Upcycle an Eiffel Tower Canvas into a Springtime in Paris Treasure
A plain Goodwill-found Eiffel Tower canvas gets a lively upcycle using silk flowers and paint pens. This tall, slim canvas now says, “Oh-la-la!”—with the Eiffel Tower itself acting as a giant lattice for florals and vines.
The result is so cheerful, so seasonal, and so “manifique” that you’ll want Spring in Paris on display all year long.
Here’s how:
1. Find Your Good & Art Pieces at Goodwill
They say, “April showers bring May flowers,” and at any Goodwill nonprofit retail store, great deals are blooming year-round! Whether you’re refreshing your home or office walls or just want a unique art piece, start by exploring your local store’s eclectic collection of wall art and décor.
During a recent trip, I found this tall, slim Eiffel Tower canvas print. Since I love Paris, it immediately felt like the perfect candidate for a refreshed, spring-ready look. I also picked up some silk flowers to deconstruct for the piece.
2. Decide on Your Design Direction
Think about your favorite colors, the tones of the room where your artwork will live, and the silk flowers you have on hand. Keeping a cohesive palette is key.
For my piece, I chose purples, lavenders, and pinks—they sing spring! White or yellow blooms would also work beautifully, giving your print a timeless touch.
3. Hot Glue Your Buds and Blooms
Cut buds, blooms, and leaves from your silk flowers. Using a hot glue gun, secure them to the Eiffel Tower to create a giant blooming lattice.
Place more flowers in the bottom third, some in the center, and a small bouquet near the top.
Spread your colors evenly to keep your eyes moving around the piece, and tuck in a leaf or two among the flowers for variety.
4. Grow Your Piece with Paint Pens
Select paint pens that match your silk flower colors. I used purples, lavenders, pinks, and two shades of green.
- Start with a darker green to add vines and leaves throughout the tower.
- Highlight with the lighter green to add dimension.
- Then, add flowers and petals with the colored pens—mix full blooms with small buds and a few scattered petals for natural variety.
5. Make It Look Like Blooms Are Blowing in the Wind
Bring movement to your tower by adding some floating silk buds and blooms around and outside the structure with your glue gun.
Use paint pens to add tiny leaves and petals drifting in the breeze.
This gives the piece life and energy, like a gentle spring wind is carrying the blooms away.
6. Add a Touch of Gold
Use a gold paint pen to add highlights along the edges of the Eiffel Tower and in open spaces. Add tiny dots and dashes to make the piece reflect light and gain depth. A little sparkle also celebrates Parisian glamour—think Olympic gold, Parisian style!
7. Add Words to Underscore the Theme
Along the outer edge of the tower, write “Springtime in Paris” with a soft pink paint pen. Keep the lettering smaller so it adds visual interest without dominating the piece. The words echo the theme while blending seamlessly into your design.
8. Stage Your Masterpiece
Lean your finished canvas against a wall or hang it, then curate a small vignette around it:
- A chair, plant stand, or colorful vase
- A small table, stack of books, or a lamp
These props create a charming scene and help your Springtime in Paris canvas feel like a story come to life in your space.
And, “Voila!” There you have it! A thrifted canvas, silk flowers, and paint pens transformed into a vibrant, Springtime-in-Paris treasure. Perfect for your home, office, or as a cheerful gift.
Similar Reads:
- How to Use Springtime in Paris to Inspire DIY
- Quick & Easy DIY: Upcycle a Mona Lisa Print with Style
Tim Kime
Artist, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach
