How To: Paint a mural with a projector

Decorate your child's room with this fun method. A projector is not longer just for classrooms or slide-shows. Project a vibrant picture on to a wall and you have a temporary stencil, and the only thing you need to do is add your artistic touch.

Ready to think outside the canvas? A wall is a masterpiece waiting to happen when you follow these simple steps.

You Will Need

* An image
* An indoor wall
* An overhead projector
* A pencil and eraser
* A drop cloth
* Acrylic paints
* Paper plates or cups
* Paintbrushes

Step 1: Make copies

Make two copies of the image you've selected for the mural: one in color, and one black and white. Then use the black and white copy to make a copy on to a transparency.

Step 2: Position the image

Put the projector on a tray or table a few feet from, and facing the wall; then plug it in. Place the transparency on the projector and turn it on. Position the projector so the image is the right size and in the right place on the wall.

Make sure the projector is directly facing the wall. If it's at an angle it will distort the image.

Step 3: Trace the image

Trace the image on the wall using a pencil, correcting mistakes with the eraser.

Step 4: Lay the drop cloth

Lay a drop cloth in front of the wall to protect the floor from paint.

Step 5: Mix and paint

Using the color copy as a reference, select a color to apply first. Pour the paint into a cup, or on to a plate and use a paintbrush to apply it to the wall everywhere the color appears. Rinse and dry the brush after use.

Step 6: Fill in and outline

Move on to other colors until the mural is completely filled in. If necessary, wait until it's dry; then outline sections of the painting with a fine-tip brush dipped in black paint. Voila! A masterpiece!

Did you know? In the 1930s, the WPA Federal Art Project, established to employ artists during the Great Depression, was responsible for 2,566 murals across th