I was cruising Pinterest the other day as usual, and came across a lighted canvas that linked to some well overpriced store and was being used to highlight a mantle for Spring. I got to thinking that this would be a perfect and simple holiday accent for my Christmas village, and so I set out to gather materials. I actually was on my way to Michael's with a 25% off coupon when I stopped in a thrift shop and found a two pack of canvases unopened for $5. So, not only is this DIY lighted canvas adorable, but it only cost me $5.50 to make!

Materials:

Large canvas
3 Strands of white lights 20 ct. each.
Pencil
Paint in your colors of choice
Paintbrush
Nail
Tape

Instructions:


Step 1: Draw your design or wording onto the canvas lightly in pencil. You can use a stencil if you want, but I decided to wing it.


Step 2: Paint over the design you drew in pencil and let dry.


Step 3: Once the paint is dry, stand the canvas up on a table facing away from you. You should be looking at the back of the canvas. In any pattern you like, begin gently pushing the nail through the canvas where you want the lights to go. leave about an inch or at least half of an inch between each hole. Gently push the light bulbs through the holes. They will stay on their own, but you can hot glue around them if you like.


Step 4: Continue doing step 3 around the canvas until you are happy with the results. When finished, tape the cords neatly to the sides and bottom of the canvas, and secure the plugs together at the bottom of the canvas with strong tape.