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Tree Mural Tutorial

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I was afraid you might ask for this.  Keep in mind that I was quite intimidated by this project and taking pictures of my steps was not one of my strong points through it.  Plus, I consider myself a poor tutorializer.  We’ll see how this goes.

The biggest hurdle was finding the perfect tree.  Believe me.  It was difficult.  What I found when researching other people’s trees is that a lot of them were too flimsy and weren’t nearly substantial enough for the space.  I knew I wanted something very curvy, but also quite expansive.  I think I stupidly deleted my picture of my tree.  That’s what I do.  I delete things I need, and I keep things I don’t.  However, I did find a large vinyl of it in this Etsy shop.

I started out by going up to my school and stealing borrowing an overhead projector.  This is essential. If you don’t have access to one, I believe you might be able to rent them from a library or office supply store. IMG_6169

I printed out the picture of my tree and enlarged it on the copy machine.  I honed in on the top part, because I was fairly certain I could handle the trunk.  Plus, I knew my daughter’s bed would hide any imperfections!  I kept pulling back the projector to enlarge the image on the wall until I knew I was happy.

IMG_6168

Once it was in place, I used white chalk to draw the image onto the wall.  It worked like. a. charm.  I simply painted right over the chalk, so I didn’t have to worry about any lines.  One piece of advice, though.  There are several spots where the leaves are fatter than I wanted them to be or the limbs are too thick.  That’s a result of me drawing the line on the outside of the image, and it distorted things a bit.  Not a huge deal, but it drove/drives me nuts.

IMG_6166

Another piece of advice?  Do NOT have your son take a picture of you in a tank top and broadcast it to the world.  It’s not flattering, but it’s a sacrifice I make.IMG_8739

This is the paint I used.  It was $9.99, and I used a 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby.  The brushes were costlier than I would have liked.  They were maybe $10.00 total.  I know that doesn’t seem like much, but I’m used to .47 cent brushes from Wal Mart!  However, these brushes made the difference.  Also, I watered the paint down just a tad.  It was just a bit too thick for the application, and it was a bit more flexible being watered down.IMG_8741

And finally…a lot of you asked about the color on the walls.  It is Benjamin Moore’s Iced Green.  That’s an odd name since it really is quite blue, but what do I know?  I’m not usually such a messy can keeper.  That is, until my dog jumps up on the counter, knocks the paint can off, and it spills open when it hits the floor.  My hardwood floor, mind you.  Still a little resentful over that one.

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Believe me when I say that I am not a painter.  However, as I got through it, I started to free hand several branches on my own.  If I can do it, anyone can.  Seriously!

teen girls room

blue pink room

Thank you for all your wonderful and encouraging comments!

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Chris

Chris

Well, hello. Ahem. Allow myself to introduce..my..self. My name is Chris! And I’m a blogger! I got into blogging after spending months reading all the inspiration that is found in blogland. I thought to myself, “Self, I can do this. I might have something to offer too!” And so it began...
Chris
Chris

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Comments

  1. OMG! I love this. I was looking for something to do in my girls room and this is perfect. You did such a great job!

  2. I absolutely love this. Probably one of the best posts I've seen in blogland lately. Thanks so much for sharing!!!

  3. My daughter saw me reading this post and told me that she wants her room to look just like this!! 🙂

    Are you sure that tree isn't in your recycle bin on that computer of yours? 🙂 No pressure…….

  7. Awesome!!! It looks so amazing! I have wanted to do this sort of project since we traced a map of the US on some big craft paper in 5th grade using this method. Wonder if there's a way to do it without the big projector?

  8. I think you did a great job on the tutorial. The tree looks great! One question though……are you going to be adding those cute little bird houses?

  10. WOW…that is seriously the most beautiful mural I've ever seen! You did an amazing job. And the color of the walls is to die for, as well! Love it all.

    ~Amanda

  11. OMgosh! So talented! I don;t have the nerve to try something as bold. Well done – you're an inspiration to all! Y

  12. YAY! I'm so glad you posted this!! Can't wait to copy it all! 🙂 I'll be sure to blog about it and give you credit as well!

  14. I LOVE it! Now just to find something I want to paint on the wall… oh and a projector.

  15. OK, I got the answer to my question about overhead projectors. That's what happens when you look at photos and don't read everything a person writes. Sorry about that.

  21. beau.ti.ful! I love it. I can't wait until I get to start painting my kids rooms. In fact, I'm glad my kids are asleep because they would throw a fit for something like this immediately if they were to see it. You did a great job!

  23. That is spectacular… I LOVE it. You did a wonderful job. Well you have a back up job just in case you quit teaching. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

  28. I can't tell you how much I love this mural idea!!! I've seen lots of murals that I think are tacky, but yours is FABULOUS! We just recently bought a house, and for the first time my boys have their own separate rooms. I've been struggling with how I want to decorate them – I think you've become my inspiration! If I end up blogging about it (it'll take me 6 months no doubt to get it done the way life seems to work these days), then I'll make sure you see my end result. THANKS SO MUCH for the tutorial. Once again – FABULOUS JOB!!!

