• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Meet the Girl ↡
    • About Abby
    • Contact
  • Projects ↡
    • Organization
      • All Organization
      • Printables Library
      • Productivity
    • Decorating
      • Our Home Tour
        • Current House Home Tour
        • Townhouse Home Tour
      • All Decorating
      • DIY
      • Furniture Makeovers
      • Crafts
      • Holidays
    • Blogging
      • All Blogging
      • Income Reports
    • Happy Thoughts
  • My Products ↡
    • Impactful Habits, Organized Home Organizing Course
    • Browser to Buyer
    • Blogging Binder Printables
    • Home Binder Printables
    • Student Binder Printables
    • Christmas / Holiday Planner
    • Fitness Journal
  • Free Resources ↡
    • ClarityList for Bloggers
    • How to Start a Blog in 2020
    • 100+ Blogging Tips, Tools, and Resources to Grow Your Business
    • My Favorite Organizing Items
  • Income Reports

Abby Lawson logo

October 30, 2013 By Abby Lawson 36 Comments

DIY Transportation Art {The Cs' Big Boy Room}

Pin529
Share4
Tweet3
Email
536 Shares

*IKEA Pittsburgh provided the frames for this project, but of course all opinions are my own!*

DIY Transportation Art by Just a Girl and Her Blog

Confession: I rarely buy art. In fact, I think the one large piece of art I have purchased as a grown up is currently sitting in my garage unused. I just have a really hard time finding pieces that are *exactly* what I'm looking for, and a lot of times I just prefer to make something myself. Plus, I'm cheap. 😀 So when I picked up these awesome Nyttja frames with our IKEA stash for the Cs' new big boy room, I couldn't wait to get going on a custom piece for them.

I was completely inspired when I came across this little guy, so I decided to do my own DIY transportation art, split into three frames.

Inspiration

{source}

Mostly I just used a big stack of scrapbook paper and scissors, but I did have a few other tools that helped make this project a little easier:

DIY Transportation Art by Just a Girl and Her Blog

  • Nyttja frames
  • Tape
  • Small circle punch
  • Glue stick
  • Scissors
  • Scrapbook paper in assorted colors
  • Pen/pencil
  • Large circle punch
  • Hole punch
  • Silver paint pen

The Nyttja frames are BIG, 11 3/4" x 15 3/4", so I knew I would have plenty of space to fit in all of the little details I wanted to add. Using the cardboard backing of the frame as my base, I added paper and shapes layer by layer.

DIY Transportation Art by Just a Girl and Her Blog

 

1. I started with a sky and some grass...

2. Then I added my back row of buildings in a light gray.

3. I cut out the front row of buildings in a darker gray, splitting some between two frames.

4. I added a road and some little shrubs. {There are always shrubs beside the road, right?}

5. The most time-consuming part by far was creating all of the vehicles. I have already confessed that I am not an artist, and originally I had planned to print out some templates, cut them out, and trace them. I got lazy, though, and just decided to freehand it. I looked at pictures of various cartoon vehicles and tried to duplicate them the best I could. I used my small circle punch for all of the wheels.

Next, I just had to add small details-- some clouds, plants, and trees-- and I used a silver paint pen to draw windows on the buildings and windshields on all of the vehicles. Then I simply popped them into their frames and...

DIY Transportation Art by Just a Girl and Her Blog

TA-DA! All done! As I was adding the last few windows with my paint pen, I realized that all of the cars are driving on the wrong side of the road. In my defense, though, they are on my inspiration piece as well. So instead of switching everything around, I've just decided to call this piece, "Connor and Caleb go to Europe." 😀

DIY Transportation Art by Just a Girl and Her Blog

I think my favorite part is the airplane pulling Connor & Caleb's names! Most of the time when I attempt DIY art, it comes out far from perfect, and that's true with this piece too. Some of the cars are kind of wonky, not everything is completely straight, and it's not nearly as detailed as my inspiration piece. One of the reasons I love projects like this, though, is that even though it's not perfect, I was able to give my boys a fun, unique piece of art for their room that they will always know was a gift to them from mommy. There's something really satisfying about putting your own personal touch on a space, especially when it's for someone you love!

DIY Transportation Art by Just a Girl and Her Blog

Have you attempted any DIY art lately?

Delightful Sign Off

I link up at Inspire Me Please and these fun parties!

