I am so excited to share this easy and beautiful tutorial for to make your own DIY Canvas Photos from inexpensive craft supplies!! 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.
PLEASE ALSO READ: CANVAS PHOTOS DIY REVISITED
( for additional project ideas and answers to your FAQs)
Comments & Reviews
Samantha @ Moody Mama says
Love this! Thanks for sharing 🙂
KC says
YOU are brilliant! You should make these for people via Etsy, you know for people who like to take pictures but are just way to lazy to actually put them on canvas. Just saying….
Sharon says
Love it!! I will have to try this soon.
Kristie-Creating Chaos says
Beautiful! I’ve been wanting to try that too.
Sweet .n. Simple says
This looks really FUN! I just might give this a try…
Lanie says
I LOVE these! Especially Addie’s room canvases. I’m going to do it! Someday…
Umm, love the country view from Addie’s window.
birdie blue says
to die for.
xo
~molly
Ashley says
those look great! i love the added detail of the paint on the edges!
Stormie's Mommy says
Do you put anything on back of picture? Or do you apply modge podge to canvas then place picture and put modge podge over it….
amanchesgirl11@gmail.com
thank you.
very awesome idea!
Catherine says
What a great idea! I definitely need to do this with some photos of my kids. Thanks for the inspiration!
Rachel says
These are really cute, I love the idea.
Kim says
These are adorable! Thanks for sharing, I am definitely going to try it out.
Shari @For the Little Doll In Your Life says
Those came out wonderful!
Anonymous says
I LOVE THIS!! What a great gift idea, rather than just a framed photo! I am so excited, I can’t wait to try this!! Thank you for sharing.
Pat in Titusville, Fl
Beca says
Hi Found you via Pinterest, love this tutorial! They are beautiful and I love the idea!
Anonymous says
Love this idea!!! Thanks for posting!!!
Tamara Watson says
Thank you thank you thank you! I’ve been wondering if this idea would work, I’m so glad to see how well it turned out for you! Can’t wait to try myself!
Anonymous says
Love this!! Do you use photographs on photo paper or just photocopies?
Stef says
I used photos printed at Costco. Mod podge the canvas and the back of photo, stick it down, let it dry, then mod podge over the top! I do think you need the heavy photo paper so that it doesn’t bubble or wrinkle.
The Seaman Family says
This is so awesome! I am featuring you on my blog, post to come soon http://theseamanfamilyblog.blogspot.com.
Eden Clare ArtfulFairyTales says
oh my gosh…
i love this…i am going to try and do this over the weekend with the ooodles..of photos i have…
thank you, thank you for sharing!
xoxo EdenClare
Shanade says
Thanks for the great tutorial! I will certainly be trying this.
stacy says
This is a great project idea. I really want to try it soon! There is a site that prints photos on canvas in about a week if time is an issue… as far as printing, buying, and making the final product. It is called http://www.canvasnow.com if you ever need one. Your little one is precious and I love the photos you picked.
Rooted in Atascocita says
Great idea! I love this!
Amy says
wow, this is such a great idea!! thanks for sharing!!
SJPhotography says
So, any chance you can use Glossy Mod Podge? It’s all I have right now 🙂
Emily Pitts says
saw this on pinterest and wow, it’s a great idea! i love it!
Cafe Groenhout says
Just saw this on Pinterest and seriously can’t wait to try this with photos of our furbaby. 🙂 Thanks for the great tutorial!
Stef says
to shy: it’s a matte print, good question!
shy says
Is the photograph a glossy or matte print?
maureen says
I’ve been wondering how to do something like this. Thanks for the tips.
Mindy says
great idea! so glad you messed around for the rest of us!
The Oakley's says
I tried this today and it turned out great! The only question I have is, the matte mod podge dried clear, but I can see the brush strokes. Is there a way to avoid this? I used a smaller width brush than you did, could that be the trick? Use a bigger brush? Thanks for the tutorial!
lexi says
I’m using a mini paint roller i found at Walmart. its like $1.47, so i’ll let you know how it turns out
Stef says
Oakley’s: I would use a foam brush, as wide as you can find. But, really, once you get your paint on the edges and set it on display, I bet you won’t even notice the brush strokes. Just consider it added ‘character’!!
NotSoSilentMommy says
Hi there! I just found your site on Pinterest and have fallen in love with it.. I’m on a mission to try these canvas photos today… I was also wondering if you did a post on the beautiful letter A that you did in the picture above?? I would love to know how you did that.. Thanks so much in advance!! Your site is beautiful!!
