Canvas, Christmas Lights, and A Camping Theme

This is one of two camping themed canvas projects that I have finished to go into my son's room that I am redecorating. 

I have to get a big boy bed into his room and fast! He can already climb right out of his crib, he just doesn't realize it yet... I'm seriously dreading the day that he wakes up from a nap and falls out. I keep waiting to hear the crash overhead. It's a wonder more kids don't get hurt doing this. 

So that's the reason and the theme behind my camping bedroom redecoration project. 

Today I'm going to share with you my little guy's new night light. I've been wanting to do a canvas with Christmas lights like ever since the day I signed up for Pinterest. I've even had this big white canvas for months just waiting for the inspiration to come.

I started by painting the whole thing blue with acrylic paint. Originally I was going to paint it a flat blue but I liked the brush strokes in it, so I decided on one coat.  

Then I painted a silhouette of pines tress and a tent along the bottom in black. I made the door of the tent yellow to make it look like it was lighted from inside. 

Then I had to find some Christmas lights in August. The only lights I could find were at Micheals in the wedding section for $6. Not a great deal for a 50 light strand... I'll definitely be stocking up on a couple of extra strands this Christmas to save for craft projects over the year. 

I did my canvas a little differently than the usuals on Pinterest. Instead of poking the lights through the canvas, I just ran them along the back of the top two sections of the frame. 

I cut small strips of duct tape to secure the lights to the frame. 

Don't you just love duct tape?! 

I made sure to keep the end outlet taped close to the top so it wouldn't show when the canvas is lit up.

Last, I ran the cord straight down the middle support. This is going to be above my son's dresser so the cord will go down behind it and be hidden.

I love how it turned out and my little guy likes it too. I turned it on for him and he said "Ooooo"  

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my lighted camping canvas.. and don't forget about the Weekend Wonders Link Party going on right now! Come link up all your posts.. We can't wait to see them!