by Corrie Reed
TURN FABRIC INTO ART
 When selecting fabric for this project, look for a graphic or patterned ones that will complement the features of the room. Purchase a pre-made canvas and enough fabric to cover the canvas- remember to leave an allowance of fabric to wrap around the back of the canvas. Cut the fabric to size and lay with the front facing down. Center your canvas (front facing down) on top of the fabric. Starting on one side, pull the fabric taut and staple once in the middle. Turn the canvas and repeat on the next side; then, continue with the remaining sides. Continue stapling each side, moving out from the middle, and pulling the fabric tightly before stapling. Bring the fabric together at the corners, staple and trim any excess. Add a saw-tooth hook to the back for hanging and nail head trim (if you choose) to the outer edge to add visual interest.
Variation:
You can also frame the fabric; use one large frame or a grouping of smaller ones. Purchase a pre-made frame(s) (make sure it's depth will accept a piece of foamcore), foamcore board, and fabric. Measure the interior dimensions of your frame and using a craft knife and metal ruler, cut the foam core to those dimensions. Cut your fabric to size and set to the side. You will use spray adhesive to attach the fabric to the foam core- I highly recommend doing this outdoors since there tends to be quite a bit of overspray. Spray one side of the foam core with spray adhesive and carefully lay your fabric on top. Use your hands to smooth the fabric, beginning in the middle and working your way out to the sides. Turn the board over and use hot glue to attach the fabric to the back. Place the board in the frame, replace backing, and secure.
Tips for success:
- If you use a striped or patterned fabric to cover a canvas, use a light coat of spray adhesive before stapling to ensure the fabric stays straight.
- Try using several different fabrics that complement one another. Frame or mount each one individually and then hang together in a grouping.
- When covering a large canvas or piece of foam core, enlist a friend to help hold and center the fabric.
- If you have a frame that is too shallow for foamcore, use a canvas board instead- the largest size available is 18 x 24.
BIG WALL / BIG IMPACT
If you have a large wall in a room, you can creatively fill it with an oversized map. Oversized maps are available through online retailers in sizes ranging from 73" x 48" to 110" x 76" to 112" x 71". Since you will be dissecting the map into smaller individual parts and framing them, the most important part of this project is careful measurement. Begin by measuring the wall. Keep these measurements in mind as you shop for both maps and frames. Select a map that complements the decor not overpowers it and use simple frames. Next, you will need to take the overall size of the map and add the spacing between the frames to be sure it will fit on your wall. Take the dimensions of the map and divide it by the size of your selected frame to calculate the number of frames you will need.
Getting started:
On a large work surface, place the map face down. Divide the map's size by the frame's size to determine how to divide the map. For example: if the map is 110" x 76" and the frames are 11" x 14", then each section will be 10" x 5.4" and you would use a total of 50 frames. Use a metal ruler and pencil to mark the appropriate lines on the back of the map and number each section (this will make assembling easier). Carefully cut along the lines with a craft knife and place in the frames. Place the frames on the floor exactly how they will hang on the wall. Use painter's tape to outline the area where your frames will hang; then, carefully measure and mark with pencil where each frame will hang. Drive nails or hangers into the wall working one row at time to hang the frames.
Variation:
Have a favorite photograph enlarged and use it in place of a map (I found enlargements available in sizes up to 44" x 120"). Convert the image to black and white too and compare it to the color version to see which you like better.
Tips for success:
- Measure, measure, and re-measure.
- Enlist the help of your spouse or a friend to check your calculations and help with the process.
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