Quatrefoil Wall Art

Lately I am obsessing over this beautiful pattern called, quatrefoil. I first saw it in the Ballard catalog and it was love at first sight. Now I see it all over the place. I guess it's the latest hot trend. I've had it on my list of things I wanted to try, but didn't know where to start. Well, my bestie, Jen from Tatertots and Jello, came to my rescue. Her post over at The CSI Project this week was THE most fabulous quatrefoil tutorial. She even included a free printable stencil!!! You can click HERE to get your very own copy...isn't she sweet?

This is my little creation using her awesome stencil. I am in L.O.V.E. I'm already dreaming up various ways to use this stencil again and again and again!

Here is how I did it. First I printed a copy of the pattern Jen made. Then I taped it to the back of a plastic stencil sheet. Because these sheets are clear, you can easily cut the shape out following the lines of the pattern.

Now you're ready to stencil your little heart out. This is definitely a process and it takes time and patience...so be sure you have a little of both saved up! It has been a long time since I stenciled anything, and in my mind I was thinking it would be quick and painless. Ummmm....not so quick and slightly painful. I kid...really, it wasn't. I just wasn't prepared to spend several hours laboring over the detail of every single paint line. Maybe if I'd had this warning, I wouldn't have started this project at 10pm. Regardless, I would do it again. In fact, I plan to do another quatrefoil stencil project very soon, but I might need to set aside a few days to do it!

FYI.....I used a paint dauber to stencil the pattern on the canvas. If you don't know what I'm talking about, there is a picture of it two shots up. It's that little yellow round sponge on the end of a paint brush. After I stipled the pattern on, I went over the edge of each shape very carefully with a small paintbrush to sharpen the lines and filled in the centers.





This wall art is just the pop of color I needed in this corner of my chocolate brown living room. I love everything about it....the pattern, the color, the free price tag, and the fact that I made it myself. I've always enjoyed decorating and crafting, ever since I was a little girl. But it has only been in the last few years that I have been able to truly enjoy and embrace my creativity. For so long I denied myself the satisfaction of creating beautiful things. I was so caught up in the notion that everything needed to be perfect, that I didn't allow myself to try new things. What a waste! Let me tell you....once I let go of those ridiculously high expectations of myself, it was absolutely liberating. I love the freedom I've allowed myself to create, to share, to be inspired...beautiful imperfections and all!!!

That is why I am so excited about this new project....The CSI Project! It is a culmination of everything I love about blogging. It is a place to share your creations and be inspired by the creativity of others. Our first weekly challenge link up starts Monday. The theme for the week is "paint". Our guest judge is none other than my good friend, Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chick. We will have lots of fun, some fabulous loot, and plenty of inspiration. So get those projects together and get ready to link up for the fun. I am super excited to see what y'all come up with.....and I hope to see you there!