Wall Art Making Cheatsheet
Popular Wall Art Styles
| Style Name | Description | Mediums Used | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract | Shapes, textures, bold colours | Acrylic, texture paste, resin | Beginner–Advanced |
| Minimalist | Clean lines, neutral tones | Ink, vinyl, paint pens | Beginner |
| Boho/Macrame | Woven, organic, handmade feel | Yarn, rope, driftwood | Beginner |
| Mixed Media | Layered textures and materials | Paper, paint, fabric, found items | Intermediate |
| Typography/Quotes | Lettering as central focus | Vinyl, stencils, hand lettering | Beginner |
| Nature-Inspired | Botanical, animal, or landscape themes | Watercolour, pressed flowers, wood | All levels |
Wall Art Surfaces
| Surface Type | Features | Best For | Preparation Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stretched Canvas | Prepped for paint, light weight | Acrylic, oil, mixed media | Minimal (already primed) |
| Canvas Board | Affordable, flat | Practice art, small displays | Minimal |
| Wood Panels | Durable, rustic feel | Pyrography, acrylic, resin | Sand + seal (optional) |
| Paper (Heavyweight) | Lightweight, various textures | Watercolour, ink, collage | Tape down to avoid warping |
| Fabric/Textile | Tapestry style | Dyeing, embroidery, macrame | Iron, stretch (optional) |
| MDF/Hardboard | Solid base for layered art | Resin art, heavy collage | Gesso or primer coat |
Wall Art Techniques
| Technique | Description | Recommended Medium | Tools Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic Pouring | Fluid abstract swirls of paint | Acrylic + pouring medium | Cups, torch, canvas |
| Resin Art | Glossy layered finish | Pigments + epoxy resin | Resin kit, gloves, level table |
| Collage | Layered paper, fabric, or ephemera | Glue, cutouts, paper/fabric | Scissors, glue, board |
| Stencil Work | Clean shapes and lettering | Spray paint, ink, acrylic | Stencil, brush or sponge |
| Macrame Wall Hang | Knotted yarn or rope design | Cotton cord, dowel | Scissors, tape, patience |
| Mixed Media Texture | Add sand, fabric, paste for depth | Acrylic, gesso, gel medium | Palette knife, brushes |
Mounting & Hanging Options
| Mounting Style | Description | Best For | Tools Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nail/Screw Mount | Traditional hardware attachment | Canvases, wood, framed art | Hammer, wall anchors |
| Sawtooth Hanger | Flat metal strip with jagged teeth | Lightweight frames | Nail/screw, level |
| Wire Hanging | Allows adjustment side-to-side | Large or heavy frames | Hanging wire, D-rings |
| Command Strips | Non-damaging adhesive solution | Lightweight, rental-friendly | Adhesive strips |
| Floating Frame | Art appears suspended in glass | Minimalist, pressed flowers | Specialty frame |
| Magnetic Poster Frame | Clamp-style top and bottom | Posters, fabric prints | Magnetic bars, hook/nail |
Essential Tools & Supplies
| Category | Items Included | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Painting Supplies | Brushes, palette, paint, canvas | $20–$100+ |
| Cutting Tools | X-acto knife, scissors, cutting mat | $10–$30 |
| Adhesives | Mod Podge, PVA glue, spray adhesive | $5–$25 |
| Texturing Tools | Palette knife, sponges, combs | $5–$15 |
| Lettering Tools | Paint pens, stencils, vinyl cutter | $5–$60+ |
| Finishing Tools | Varnish, sealant, frames | $10–$50+ |
Beginner-Friendly Projects
| Project Name | Style | Materials Needed | Time Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quote Canvas Art | Typography | Paint pens, canvas, ruler | 30–60 min |
| Boho Yarn Wall Hanging | Boho/macrame | Yarn, dowel, scissors | 1–2 hours |
| Acrylic Pour Canvas | Abstract | Acrylic, pouring medium, canvas | 1 hour + dry time |
| Pressed Flower Frame | Nature-inspired | Glass frame, dried flowers, glue | 45–60 min |
| Paper Collage Art | Mixed media | Paper scraps, adhesive, board | 1–2 hours |
Safety & Display Tips
| Topic | Tip |
|---|---|
| Ventilation | Always ventilate when using resin, spray paint, or adhesives |
| Dry Time | Allow at least 24 hours for resin or heavy paint to cure |
| Avoid Direct Sunlight | Prevents yellowing and fading of artwork |
| Use Leveling Tools | To ensure straight, aligned hanging |
| Protect Walls | Use removable hooks or felt pads on large pieces |
Selling Wall Art
| Type of Art | Marketplaces | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Paintings | Etsy, art fairs, gallery | $30–$300+ | Frame for premium appeal |
| Printable Downloads | Etsy, Gumroad, Shopify | $5–$20 | Offer multiple sizes |
| Mixed Media Wall Pieces | Boutiques, handmade shops | $40–$150+ | Focus on unique materials |
| Macrame Wall Art | Instagram shops, local craft shows | $25–$100+ | Varies by size, pattern complexity |
| Commissioned Decor | Social media, referrals | $100–$500+ | Great for personalized home pieces |