DIY Network

Touchable Wall Art Create a sensory gallery. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-408

This art is made for touching.

When Michele Beschen sees a sign in the art gallery that says, "Please Don't Touch," all she wants to do is get her hands all over the art to feel the shapes and textures.

Her solution was to B. Original and create a "Please DO Touch" gallery of her own, chock full of interesting shapes, textures and found objects that draw the eyes and the hands alike. This project is fun for all ages, but especially for families with young children who still tend to "look with their hands."

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B

Touchable Wall Art

Materials:

1x2 boards
hand saw
wire nails
hammer
backing board
"touchable" items for display
clear caulk, spray adhesive, other adhesives
picture-hanging hardware

• Use 1x2 inch pine or cedar to create frames in any size desired. Lay out the strips of wood in rectangles and nail together with wire nails to form the frames (figure A).

• Attach a thin backing to the frame with wire nails. Use veneer, luan, masonite or any other rigid, light material (figure B).

• Home improvement centers often are willing to cut wood, masonite and other materials at the time of purchase. To take advantage of this service, figure out the dimensions ahead of time and have the cuts made when you shop.

• Use these displays as shadow boxes, or flip them over for a flat display surface that sticks out from the wall.

Touch Gallery Ideas

• Fill a display box with spray foam insulation, then sprinkle with glitter.

• Spread a 1/8" layer of clear caulk across the bottom and sides of a box (figure C), then press gumballs into the caulk (figure D).
  

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• Layer squaresof sandpaper or carpet in different textures, sizes and colors.

• Use spray adhesive to attach a fitted piece of artificial turf inside a box. Dress it up with paint, fake snow or other embellishments.

• Glue up a 3-D collection of glass ornaments (figure E) or arrange colorful marbles in honeycombed packing material and glue down (figure F).
  

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

• Create other ways to explore different textures and embellish your work. Remember, there are no rules when it comes to your touch gallery – and no limits on your creativity!