Keekush says
I love this..and shared with my daughters..Im doing this today!!
thatmomblog.com says
Love this!! Can’t wait to try it.
The Oakley's says
Thank You! I am attempting my second today, a larger canvas 16×20 and I was more careful with the brush strokes this time. Thanks again 🙂
Sami
lexi says
how did it turn out? i’m doing a 16×20 on tuesday
Anonymous says
found on PINTEREST!!! <3 <3 it!!!
Anonymous says
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
My project turned out fantastic and I’m NOT a crafty person!
Perfect Christmas gifts for family!!
TT says
Just added the paint to mine today. LOVE it. I can see my brush strokes also. They are ok and I am ok with it but I was wondering if everyone sees them or is it just my technique. Of course, you do have to turn it sideways a little to see them that is why i am ok with it but wanted to know if they can be eliminated totally. thanks for this idea. It is for my sisters birthday. 🙂
Christa @ Little BGCG says
This is AMAZING! I can’t wait to do this for Christmas!!!
Mommy Melback says
My mouth is yet to close from dropping after seeing how easy you make it look.
AMAZING
Thank you so much for sharing!
Robin says
Thanks for sharing. I have a print that I had enlarged to 8×12 and I think it will be perfect for this project.
Going to Michael’s tomorrow after work to pick up supplies.
Erin says
with mod podge you are supposed to see the strokes. 🙂
Blue Velvet Chair says
Excited to try the project! Love the green of the photo in the field. What a fun pop of color! Thanks for the toot and inspiration.
Michael
Brett and Kymee says
Love this. I was wondering what color acrylic paint you used? Black?
Anonymous says
I love this project and I plan to do it this week! I was wondering if your photo was printed on glossy photo paper? Thanks for the post!!
rlhutching21 says
Thank you so much for the tutorial!! I’ve seen others with ideas such as printing the photo on tissue paper, but this was the easiest (and cheapest, which I love) way to do this and mine came out awesome! I attached a picture of the outcome and I hope you can see it! I am going to meet the Nashville Predators hockey team tomorrow and I can’t wait for them to sign it!! Thanks again!! http://twitter.com/#!/rlhutching21/media/slideshow?url=http%3A%2F%2Fyfrog.com%2Fkkvtcqvj
reality chick says
Beautiful! You have a great eye. My daughter-in-law is going to flip when she gets some of these! Once again, Pinterest saves the day.
Anonymous says
Love this thanks for the idea. The room and the way your layout for the photos is fabulous also.
Creations By Cindy says
Thanks for sharing this. Love it!!!!
Daily Mom says
Just found your blog through Pinterest (my new obsession) and love it!
New follower!
Daily Mom
http://dailymomlife.blogspot.com
Ashley Robinett says
Would it harm anything to coat with clear polyethylene after? some of my mod podge projects become sticky later with the humidity here
Anshuman says
The DIY acrylic printing for home decorations comes in various designs as one can find various styles of it in the shop.
photo on acrylic printing
LWal says
Absolutely adorable!!..LOVE it, can’t wait to try it.Found your blog thru Pinterest!
Anonymous says
Love this idea…thank you for sharing..
Anonymous says
Love this idea…thank you for sharing..
Country Girl says
Found this on Pinterest. What a great idea. Thanks for sharing it ~
Thomas says
that feeling you get right when you walk into your air conditioned home when its REALLY hot outside.
fort lauderdale printers
Cindy in AZ says
Great idea… going to pick up the supplies to give it a try….Thanks
Anonymous says
Tried it and it doesn’t work! I don’t know if there is a better way to glue down the paper on the sides and the picture but with the directions given it did not turn out well!
Self Made Memories says
Love this! Just what I need to complete my nursery!
Jaime says
Did two yesterday and they turned out perfect! I love this craft! Thanks!!
Anonymous says
I love taking and editing pictures…..Now I have a new project for them. I love this. Thanks so much for posting it
Impulsive Addict says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea!
Kell's Blurbs says
so gonna try this! have been wanting a canvas photo of my grandson!
Cindy says
Amazing!! Thanks for the ideas!!!
Kim says
I absolutely love this. I have a question – when you paint over it with an acrylic paint wouldn’t that change the color of the photo?
Stef says
Kim…
Yes, it does color the area that you paint. I chose a photo that didn’t have important detail around the edges and corners and then dabbed on the paint just in those areas. The rest of the photo stays intact and doesn’t change color because the mod podge seals it in. Have fun!
Anonymous says
I take so many photographs, but never do anything with them! I am now inspired to put some of my favorites on canvas.