  29. I think this is extremely beautiful. I love everything about this room, girly but not fru fru.
    The color also is amazing also. You did a great job and thank you for sharing it!

  30. Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial with us!! I LOVE IT!!
    I'll definitely be featuring this!

  32. So cute! I want to do huge dandelions in my girls room but had no idea how to get the picture on the wall, thanks for sharing!

  35. Oh, thank you! I have been wanting to put a tree in my sons room. I am a little intemedated because my MIL paints so well!

  36. Love this mural! Oh how I wish I had an overhead to help me out! Quite, quite lovely! Cheers to you!

  37. Again, the room is so beautiful! A few months ago I painted my daughter's room a similar blue color and also have pink and green accessories. I'd love to know what color pink you sprayed her chairs? THanks!

  41. This is so amazing. It actually makes me want to have a baby in order to do this in a nursery.

    Wow…. did I just say that? I hope my mom doesn't read this. 😉

  42. This tree shape is exactly what I'd want! Let us know if you find your tree picture! Did you draw it up yourself or find it online somewhere?

  43. very very cute! I love the tree with the wall color with the pink bed. It really looks great together!

  44. I have been looking for a good projector project. I got an old one and have been waiting for the right inspiration to come along! thanks It is very very cute. Love the colors too

  47. this is gorgeous!!There are some very average looking ones out there and some way over the top ones but this is simply stunning. Well done.

  48. Your little girls bedroom is adorable! You are so right about good paint brushes, they really do make a huge difference.

  49. thank you for sharing that!! it does look pretty easy-but the final product looks AMAZING!! and looks like a magazine pic I tell ya! you should really submit these to a magazine to publish. BH&G does a Creative Home magazine that features stuff like this. great job!!! now im off to "steal" a projector

  55. beautiful! can't wait to decorate my girls' room… i'll be using this tutorial. thanks!

  57. I love it! You did such a good job and the room looks perfect. I've never posted anything online but this is one comment that I couldn't pass up. You've got talent dude. -Andrea D.

  60. This is beautiful. I love it. I was looking for a Wall sticker for my son's room, but I may try to paint something like you did. Thank you!!!

  63. Love the room, love the tree and am grateful for the woman in the tank top to share it with us 🙂

    Christmas blessings!

  67. Does anyone ever check this? If so, I bought her bed at daybeds.com. It's the "Casey daybed". Thanks!

  69. OMG! I am a nurse in a neonatal unit and we want to paint a tree outside of our unit to make it a little less intimidating for families. Each nurse will have her own leaf on the tree. (there are 70 nurses)
    I am in charge of this project and have been trying to decide on how to get the look of professional without paying an artist.

    THANK YOU!

    will email you a pic when we are done (now i just need a projector ugh)

    Jeri (jeristine@insightbb.com)

  71. This is incredible, Chris! Kudos!!!
    I also scrolled down to see your amazing mantel this year. SO SO lovely!
    M.L.

  73. Gorgeous! And a little trick of the trade…floating medium added to acrylic paint works wonders! It is in the craft section with the craft paint. You just mix a little with your paint and it makes the paint glide on smoothly. You did such a good job!

  74. okay…that tree is gorgeous. I love it. i want to do it. I don't know where, but I will find a place. i love it!

  76. It's so beautiful! I would love to do that on my little girl's wall one day. Great idea working the projector! I LOVED my overhead when I used to teach!

  77. What a fantastic job! Bravo. I need to do this for my youngest boys room, he'd love it.
    Thanks for sharing.

  78. SO IN LOVE with this idea!!! I LOVE that blue!! What color is it?? Gotta do this for my daughter's room soon 🙂 Your home is exactly how I want mine…. LOVE IT!

  79. ignore my last question about the paint color- just saw the iced green!! GOING to buy it NOW!

  82. Adorable and how great that was featured on Ohdeedoh too! This is my first time commenting …I've been lurking for a while..sorry! You've given me sooo many good ideas.!!!!

    Patty

  84. This is so great! I want to do this in the nursery I am preparing for my new baby.

    Are you sure you can't remember where you found your tree? ….it is just perfect and I can't find anything similar! 🙂

  86. I have been trying for a couple days to find a similar tree, it just takes a lot of looking! But I found one that was so close on flickr.com and then type in the search box: folk art tree. It's on the ninth page, and the title is: "Folk art square tree with two birds papercutting by VegasLammy"

  89. It's gorgeous! Wow. Thanks so much for sharing the details with us. I'll be linking to this.

  90. This is amazing..Im gonna do it soon..My husband will grimace alot seeing his favorite dull majenta walls getting smeared by white, but I cant help being in love with it!!

  93. Excellent paint on the wall and even better is the mural. You are pure genius. I loved your project I feel like doing it for my daughter's room.

  94. Oh.My.Goodness!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!! I've been looking for a tree just like this to paint on our bedroom wall. This one is perfect and you're right it's so hard to find a good one! Wish you could find it! =)

  95. To those who are wondering how to do this without a big projector…

    Print the transparency and tape it to a card board box with two sides missing. On the opposite side where you tape the transparency, put a bright light (LED flashlight or a lamp without the shade).

