How To: Transform an Ugly Craigslist Canvas

We absolutely love how Like Merchant Ships describes her bad Craigslist purchase: "August. Pregnant. Shopping the Craiglist classifieds late, late at night." Well, she took what was a pretty hideous find and let her daughter get to work. We love the result! See what it looked like before below the jump...

050109ugly craigslist.jpg
Not really living room material right?

But what a great way to score a large piece of art for your kids to redo. Think about scanning CL, stoop sales, or garage sales for a large canvas like this. Then let the kids at it.

Thanks for sharing this Like Merchant Ships.

Comments (7)

I have a giant (ugly) canvas I picked up at a yard sale in my basement just waiting for my 2-year old to transform it into a masterpiece. We may have to wait a few years though...

posted by lisamfb on May 1st 2009 at 3:27pm
view lisamfb's profile

How fun! What type of paint did you use? I love huge art that makes a statement. :)

posted by Jensing32 on May 1st 2009 at 6:09pm
view Jensing32's profile

Great idea!

posted by sara Stubbert on May 1st 2009 at 9:47pm
view sara Stubbert's profile

That's fantastic! VERY clever indeed.

posted by amy-in-sf on May 1st 2009 at 11:36pm
view amy-in-sf's profile

love this!

posted by jen jenkinson on May 2nd 2009 at 12:36am
view jen jenkinson's profile

Very clever, and very fun for parent and child!

posted by rachelrachel on May 4th 2009 at 2:52pm
view rachelrachel's profile

I'd suggest a primer/base coat before letting the kids go for it. Perhaps gesso? Then use acrylic, since it is water based and dries quickly. You can get some awesomely bright colors, too.

posted by VirginiaWestfield on May 4th 2009 at 9:32pm
view VirginiaWestfield's profile