Instant Gratification (canvas photo DIY)

Back in January, I saw this post on Blue Cricket Design and have been wanting to put some of my pictures on canvas ever since.  I finally set aside the time and put a picture of the girls on canvas for Graham for Father's Day.  It was such a quick and easy project and I think the results are super cool.

The supply list is short:  

canvas 

photograph (same size as canvas)

MATTE mod podge

scrapbook paper

acrylic paint

First, cut strips of scrapbook paper to fit each side of the canvas.  It's easiest if the strips are just slightly shorter and narrower than the sides.  Apply mod podge liberally and glue strips on each side  Glue the photograph to the top of the canvas.  You can lay your project on wax paper so that it doesn't stick to your work space while drying.  Allow to dry completely.

Then, apply a coat of mod podge over the entire surface, the edges and the picture.  Allow to dry completely again.  It will look milky at first, but will dry clear.  I used photos printed at Costco; they held up well and the ink didn't smudge or anything wonky like that.  

Okay, so after it's all dry, use a sponge or cloth to dab on acrylic paint to cover any spaces between side paper strips and the photograph.  I also liked the look of smudging up the corners.  The paint adds a little texture that I like, too.

I only got a quick snapshot of Graham's picture before we wrapped it up and now it resides at his office.

I made a couple more canvas pictures for Addie's room with my favorite pictures from her birthday.  I usually prefer black and white photos, but I did these in color because I love how the coloring coordinates perfectly in her bedroom.  Rather than the black acrylic paint, I mixed a metallic bronze, medium brown, and metallic black and dabbed that around the edges and corners.  It took me a couple tries to get the right color combination, but since the mod podge was well dried, I was able to rub off the unwanted paint with a damp sponge - foolproof!  You gotta love that.

 

This is one of those immediate gratification projects.  Each step literally takes less than a minute, and the mod podge dries fairly quickly (e.g., less than 30 minutes).  You can have your canvas photo project done and on display in no time at all!

I like it, I think I'm going to go for a big 'ol picture next. 

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