22 Mar 2016 Funky Frugal: A Post-it prayer wall

by Tanner Cangelosi

Recently, Cory and I went on a date to watch the movie “War Room,” and, wow! We loved it, and it lit a fire under me to make my own war room and help others do the same. I had been struggling with fears of my own, and I needed that reminder to take my worries to the only One who could truly help me.

As I hung scriptures and pictures of loved ones on the walls of my closet, it quickly became my safe place to talk to the Lord about the worries for my children and my own duties that have to be done daily.

The next week, a mom of a junior high student came to me requesting a similar wall in the junior high room at our church. She showed me the large blank wall and her sketch of the scripture and what they wanted the wall to look like. I was delighted that she asked me. This mom even offered to come keep all my kids while I went to paint. I got a little break with peace and quiet, and it was marvelous.

I studied the sketch and put a little of my own twist on it. Using just black paint and a brush, this project only cost a few dollars. If you don’t trust your artistic ability (although I think you should give it a shot, you can always paint over it!) you could look for a local art student or use an overhead projector to help you along.

To begin I found the center of the large wall and started there. I just eyeballed it, but if you’re like my husband, you’ll want to measure it. Cory has to breathe into a bag when he watches me paint.

Then I began my lettering and design. I love to study lettering, and that is where most of my ideas come from. If lettering scares you, you can use a stencil or a projector.

After I did the verse and floral design, I began to space the trees out with the wording over top. Remember, anytime you’re painting something that grows in nature, it is never perfect or symmetrical. So, let your free spirit run wild.

Finally, the students put their prayer requests and answers on Post-it notes and pasted 10 on the trees, so they can move them when they are answered — a tangible way to see God work!