How to Paint Ikat Tutorial

I see ikat fabric everywhere on Pinterest, and thought it would be fun to try to and paint it.  I made this sign using some canvas and paint I already had on hand, so the cost was basically free.  I turned it into a door sign to welcome guests into a baby shower, and afterwards, gave it to the mom-to-be to hang on her door once baby Olivia arrives.

For this project you will need:
-basic canvas (mine is 16x20")
-acrylic craft paint
-a medium size brush
-paper and scissors
-a colored pencil

1.  Paint your canvas a solid color

2.  Cut out your diamond shape by folding a square of paper in fourths - this ensures a symmetrical shape every time.  Use a colored pencil similar to the color of your ikat design to trace the diamond template onto the canvas, starting with the center and moving outward.  Since the ikat look isn't perfect, its ok to eyeball and not measure!

note: I think a diamond shape as opposed to a true square looks better

3.  Using a fairly thick brush, fill around the edges of your diamond shape, being sure to keep your strokes parallel and even.  Start in the center of the diamond and brush outward for the cleanest lines.  If you want to soften the edges and "blur" the lines a bit more, go back over your strokes and feather them a bit.

You can choose to fill in your diamonds, or leave them open in the center, depending on your design preference

4.  Fill in the center of your diamonds with another coordinating shade

5.  Leave your canvas as is with just the ikat design, or embellish it with a name, word or paper design to add another dimension to the look.

I added a bright pink band, and cut out white paper letters that I stuck on with Mod Podge

See, super simple!  This would be a fun pattern for a closet wall, mud room or just a plain canvas to accent your office.  Have fun with it!