Beautiful !
Thanks so much
SuZeeBee says
Just experimented with this for my daughter’s engagement party! LOVE it!! Can’t wait to do some more!!
Anonymous says
Love this idea! But when I do the edges, it comes out “bubbly” or all wrinkled. What am I doing wrong??
Katie says
Can you use the mod podge in the spray can? Where do you get the canvases?
Thanks in advance!
BritnieAnn says
I’m SO EXCITED! I saw this on pinterest too and cannot WAIT to try this for some Christmas presents! And heck, my whole house may be full of them soon, lol. Thanks again!
Jessica says
Love, Love this idea..thank you
Michele says
Ok I tried it and I messed it up. I don’t think the ink was completely dry when I tried to modge podge it. The best thing about it was that it didn’t waste the canvas I just put another pic on top of the first one. I used a really thin canvas so no boarder on the sides. I kind of like the look of the pic without sealing it. Is it important to seal or is that just what gives it more of a canvas look? Thanks so much for this tut. You are awesome.
HannahJones05 says
What kind of paper did you print the picture on, like normal computer paper or like when you get them print out at a photo place? I’m in love with canvas pictures, but it’s too expensive to get it done!
Thanks, Hannah!
Laura says
She had the pictures printed at Costco.
Anonymous says
I LOVE this! I can’t wait to do for x-mas gifts, my only worry is that I am going to mess up the acrylic painting portion, what color did you use? Found you via pinterest, love your site!
cnoonkesser@gmail.com
Angela says
So very pretty!
Dani says
I just used this method to make a little collage on canvas of my wedding photos. I cut out the date from an invitation and put it in the middle! Thanks for the tips!
K-Sue says
These are gorgeous!
School System Occupational Therapist in Virginia says
Just beautiful! Might try it somehow inexpensively with students I see in schools. Maybe get “used” canvases at yard sales or Goodwill and whitewash them first. Karen
Anonymous says
Just made my first!! LOVE IT
Katie Smith says
Hi Stef! I ran across your blog on Pinterest. I just started my blog and was hoping that you would stop by and check out my stuff and subscribe. I am hoping to connect with more crafters! Thanks, Katie!
Anonymous says
I LOVE THIS <3 Just started my canvas tonight. I am doing a big one with several small photos for my cousin who was in my wedding, as well as her children (which is what the photo canvas is, various photos of the kids at the wedding). Thanks!
Anonymous says
I absolutely love this idea!!! Who needs to pay $20 when you can do it yourself *which adds an extra smidge of sentiment* Thanks so much for this post!
Anonymous says
I just did this tonight! It was absolutely easy and it came out perfectly. I love how doing the paint around the edges gives it a vintagey look and covers and flaws! I also accidentally printed gloss pictures (instead of matte) and it was fine =)
Anonymous says
This is such a great idea!! Going to do several of these for Christmas presents. Have a question though, can you use spray on clear acrylic paint? If so would a clear glaze finish work? Thanks again!!
Becky G. says
when you say “glue” the picture on do you mean use mod podge? I want to do this !
Anonymous says
I’ve done this with posters and LOVE it! Going to try the paper and paint around the edges…what a great edition!
Anonymous says
What a great idea! Where do you get the mod podge from?
Jenni says
Any JoAnn’s Fabric or Michaels sells ModPodge.
anshuman says
The idea shared by a hobbyist on how to make DIY acrylic photos.
photo on acrylic printing
Anonymous says
Beautiful!!!! Wonderful idea!!! For those of you that can’t find mod podge, make it. Equal parts of Elmer’s glue and water! Works just the same, but MUCH cheaper. 🙂
Anonymous says
Beautiful!!I have done this before but when I glued the photo to the canvas it bubbled up in certain places as it was drying. Do you have any suggestions on how to not let that happen?
Kim Z says
Thank you so much for your idea! I made 4 for Christmas presents and they were a hit! Would you be able to tell me how you made the “A” that sits on your shelf in a few of the above pics? Want to do the same thing for my baby that is due in a month. Thanks!
Liz says
Can’t wait to try this one!
Lacey Stephens says
I tried this yesterday and it turned out great! Thanks for the tutorial
Stef says
I love the idea of doing it on wood, Kristina!
Quick answers to some of other frequent questions:
I use matte mod podge and I buy it at any hobby/craft store.
I have never tried lacquer or spray-on acrylic paint – if you try it, let us know how it turns out!
I have my pictures printed in a MATTE finish at Costco – I do not have problems with the pictures bubbling or bleeding. Thicker scrapbook paper tends to bubble less when drying – I walk by every few minutes and press any bubbles in the paper out to the surface.