  96. I'm a professional decorative artist and you did a wonderful job! Projectors are awesome for murals. Well done!

  97. I think I'm going to have to paint a tree in my living room! I love it! But first – I gotta paint over the pinkish color that came with the house…

  100. wow! that is GORGEOUS!!! i totally love it!!!! hmmmm — i am trying to figure out where i can borrow an overhead! LOL!!! cuz i really NEED to copy this greatness!!!
    thanks SO MUCH for sharing!!! ♥♥♥

  101. The mural looks beautiful. What a great idea to use an overhead and trace the tree out. Thanks for the inspiration:)

  102. I love a good ol' reliable overhead projector!

    It is a great project. Thanks for sharing.

  103. Love this!!! I just painted my daughters room a similiar color and I showed her this tree! I will be umm… copying.. it for sure!!!!!

  104. I love this! I've been wanting to paint a tree on our living room wall, and have been searching for the "perfect tree"… thanks for the tutorial…. now my husband doesn't think I'm as crazy for wanting to do this! lol…

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  106. GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE! 🙂

    I did the same thing in my kitchen back in November.
    http://www.allthingsthrifty.com/2009/11/add-character-to-your-kitchen-with.html

    AND then I used the same concept just barely for some wall art:
    http://www.allthingsthrifty.com/2010/01/tutorial-decorative-wall-art.html

    We are MEANT to be friends. Check them out if you want. No pressure whatsoever! 🙂

    I love your blog. I'm in love with your projects.

  107. I want to do a mural like this in my living room. My biggest hurdle is finding a projector to rent/beg/borrow.

  108. This turned out beautiful 🙂 As a tip, I got my projectors on surplus from the local school districts for about $3.50 each. They're goijng out of style with the new LCD projectors, but they still work great for murals! 🙂

  110. Nice work Chris. Tree murals are in my opinion, omongst the most difficult to pull off successfully. I really like the color scheme of room too.

  112. I haven’t been able to find it on either site. Do you know where else we could look for your tree picture?

  116. I am about to paint my son’s nursery. Same idea, but instead of school style projector I am using VGA projector procured via for $60. That way it is easier to scale images and the images are clearer. Isockphoto has all the silouettes you can imagine. I found all of mine there, a tree, birds, cats, grass blades, children playing, etc. For paint I am using BM colors as background and foreground.

  118. How do you do all these projects? You are so crafty! Your girls room looks like pottery barn! Amazing!

    • Serena and Lily, Katie! I have a resource post I did if you have more questions. Thanks!

  120. I’m currently painting a tree on my nursery wall. We have textured walls, so it’s been a bit difficult even after projecting the image on the wall and stenciling it in chalk. I’m also using Latex paint. Maybe I should have gone with acrylic? Would that help with making straighter lines? Any tips would be so helpful, because I’m about ready to just paint over it all and forget it. I’m too OCD for this 🙂

    • What a bummer, Rachael! I would definitely recommend the acrylic paint. It’s much thicker than latex, so you’d be able to control it significantly more. As for the textured walls–not sure what you can do about that. Mine aren’t textured. That helps. Try the acrylic paint. I only bought one tube of it for about $3.50. Cheap! Good luck!

  121. We love the room! These are the colors my daughter wants for her room. Where did you get the bedspread?

  122. I love the tree and also the bedspread, where did you purchase the bedspread? We are looking into changing our toddler’s room up a bit, and I just fell in love with this!!!!

    • Thank you, Heather! I ordered it from Selena and Lily. Not the cheapest thing in the world, but totally worth it!

  123. I wish I had thought of the overhead projecter. It would have made my life so much easier than freehand – which is what i did for my daughter’s nursery. My tree was A LOT simplier though. I think I would have been too intimidated to try something like this one.
    It is stunning!

    • You’re so brave! I just know that I could NOT have done it free hand. It would have been a big white blog on the wall. 🙂 Thank you so much!

  125. where did you get the full length pink curtains?? did you make them or buy them from a store??

  128. Found your blog via Pinterest … Thank you for sharing ! Lov’d the projector idea ..and your writing … Hope to try it in my daughter’s bedroom wall ( fingers crossed !) …

  129. Your tree is beautiful and perfect. I am in process of painting my daughter’s room… I painted it Frolic from Sherwin Williams (like a lime green). I was wondering if you would share your tree so that I could print it. Please let me know. THANK YOU! I am a teacher and will be borrowing an overhead 🙂

  132. i love the look. Wanted to do a family tree mural for the living room and put framed family pics . Seeing your idea makes the idea easier to do

  133. Did the tree on my daughters room today!!! 🙂 i’m so happy with the outcome!!! 🙂 i can see some of the strokes of the brushes, but it looks nice bc its a tree… thank u for posting this project.. i loove it!! 🙂

  135. I have been looking everywhere for either the fabric or this bedding photographed and I would LOVE if someone could point out where to find it!! I am about to move my little girl to a big girl room and no other bedding compares to this one! It is gorgeous! Please HELP!!

    Thank you so much! Feel free to email me any info you can. 🙂

    My email is andreakenneth07@yahoo.com.

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