This post was sponsored by Golden State Art. All opinions are my own.

One of the best ways to add color and dimension to a space is by hanging a piece of artwork to your wall. But, framed artwork can be crazy expensive! My Simple & Swirly DIY Wall Art is the perfect solution! And everyone knows that a pretty frame really makes the piece! I chose a gold aluminum frame to go with this particular piece of artwork – I love it!

This art is easy, inexpensive, completely customizable and totally adorable!

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own:

• A Beautiful Frame. Mine is a 16″ x 20″ gold aluminum frame from Golden State Art.
• Modeling Paste
• Acrylic Paints
• 3″ Round Sponge (1 sponge per each acrylic paint color)
• 16″x20″ sized white foam board, mat board or cardboard (canvas board would be too wide for the frame, but regular paper won’t be strong enough to hold the paint medium we are using.)
• Bowls or containers for mixed paint
• Spoons

1. Taking approximately 1/4 cup – 1/2 cup of modeling paste in one of your bowls, add a few teaspoons of one of your chosen acrylic paint colors. Mix well. Note: the modeling paste is a milky white color out of the container. It clears when dry.

This step is creating a gel medium that will allow the paint to be applied in a thick coat that will retain its shape and texture.

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2. Once you’ve mixed all your colors with the modeling paste, prepare your space by covering your table with paper and preparing a small bowl of water for your sponges. You will also want to plan your design. I’m going with 5 rows of colors somewhat evenly spaced. I am certainly not attempting perfection, but generally clean lines.

If you are doing a random pattern, or want to overlap your colors, you will want to wait a bit in between coats to allow them to dry or your colors will mix.

3. Dip a sponge in the bowl of clean water and thoroughly ring it out. Wetting your sponge allows easier grip as well as smoother application of the paint.

4. Press your damp sponge in the first color of paint you are using. On a clean piece of paper or paper plate, apply the first coat of paint from the sponge.

The first coat tends to be uneven and thick – so by applying it off to the side, you are ensuring an even surface on your board.

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5. Paint your row of circles by placing the round sponge where you want it and slowly twisting the sponge in a complete circle. Carefully lift the sponge straight up.

The twisting action will help you create a full and even looking circle vs. just pressing the sponge and picking it up.

6. Reapply paint to the sponge and continue to your next circle.

7. I think the circles look like popped bubbles at this point. It’s kind of cool looking, but not what I’m going for. If you like it, you can just continue with the steps above for each color and row of circles. I decided to make the circles more textured and fun!

With the back of a spoon covered in the paint mix, I swirled the back of the spoon around the sponge circle creating a swirly design that almost resembles the top of a frosted cupcake!

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8. Now, I just continued with the steps above for each color and row of circles.

9. Because this paint is so thick, the dry time is going to take a little longer. You definitely want to make sure you are giving it plenty of time to dry and set before you add the finished board into your frame!

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10. Remove the backing of your picture frame and place your finished art inside. The tabs on this frame were super easy and fast to remove and replace!

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This DIY art is fun, colorful and looks right at home in this little reading and music corner I’ve created for my kids!