I will be posting again on this topic soon – check back for more tips!
Anonymous says
I tried this on canvas with printed photo and it got wrinkled tried it with photo paper and that one also wrinkled is there a trick to this
Kristina says
I did this for Christmas gifts, but I block mounted them onto wood. I bought nice wood at Lowes, cut it to the various sizes I needed, sanded the edges, stained the sides and back then mod podged my pictures on. A couple of things that are key to the process…the pictures need to be matte finish, not glossy. That will result in the bubbles some people have experienced. I used glossy mod podge and loved the results. A wide foam brush is best. The few stroke marks that are visible just lend to the canvas look for me, almost an oil painted brush stroke! I’m thrilled with this whole concept…I’m a photographer, but I don’t have much printed because frames are SO expensive!
Anonymous says
Thanks for the great tutorial. Did you use the same technique to the letter ‘A’ in the first photo? Any instructions, tips for letters?
Courtney Locke says
I just did this and hung them in my living room! They turned out so great and were so easy to do! Thank you!!
Kelly @ Here Comes the Sun says
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I am pinning it now and am going to try this for photos for our living room.
Lacey Stephens says
Thank you for the inspiration and tutorial! I tried and it they turned out great!! Thank you so much! You can see my post here…
http://handstampedbylacey.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/01/turn-pictures-into-canvas-wall-art.html
I linked to your tutorial.
~Lacey
http://www.stampandcreate.com
Ruth says
Where to buy inexpensive canvas?
Jenni says
Use a coupon at Michaels
Anonymous says
I did this today, it looks great! I used a glossy picture printed from walgreens- looks great! No bubble issues, either 🙂
Anonymous says
I love this. I do alot of photography and can’t afford to have them put on canvas. I will definitely try this. Thanks.
Dee says
I love pictures and love this! Thanks!
http://gettincraftytime.blogspot.com/
Connie Haley says
Thank you for the inspiration and tutorial! All I have to do now is mod podge the photo and paint around the edges. I love it!!!! Thanks again.
James says
Hii everybody,
Thanks for the great tutorial. Did you use the same technique to the letter ‘A’ in the first photo? Any instructions, tips for letters?
Dental Marketing
Anonymous says
Thank you for the great tutorial. I’m new to crafting an did this as my first project an loved it. Thank you!!
Shelley Eggett says
I just made two of these today. I struggled with the scrapbook paper on the sides. It kept bubbling up. Any tips on how to prevent that from happening?
Anonymous says
Canvas is on sale this week (Feb. 19-25) at Hobby Lobby and with 40% off coupon you can also save on Mod Podge. Thanks for the tutorial! I plan on doing this tonight after my kiddos are in bed!
Anonymous says
Bubble problems:
The Mod Podge will usually cause a little bubbling when it is wet, not a lot just enough to drive you crazy but after it dries magically everything lays flat.
I make clipboards with scrapbook paper (same way you make photo canvas) and it drove me crazy the first time I made one until I left it alone and let the Mod Podge dry and then it dried flat.
Plus, you really don’t have to buy Mod Podge. It’s just equal parts glue and water mixed together. So, if you have some Elmers white glue around you can make your own Mod Podge and then the project will be even cheaper.
Anonymous says
I had been trying to figure out how to display my 3 boys’ school pics instead of with picture frames. So glad I came across this via Pinterest! I put them each in separate rows (the oldest son in the top row, etc) and then they are all lined up per grade. So neat to see them all from year to year! I didn’t do the scrapbook paper on the sides, just left plain white. I like the clean look of it. I did try the glossy mod podge for my trial and like the matte finish better. Thanks for the help!
Anonymous says
I love this!! I can’t stop making these. I am doing a 16×20 plus 8 5×7’s for my hallway.
Anonymous says
Can you use a photo printed from an INK JET printer?? or will it smear?
Leonie says
Hi These canvas’s are gorgeous. I tried to do it & my photo crinkled & bubbled I was wondering what weight photo paper you used ? I would really appreciate your advice.
Thank you
Stef says
Leonie,
I only use photos printed at Costco. I’ve never had a photo crinkle or bubble – I think you should definitely try it with photos printed up from a photo developing center.
Anonymous says
This idea is just what I’ve been looking for. I user an 8×10 glossy (before i saw to use matte) photo from Walgreens. It looks great! I will do the rest as matte photos.
I was also wondering is their anything else that could seal the photo besides mod podge,because i too have horrible humidity. Thank u TX lol.
