When I was looking for artwork to hang up in our latest vintage camper renovation, I came across this piece. It was perfect because it was a smll size and gave all the Mediterranean vibes I was wanting. The only problem was that only one print was available and I couldn’t find anything else that small. That’s when I came up with the idea of crrating my own artwork with different Cricut products! Since getting the Cricut Maker I have been having so much fun coming up with new projects I normally wouldn’t be able to do.
I loved the thought of including metals and wood into a creative look all while adding in a little building by making the simple frame. I will walk you through the steps to create this artwork so you can customize one yourself!
Materials Needed:
Step 1:
Within Design Space, you can create your design. If you like the one that I created you can find it here saved to my profile. If you are new to having a Cricut, Design Space is the FREE online platform where you can create your designs and send them to your Cricut.
I chose to use 3 different materials to create more depth within the design and add the natural elements of wood and metal.
Step 2:
Once I had my designs I started with the base of my artwork which was going to be the aluminum sheet. I was using this as a “matte” for my art but wanted to add very subtle engraving. So I created a triple arch that went both upwards and downwards, overlapping.
You need to set this design to “engrave” instead of the default “basic cut” and have an engraving tip loaded in your Cricut. Align the aluminum on your mat at the same location as the example view prior to loading. I add painters tape to the edges of the aluminum just to ensure there is no movement when the engraving is being done.
Step 3:
Next I went moved on to my next layer, the Natural Wood Veneer in Dark Walnut. This one was pretty simple because it was just a rounded edge square. I used the Cricut knife blade tip to cut the 6”x6” square and it helped to change the pressure to “more” in the settings so that it was easier to separate. I also added tape to the edges to ensure it wouldn’t move when cutting on the mat.
Step 4:
The last cutting step was to use the Natural Wood Veneer in Maple and create the herb leaves. I used the same blade and settings for the cut as I did for the Walnut (knife blade and “more” pressure). I taped the edges of the veneer to prevent shifting and cut the 3 herbs on one sheet. I separated them out and we were ready to make a frame.
Step 5:
I took a scrap 1×1 piece of wood that I had on hand and cut 4 identical pieces, each with mitered cuts to create a simple box frame. Since the aluminum sheeting is slightly rigid I wanted to create a groove down the inner side of these pieces.
I lowered my table saw blade to about 1/8” and ran each along it to make a channel that the aluminum sheet would fit in. Since the aluminum sheet would sit in this groove the pieces needed to be slightly smaller that the 8” sheet. I cut them all to fit snug on the aluminum sheet and it was a perfect fit.
Step 6:
Now we assemble! Using wood glue and a pin nailer, secure one corner of the frame on both sides, ensuring the channel matches up. Repeat the process on one more corner, this should create a “U” shape.
Next take the aluminum sheet and slide it down the open side of the “U” through the grooves. Take your last wood frame piece and secure it on the top opening making sure the aluminum is secured within the groove. Let these dry for about an hour if possible.
Step 7:
Next you can choose to stain, paint or just seal the wood frame. This should be done before assembly but I can’t make decisions and wanted to wait to see it put together before choosing to paint or stain! I ended up staining them with Minwax Special Walnut.
Then I glue down the Walnut wood veneer to the aluminum with spray adhesive. I followed this by arranging the Maple wood herb cutouts how I liked them and glued them down as well. Lastly, I added a small amount of Reindeer moss and they were done!
I hung them up in a perfect spot and they are such a unique and simple addition to this space! I love all of the natural elements and textures throughout this DIY.
Here is a quick video of the process!
One Comment
Mary
What a great tutorial. Your imagination never ceases to amaze me!
(I don’t see a link to the video, though.)