Canvas Photo Tutorial

I've done my first giveaway. Now I'm going to do my first TUTORIAL. (ooh, is your pulse quickening? haha  :)

Here's how you mount a photo to canvas.

My friend Andrea taught me how to do this, and it makes a wonderful gift! I've done it with family pictures as gifts for our parents, and also with temple or couple pictures as wedding gifts.

Also, I did a big one with our family picture for over our fireplace mantel, like so. >>>>>

Okay, here's what you need:

• brush-stroke mod-podge
• a decent paintbrush
• spray adhesive
• clear coat spray paint
• blank painter's canvas (check to make sure you can’t see staples on the sides when it’s hanging)
• the photo you plan to use

 

All of these supplies are available at either Hobby Lobby or Walmart. It is wise to decide on the size of the canvas first, and then you can make the photo the right size to fit. (This is the trickiest part of the whole process if you don't do a standard size. If you want to do a misfit size (ahem), then work with Photoshop and you'll get there eventually -- speaking from experience!).

 

So once you've got all your stuff together, here are the steps:

1. Spray your photo with the clear paint and let it dry. If you live in the South, this may be awhile. . . .

 

I love clear spray paint because I don't have to bother with newspaper underneath. :)

 

2. Next you're gonna grab your spray adhesive and your canvas, and spray the front of the canvas, and the back of your photo, and then stick that photo right onto the canvas. This stuff is VERY STICKY. I think I might would even wear gloves next time (and don't do this inside -- think hairspray x 1,000 sticky).

 

3. You may notice that your photo hangs over the edges just a smidge. This makes me crazy. I want to live in a world where an 8x10 photo print and an 8x10 canvas match up EXACTLY. (I guess that's where Exacto gets it, eh?)

But we don't live in that world, so take the best, sharpest scissors you have, and carefully trim up those sides. If it's not perfect, it really is okay, because once you're done it looks so cool you really don't notice any non-perfect edges.

 

4. Next is the fun part that makes you feel all artistic and talented. . . . Get yourself your paint brush and your mod-podge, and sit at the table and call forth your inner muse.

When you are ready, paint your masterpiece! :) Just glop on the mod-podge and brush it around. I think smaller strokes look nice when it dries, but of course, it's totally up to you at this point.

 

Ooh, check out that texture. :)

 

5. Let it dry. For a long, long time. If you have small children, may I recommend the top of the bookshelf, unless of course it's covered with toys on "timeout", like ours. :)

When it's finished, the mod-podge is clear, but you can still see "brush strokes" and it looks way cool.

 

And there you have it! Hope you enjoyed this little feature on Mama's Boys. :)

Let me know if you try it!