by Barbie Hsu

Created on: November 23, 2008   Last Updated: February 04, 2009

Unique Gift - DIY Artist Panel

Preview of the finished product here - http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/3051838701_1fb1f 9bd12.jpg

Typically, such artwork panel will cost around 200 USD; 100 USD for the artwork, and another 100 USD for the printing/framing. However, I am going to show you how to achieve the same thing with only 25 USD.

Things you need

Artwork

*If you don't already have an artwork, you may get one online at the following places:

Custom-Made Caricature Artwork (the one featured here) visit http://www.Phokki.com approximately 15 USD 20 USD. By the way, you need to submit the digital image of the subject you want to convert to artwork to them. In my case, they are my dogs.

Ready Made Artwork visit http://www.Imagekind.com approximately 15 USD for bigger size

*Yes, buying artwork online can be that cheap!

Frame

*DIY Frame

Wooden Texture Wallpaper, or other patterns depending on you

Cardboard Box

Printing the artwork

After you have acquired the artwork, you may print them using ink jet printer. Or, if the artwork is too big, you can have it print at the Poster shop. It will cost approximately 10 USD for the Poster Print at A1 size. I prefer matt finishing as it looks pretty classy, once it's hung on the wall.

Framing

When receiving packages in the mail, think twice before throwing away the box.

To begin, choose a box which is an approximate size of the printed artwork that you have. It can be a 5"X7" frame, an 8"X10" frame or even a tiny, 2"X3" frame. For mine is a little bit large which is A1 size. The box doesn't have to be the exact size of the artwork, but it must be bigger than the artwork.

Decide on the decoration for the side of the box. If the box size is bigger than the artwork, this decoration material will be used to cover the extra portion as well. For my case, I decided to use dark color wooden pattern wallpaper. Measure all four sides of the box, and then cut the sides to be approximately 1-2 inch length, depending on your liking. This will be the thickness of the artist panel, creating pop-up effect. Use white glue to adhere the wallpaper to the sides of the box, as well as the extra portion not covered by the printed artwork. After you have adhered the wallpaper, paste the printed artwork on to the surface of the box. And you have it - DIY custom made artist panel. You may hang the panel directly on the wall without additional hook (hang using the edge of the box) as the cardboard box is light.

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