Transforming a Wardrobe into a Gruffalo Mural: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you ready to embark on a magical DIY adventure? Join me, Gillian, as I take you through the process of transforming a regular wardrobe into a captivating Gruffalo mural inspired by Julia Donaldson's beloved children's book. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything from prepping and priming the wardrobe to painting the intricate mural and unveiling the final masterpiece. Along the way, I'll share the tools and products I used, which you can conveniently purchase (some through affiliate links).

Prepping and Priming the Wardrobe

Before diving into the mural painting, it's essential to prepare the wardrobe properly. This step ensures a smooth and durable finish for the artwork.

Materials and Tools for Prepping and Priming:

• Sandpaper
• Screwdriver
• Ryobi power drill (and drill bits)
• Frog Tape
• Furniture Paint in Dead Flat Matte
• Primer
• Paintbrushes
• Small paint roller

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Remove Hardware: Start by taking off the wardrobe's hardware, such as handles and hinges. This will make the painting process easier and prevent any accidental paint smudges.
2. Sand the Surface: Use sandpaper to gently sand the entire wardrobe surface. This helps the primer and paint adhere better.
3. Clean the Surface: Wipe down the wardrobe with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris from sanding.
4. Apply Frog Tape: Use Frog Tape to mask off any areas you don't want to paint, such as the edges of the doors.
5. Prime the Wardrobe: Apply a coat of primer to the entire wardrobe. This creates a solid base for the paint and ensures vibrant colors.
6. Paint the Base Color: Once the primer is dry, paint the wardrobe with your chosen base color. I used VB Bar's Stay Awhile Blue, a lovely shade that sets the stage for the mural.

Preparing for the Mural

With the wardrobe prepped and primed, it's time to start the mural. The first step is to project the image onto the wardrobe and outline the design.

Materials and Tools for Outlining the Mural:

• Projector
• Reference Book of The Gruffalo
• Pencil

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Set Up the Projector: Position the projector at the right distance to display the Gruffalo image onto the wardrobe.
2. Outline the Design: Use a pencil to trace the projected image onto the wardrobe. Pay attention to details like the Gruffalo's distinctive features, including his nobly knees and turned-out toes.

Painting the Gruffalo Mural

Now, it's time to bring the Gruffalo to life with vibrant colors. This part of the process is where your creativity truly shines.

Materials and Tools for Painting the Mural:

• Sample Pots of Paint in Various Colors
• Fine Detail Paintbrushes
• Acrylic Paints (Affiliate Link)
• Frog Tape

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Gather Paint Samples: I visited the paint store and matched various shades of brown, yellow, and green to get the perfect colors for the Gruffalo. The store clerk thought I had the worst taste in paint, but it was all for a good cause!
2. Tape off your area: I used Frog Tape to make sure I only painted the doors.
3. Paint the Gruffalo: Use fine detail brushes to add layers and details, ensuring, eyes, warts, and other features stand out.
4. Paint the Mouse: The true hero of the story. Make sure he is there, small but mighty.
5. Add in the background: I've always found it easier to paint the background after the main subjects, is that weird?
6. Layer the Paint: The mural may require multiple coats of paint to achieve a solid, vibrant finish. Take your time to let each layer dry before adding another.
7. Outline with Acrylic Marker: Once the painting is complete, use the acrylic marker pen to go over the outlines again. This step makes the details pop and gives the mural a polished look.

Fun and Challenges Along the Way

Transforming a wardrobe into a Gruffalo mural was not without its challenges. One amusing moment was when little bugs kept landing on the wet paint, and I had to shoo them away without ruining the mural. Plus, the unpredictable Scottish weather kept me on my toes, making sure I worked quickly to avoid any rain ruining the paint.

Revealing the Finished Gruffalo Mural

The big reveal is always the most exciting part of any DIY project. After all the hard work, it's time to unveil the Gruffalo mural in all its glory.

Tools for the Final Touches:

• Screwdriver (or whatever you used to remove the hardware in the first place)

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Remove the Frog Tape: Carefully peel off the Frog Tape to reveal clean edges and a professional finish.
2. Reattach the Hardware: Use a screwdriver to reattach the wardrobe's hardware. This step brings the wardrobe back to its functional state.
3. Admire the Mural: Take a moment to step back and admire your work. The Gruffalo mural is now complete, and it looks absolutely stunning!

Funny Video: My Son's Reaction

Just when I thought the project was a complete success, my son surprised me with his reaction. He walked into the room, looked at the Gruffalo mural, and declared, “I don't like the Gruffalo. I want a Zog wardrobe instead!” It was a hilarious and unexpected twist to the project, and we had a good laugh about it.

Conclusion

Transforming a wardrobe into a Gruffalo mural has been a magical and rewarding journey. From prepping and priming to painting and outlining, every step brought us closer to a stunning piece of functional art. Whether you're a fan of Julia Donaldson's Gruffalo or simply love DIY projects, I hope this guide inspires you to embark on your own creative adventure.

Stay tuned for more DIY projects and fun family moments. And remember, even if your little ones have a change of heart like mine did, the joy of creating something special is always worth it. Happy crafting!

Watch the Reveal Video Below:

Watch the Funny Reaction Video:

Thank you for joining me on this DIY journey. If you have any questions or want to share your own projects, feel free to leave a comment below. Until next time, happy crafting!