Have you ever bought supplies for a project you were excited to start, only to have them sit untouched for years?
That happened to me with a stack of colorful quilting fabrics I bought a few summers ago. I planned to make a quilt but never enjoyed the long hours at a sewing machine, so the project stayed only in my head. Recently, while organizing my craft supplies, I rediscovered that bag of fabrics. Seeing the cheerful colors together inspired me to use them in a different way.
Adding Fabric Wall Art to My Powder Room
Instead of a quilt, I turned the fabrics into bright canvas wall art for the powder room off my kitchen. The two finished canvases add exactly the splash of color the room needed, and they were made with supplies I already owned plus two thrift-store canvases that cost only a few dollars.
Across from the vanity is a narrow wall that’s reflected in the mirror. It always felt unfinished and needed something tall and colorful to balance the space. I tried several canvas sizes, but the wall required either one tall piece or two vertically stacked items to look right.
On a thrift-store trip I found two printed canvases near the entrance that were the perfect dimensions and only $3 each. I knew I could prime over the existing artwork and create something new.
The finished pieces brighten the whole room, especially when reflected in the mirror. Years ago I also made a “Toilette” sign in the style of a vintage French enamel sign, which adds personality and complements the new canvases.
What I love most is that this project finally put those fabrics to use. Although I never made the quilt, I now enjoy those colors every day on the wall. The canvases give a similar cozy, colorful feeling to a quilt without needing stitching hours.
How to Turn Fabric Scraps Into Colorful DIY Canvas Art
In the past I’ve covered canvases with tissue paper, gift wrap, and paper napkins. For these canvases I used fat quarters—precut pieces commonly sold for quilting at craft stores and big-box retailers. They’re affordable and come in plenty of patterns. If you prefer, thrift-store clothing can also be a source of interesting fabric.
supplies needed:
- An artist canvas
- water-based paint primer
- paint brush
- fabric
- scissors or rotary cutter
- picture hanger and hammer
- Mod Podge Sealer & Glue – Matte
You don’t need to iron the fabric first, though pressing it can help when planning placement of cut shapes and colors.
- If the canvas is new, skip this. If it has previous paint, clean it, let it dry, then apply a coat of water-based primer. Let it dry and add a second light coat.
2. Gather fabric. I used fat quarters and scraps from previous projects.
3. Decide on the look: a busy multicolor background or a more unified palette. I initially cut thin strips with a rotary cutter but switched to wider strips for a bolder background.
4. Cut wider strips in varied sizes—imperfection is fine. Lay them on the canvas until you’re happy with the balance. Attach pieces using Mod Podge: brush adhesive on the canvas, press the fabric down, then brush more Mod Podge over the top to smooth. Wrap and fold corners like a gift, trimming excess and using extra Mod Podge to secure the folds. Overlap pieces slightly and let the background dry fully.
5. After the background dries, cut petal shapes and centers from fabric and arrange them on the canvas.
6. Experiment with layout. If your canvas is thicker than an inch, let some petals wrap over the edges for added dimension.
7. Attach each shape with Mod Podge, brushing on the canvas first, then under the fabric, and finally over the top to smooth. Smooth out any air bubbles and let dry overnight.
8. Once fully dry, hang and enjoy your creation.
How to Hang Your Canvas Art Easily on a Wall
For hanging, I use a simple DIY picture-hanging tool made from a paint stir stick and a nail. It helps position hooks precisely so artwork hangs straight and at the right height.
It’s OK If a Project Doesn’t Get Done Right Away
This project turned out even better than I imagined. The delay gave me time to consider what the room really needed and led to a solution that fits my style. It’s a reminder that creative ideas don’t have to be rushed or followed exactly as planned.
Those quilting fabrics that once seemed destined for a quilt now brighten my powder room every day. If you have fabric scraps tucked away, consider turning them into wall art. It’s an affordable way to add color, personality, and a handmade touch to your home. That unfinished project you’ve been stashing might become something even better when you look at it with fresh eyes.
More DIY Wall Art Ideas Like This
- DIY Modern Wall Art Painting on Canvas
- How To Make Tissue Paper Art for Decorating a Wall
- How To Make Outdoor Wall Art
- Art Made Easy: Painting Your Own Canvas
- Hang Art on a Wall the Way a Designer Does
- Written Word or Lyrics Canvas