DIY LEOPARD PRINT WALL

In our effort to make some changes in the home studio, we wanted to spruce up the walls. I had this crazy idea for hand-painting a leopard print accent wall behind my desk. Everyone definitely thought I was crazy but I had a vision – and I was going to make it happen! I’ve studied the pattern of leopard and cheetah print so I knew the pattern could be loose and natural – no template was needed since no 2 spots are the same. I knew I wanted the base layer to be a warm neutral, the middle layer a gold shimmer and the top layer, a glossy black finish. I ventured to Michael’s and explored possible gold shimmer paints and application sponges. After trying a few different routes, this is what I found worked best.

STEP 1: Paint your chosen wall the neutral tan color of your choice.

STEP 2: Purchase these Martha Stewart for Michael’s Sponge Applicators, this is how I applied loose gold shimmer spots sporadically  over the wall. The spots should vary in size and shape – no perfect circles. I actually applied 2 layers of gold to thicken the opacity. I used the Gold Shimmer Craft Paint from Martha Stewart as well.

STEP 3: Start painting the ‘horseshoe’ shaped black spots surrounding your existing gold spots. These should be loose and organic – never the same shape and varying in edge smoothness. I used a paint brush for this step and after the first layer of black paint dried, I applied a 2nd layer to thicken up the black.

…and that’s it – easy right? I know I know…a little easier said than done. The important part to remember is that it’s okay to be loose with the pattern and just free-hand it – you can’t really mess it up! Have fun!

More photos of the complete studio renovation coming very soon!