This project was a little more crafty than what I would consider fine art. Nonetheless, it was a fun, cheap project that added some fantastic whimsy and color to our garden area. I was motivated to get this done quickly because I needed to fill some empty space outdoors for my Grandmother’s 90th Birthday Party.

I first got the idea from perusing Pinterest where I saw tiny picket fence boards painted like little people. I took that idea and blew it up to full size cedar fence boards. I decided I wanted each board to represent a member of my family so as I drew them out, I kept that in mind.

1. I started the project by brushing off the loose dust and drawing outlines for my fence family.

2. Then I started adding colors and patterns for interest. I saved money by using the acrylic craft paints I already had on hand.

3. Because I wanted the fence people to represent each person in my family I added fun character traits to each one. One of my sons like to fish so he got a fishing pole and my other son plays lacrosse so he got a stick. I daughter got a book and her husband is an electrical engineer so he got a kite (think Benjamin Franklin and the first kite). I gave myself an art pallet and my a cell phone because he’s always on the phone

4. After adding those details I added eyes and facial features.

5. I got them done just in time for the party and planted them out in the yard among some newly purchased mums. I also quickly added our two dogs and a cat to the mix.