So thrilled to be featured here:

Knockoff Decor2

*IKEA Pittsburgh provided the frames for this project, but all opinions are my own. For more information, see my disclosures here.*

Filed Under: Crafts, Decorating Tagged With: art, diy, IKEA, ikea pittsburgh, the cs' big boy room

Pin529
Share4
Tweet3
Email
536 Shares
Free Printables Library at justagirlandherblog.com

Get 200+ pages of free printables!

Become one of our VIP newsletter subscribers and gain access to our exclusive free printables vault!

I want in!
Previous Post: « IKEA Hack: No-Sew Curtains
Next Post: "Immanuel" Burlap Banner »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Emily @ My Love for Words says

    October 30, 2013 at 4:16 pm

    So cute!! You did a great job! Pinning this to refer to when my little boys get a little bigger 🙂

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      October 31, 2013 at 2:43 pm

      Thank you, my friend! Hope you and your little boys are doing well! Happy Halloween!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  2. [email protected] says

    October 30, 2013 at 4:17 pm

    these are so cute and so fun Abby! 🙂 I'm sure they were fun to make too!
    I love that it is made by you, it's unique
    my favorite part is the airplane pulling your son's names as well 🙂

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      October 31, 2013 at 2:43 pm

      Thank you, Ingrid! They certainly were fun to make! I just put on a good show and went to town with my scissors! 😀 Thanks so much for stopping by! Happy Halloween!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  3. Kelsey says

    October 30, 2013 at 4:52 pm

    OK, can you come transform my boys room? These are so cute!! What a great idea.

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      October 31, 2013 at 2:42 pm

      Lol...I'll be right over!! 😉 Thanks so much, Kelsey! Happy Halloween!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  4. Katie @ Made to be a Momma says

    October 30, 2013 at 6:02 pm

    This is soooo much fun Abby! Great job! You inspired me to try something like this for my own boys! 🙂 Love this!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      October 31, 2013 at 2:41 pm

      Thanks so much, friend! I know yours will be SO cute! Hope your little guy is doing okay after his fall! Happy Halloween!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  5. Susan @ SunfowerHugs.blogspot.com says

    October 31, 2013 at 8:55 am

    I just love these!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      October 31, 2013 at 2:39 pm

      Thanks, Susan! They were fun to put together! Happy Halloween!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  6. [email protected] says

    October 31, 2013 at 10:38 am

    Oh Abby, this is genius! I just love all the details you added and I have to say - that's a darn good helicopter for someone who claims to not be an artist! I'm sure your boys just love it (I know mine would), and it means something that you took the time to make something so special just for them.

    I've attempted my own art before, and made some "abstract" (like WAY abstract!) art for my living room that's no longer on display, as well as a smaller piece for my daughter's room. It's definitely a fun project!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      October 31, 2013 at 2:39 pm

      Lol! Thanks, Laura! I try to break them down one shape at a time, and I guess the helicopter was easier to do that for! Hope you're having a wonderful week, friend! Happy Halloween!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  7. Jennifer says

    October 31, 2013 at 6:27 pm

    Soooo great! You are soooo good! What a good idea! My almost-2-year-old is really into airplanes right now. I want to copy the idea of just the airplane carrying a banner with his name.

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      October 31, 2013 at 7:16 pm

      Ooh that sounds awesome! If you do it, I want to see a picture! Hope you're having a great week, Jennifer! Happy Halloween!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  8. Carrie From Carrie This Home says

    November 01, 2013 at 9:10 am

    These are so cute, Abby! This is the perfect addition to a little boys room! I also have a hard time buying wall art since none of it is exactly what I want. I'm visiting from Inspire Me Please--this was definitely inspiring! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      November 03, 2013 at 8:28 pm

      Thanks so much for popping over, Carrie! It is hard to find that perfect piece, right? DIY to the rescue! 😉 Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  9. April Hoff says

    November 01, 2013 at 9:22 pm

    Love this idea! So easy and cute! 🙂

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      November 03, 2013 at 8:12 pm

      Thanks, friend! That was the goal! 😀 Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  10. Alli says

    November 02, 2013 at 7:02 am

    I love this idea! My three year old grandson is in love with planes. I wonder if I could do something like that. And the plane pulling your son's name is genius! And the Europe part is great! OK - I need to stop gushing.

