the Polyfilla down in small areas first and move it about the canvas using the palette knives with no rhyme or reason – just where you feel you want to.
“Build on layers, add more, create more lines – create texture!
“Once you're happy, leave to start setting for five or 10 minutes.
“Grab the paintbrush and colours and start adding colour, again with no rhyme or reason… just wherever you feel you want to.
“Stand back every couple of minutes to see where you want to add more paint, or Polyfilla.
“Repeat until you feel it's done!
"The whole process for one canvas took about 20 to 30 minutes.
"It took no real effort but was super fun to create!
"I have had so many compliments from friends and family.
"It’s the perfect addition to our living room and so lovely that I’ve added a real personal touch to the space and for the cost of about £40.
“I feel great about doing it for £40! It makes it so special to have something created by me on the wall and hopefully inspires my son to stay thrifty and creative when he is older too!
"From what I've seen, actual canvas artwork by a painter (over a print) goes for hundreds! So I guess I say I'd saved about £100 or £200 quid, if not more!”
Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, comments: “A quick look for neutral wall art shows lots of beautiful results - but costing over £100 per canvas.
“Ruth has managed to create a stunning neutral triptych which looks classy and elegant on her wall - I’m sure none of her guests will believe that she did it all for £40, and using Polyfilla!
"Hats off to her for creating a stunning feature wall and saving money at the same time."
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