Mexico Inspired DIY Wall Art: Part 1

I am so excited to show off two different displays of wall art that were inspired by two different trips to the Riviera Maya, Mexico. The first trip was our honeymoon in July 2008 and the second was this past October 2009. The display above (Part 1) was created from some homemade stretched canvases and some artwork that Mr. Tote and I found this past Halloween while shopping in Playa del Carmen. It was drizzling that day and we found ourselves holed up in a shop that specialized in art made from various types of bark, leaves and sap. I could have bought everything in the store, but our budget clearly wouldn't allow for that. So we settled in on three pieces that were made from banana tree bark. I love that they all have the element of the sun in them. Below are some photos of the process...

First, making the canvases. I found a great tutorial here. Mr. Tote made the frames using some 1"x3" wood, a miter saw and nail gun. We used natural-colored duck cloth, purchased at Joann's.

To adhere the prints to the canvas, we used somegood 'ol construction adhesive. I was aprehensive about this for fear of ruining the prints if I ever wanted to change them, but I gave in and will just have to deal with it if I ever want to change them. Here's a few more pictures of the finished product.

I really love how these turned out! After living in our house for eight months, I am finally becoming comfortable with putting holes in the wall. *shudders*

Part 2 is coming soon, so stay tuned!

I'm joining Funky Junk Interior's Saturday Nite Special party and It's So Very Creative.