    Also, I love the dresser! Did you paint it? Awesome!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      November 03, 2013 at 7:48 pm

      You could totally do it! It's just a bunch of scrapbook paper when it comes down to it! Hope you had a wonderful weekend, Miss Alli!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  11. Mandy Hank says

    November 02, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    Great project Abby! I totally would have thought that you bought it! I love how you added your twist of being in another country- sure why not? World travelers 🙂

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      November 03, 2013 at 7:45 pm

      Lol! Yes, I totally did that on purpose. 😉 Thanks so much, Mandy! Have a great week!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  12. Elisabeth says

    November 02, 2013 at 3:51 pm

    I'd love to try something like this... but with the boys in the one room being aged 17, 15 and 4... well, the teens tend to overrule me on the "cute" stuff! Maybe once the baby is born and the senior is off to college we can "outvote" the one still in high school!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      November 03, 2013 at 7:45 pm

      Ooh that would be a decorating challenge! Maybe if the cars were "cooler" looking they would go for it. 😉 Have a great week!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  13. Morena says

    November 03, 2013 at 12:19 am

    I love this! What a great knock off.

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      November 03, 2013 at 6:53 pm

      Thank you, Morena! Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  14. Chelsea says

    November 05, 2013 at 12:03 am

    LOVE them, Abby! So cute and perfect for a boys room!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      November 10, 2013 at 5:39 pm

      Thank you so much, Chelsea! Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  15. Renee says

    November 06, 2013 at 8:49 am

    I just about died laughing when I read that you put all the cars on the wrong side of the road. Hahaha but great idea about turning it into a trip abroad! You did a great job!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      November 10, 2013 at 5:09 pm

      It was either that or redo the whole thing, and I wasn't doing it all over again! 😀 Hope you're having a great weekend, Miss Renee!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
      • Renee says

        November 10, 2013 at 8:44 pm

        I am indeed. My boyfriend and I went appliance shopping in preparation for our move in a few months. It was a wonderful day! I hope you're all enjoying yourselves as well! 🙂

        Reply
        • justagirlabby says

          November 14, 2013 at 3:42 pm

          Oooh I'm jealous. That sounds fun! Have a great weekend, Renee!

          ~Abby =)

          Reply
  16. Andrea says

    November 12, 2013 at 12:26 pm

    Too stinkin cute!

    Reply
    • justagirlabby says

      November 14, 2013 at 3:23 pm

      Thanks so much, Andrea!! Hope you are having a wonderful week!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  17. Sarah says

    January 26, 2015 at 9:46 am

    This is just gorgeous but do not know how you found the time to do it with 2 little ones. FYI, most of Europe drives on the right so the boys wod have to be visiting me in the UK, or perhaps Australia!! Xxx

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Primary Sidebar

Hey there, friend! I'm Abby, and I'm so thrilled you stopped by! I love working to create a beautiful, thriving home, life and business and helping others do the same.

Read my story→

Let's Connect!

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Let's Get Organized!

Impactful Habits, Organized Home organizing course | https://abbylawson.com/ihoh
Deluxe Home Binder Printables | https://www.abbylawson.com/deluxe-home-binder-printables

Stick to your fitness goals!

Deluxe Fitness Journal | https://www.abbylawson.com/deluxe-fitness-journal-printables

How to Start a Blog

How to Start a Blog: The Definitive Guide

Our Course for Bloggers

Blogging: Organized

Deluxe Blogging Binder Printables | https://www.abbylawson.com/deluxe-blogging-binder-printables

Favorite Posts

Free Printable Library | 50+ Free Organizing Printables

50+ Free Printables to Organize Every Area of Your Life

home- cozy office nook, feminine home office, organized home office, small office, decorating, farmhouse office

A Cozy Office Nook

Ryan Homes Palermo Before and After Home Tour 2.5 Years In

Before and After Home Tour: Two and a Half Year Update

Free Printable Budget Binder Cover

Budget Binder for 2021 (with FREE Printables!)

Home organization- How to Organize Every Space in Your House, declutter, organizing, small space organization

How to Organize Every Space in Your House

Student Binder Printable Organizing Pages

Printable Student Binder

Personal Posts

Breast Cancer Awareness Month My Story by Just a Girl and Her Blog

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: My Story

This girl started out knowing nothing about blogging or online business and made 6 figures last year. Time to start that blog I've been thinking about!

From Hobby Blog to Thriving Business: My Blogging Story

Archives

Post Categories

Copyright

I love it when you share! Please keep in mind that all images and text on this site are property of Just a Girl and Her Blog. Feel free to use one or two photos provided that a link back to my original post is included. Please do not remove any watermarks, crop, or edit any of my images without first obtaining written permission from me. All free printables offered are for personal use only. Pinning is always welcome and appreciated! Thank you!

Privacy Policy & Disclosures

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Read our privacy policy and disclosures →

© 2021 Twenty Three Publishing LLC