I am SOO EXCITED to start sharing all things Christmas with you!
First up is a new piece of art I made and using on my mantel this year. But it could be hung anywhere you wanted – even replace another picture on your wall just for the Christmas season. You have probably seen these lighted canvases in the store but even I didn’t know how easy it would be to DIY my own.
Materials needed:
- Canvas – this one was on 70% doorbuster sale a few weeks ago at Michael’s so made it the cheapest one that day but you can buy the least expensive version. Or order this one (affliate link)
- paint – I used DecoArt Americana regular acrylic paint in Zinc – a really dark gray.
- vinyl wording or image or you could paint your own
- battery operated LED lights (mine also have a timer option that I LOVE!). I got the set below at Walmart for $5, but this one would work too. (affliate link)
I will be picking up another set of these lights to use in the future. I have them set to come on at 6 pm with some other LED candles I have out and then they all automatically go off 4 hours later. So no taking down the canvas to turn it on or anything like that.
I did 2 coats of the DecoArt Americana paint and my canvas looked great.
Then it was time to apply the vinyl image. I don’t have a fancy cutting machine so I ordered this vinyl image from Etsy (link here) – shipping was fast and the vinyl is great quality so I highly recommend them. I think they does custom work too.
Next it was time to install the lights. I used a small razor blade to cut slits in the front of the canvas. I roughly drew out where I wanted them to go making sure the spacing wasn’t too far apart so the lights would reach. This is what the back of the canvas looks like. If you cut your slits a little too big or the lights aren’t staying in you can either tape them from the back or even apply a little bit of hot glue to hold them in place. Mine are in there pretty tight.
Here’s just a little sneak peek of my mantel with the sign in place – full mantel post coming a bit later! 
And I will enjoy it for years to come in our home.
I just love it! I couldn’t believe how fast and easy it was. Seriously not counting drying time it was probably a 30 minute project.
Here’s a night shot – so pretty!
What saying or image would you want to put on a DIY lighted canvas?
Fast, Easy, and Beautiful!
You did such a beautiful job!! I am going to try this, probably a bit smaller at 1st.
Thank you for sharing!
Barb
Christina, you did an amazing job!!!!!!!!! So perfect for Christmas. I am loving your mantel.
Blessings…
Sherri
<3 it!!
Love it! Awesome that the lights are on a timer too.
Love! Just saw some today at Kirkland’s for about $40 and fell in love! So cool that you made one! I’m tired of just having a wreath on my mantle at Christmas and would love to have something with lights. Battery operated lights and candles with timers are so awesome!
Gorgeous!! I am too late to make one this season, pinning for later. I love it!
I love and tried to pin but was unable.
Cindy
That looks perfect! I really like the night-time shot. This inspires me to give this project a try – thanks!
It was getting late in the season for me, too, but I had a canvas, a Silhouette, and some paint. I got the light set at Walmart and was able to create a beautiful piece for my dining area. We have really enjoyed it. Thanks for the inspiration. I wish I could show you a picture.
I love holiday decor. Your mantel is gorgeous. I think I will try this maybe for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Thanks for sharing.
Are all the lights displayed on the canvas? Some look brighter than others so I was trying to figure out if you used all the lights?
Love this but unless I’ve missed something…what about the frame. How is that made?
I am going to do one of these with “Wise men still seek Him” on it. Thanks for sharing how easy this is to do.
What size canvas did you use?
I love this so much!
What are the sizes you used for the canvas and the vinyl art?
I would choose this same one!