Thanks,Trish
Anonymous says
Today, Made 3: 11/14 canvas/pics, shots of my daughters No CAL Beach Wedding. Beautiful. I noticed they were bubbling a bit when I first glued the pics down so i took some wax paper, spread it out (also helped with beging able to really smooth down the pictures) and then I put some books on top of the picture for about 20 minutes. Everything was nice & flat, only had glossy modgepodge on hand, looks fine. Strokes are much more pronounced with the glossy so rather than brushing flat I did brush stroke marks all over the pictures. Looks GREAT! Thanks so much for the lovely tutorial! I’m off and running going to do several more…
Anonymous says
Do I put Mod Podge on the canvas then the photos then more mod podge?
Karen says
Hi! I tried this the other day and I loved how it turned out! To glue my picture onto the canvases I used a glue tape, and instead of using scrapbook paper, I just painted the sides… I loved how it turned out! Thanks so much for sharing this! Would it be ok if I shared the link to this tutorial on my blog?
Kaylyn says
So cute and easy. I really like adding that little touce of paint on the egdes and corners added that little something more to it.
Anonymous says
I love them! I can’t wait to try this myself!
Anonymous says
I made my two mother day gifts and love them! Had an issue with the edges of the scrapbook paper coming up on the edges but was fine when the project was all complete. More I will be doing for ME!
BDL Palash says
I have got to say I did this for a school project
even before finding this trend online. I use two Picasso paintings from his
blue period. This has inspired me to post them later on, and maybe create some more. 🙂
I loved the Mondrian one by the way. Very clever!
Pictures to paintings
photos to paintings
photo to painting
picture to painting
painting from photo
Ashleigh says
Found you on Pinterest! This is awesome! I can’t wait to look around your blog more!
Your newest follower,
Ashleigh @ Live Gorgeously
Anonymous says
You are so creative – amazing. Just a question – were the photos laser prints or inkjets? Thanks for replying
Anonymous says
I tried this and love it but I used a black and white photo and from putting mod podge on the photo it turned it yellow!!..what did I dod wrong??
Anonymous says
I finally finished mine this morning. I think that the next time I’m not going to buy the cheapest canvas I can find. The edges were not square and it altered how everything fit. But I love this and it was so easy to do.
Anonymous says
This is the best and easiest way to make beautiful canvas prints. I paint the canvas whatever color matches best where I will hang the photo. I then mod podge the canvas where I set the pic and let it dry then I put a layer of mod podge ontop. Once dry, I kinda sandpaper the edges of the pic and I staple ribbon on the top of the back, tie a bow and hang them.
Sherri Bailey says
LOVE that you did this in color to match her room. So beautiful.
I featured you on Momcaster: http://momcaster.com/2012/06/01/transfer-photos-to-canvas/#
Shaper of Little Souls says
Question: Why even use Mod Podge? Why not just glue it to the canvas and be done? I am so afraid of ruining it with the wet Mod podge.
Anonymous says
Love this idea!
Lena Leinwand says
So cute!
Melissa S says
I love this tutorial and plan on trying it very soon! I did apply the idea of the scrapbook edging to another one of my projects and mentioned this tutorial in my post. Would love if you had a moment and could stop by!
http://wildflowerswonders.blogspot.com/2012/06/when-two-tutorials-become-one.html
stacy morrison says
Great post, useful tips posted here for instant gratification, this is a unique consent you have describe here, any person can learn this easily because there is also photo tutorial for easy learning.
canvas prints
skywriter2 says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous says
Love this idea!! What a money saver!
I wanted to ask where you have found the vintage “A as in Azalea” picture? It’s so pretty, would love it for my daughter’s room.
Thanks in advance,
Sara
HaileyB says
I’m using printed photo’s from Walmart on a gloss paper. Can I use gloss modge podge or will it look milky?
hailey_32@hotmail.com
Melanie says
I love it! Going to do it tomorrow!
Abdul Latif says
its a very stunning collection of gifts and great pictures i realy like it Thanks for sheering these and i lov all pics.
Bianca says
This is awesome, and I have to try that!!
Love from Denmark
Michelle says
I just tried this and my picture bubbled up! How do you keep it from doing that?! 🙁
Rama Gomez says
I tried this but when I put the Mod Podge on top of the picture and let it dry I saw smear marks and lines from when I painted the Podge on. Any ideas how to not let that happen? I’m making these for Christmas pictures this year so I wanna get this right. Thanks for the idea and can you email me your answer? ragomez1022@gmail.com
Thank you!!
Laura says
The first link in this post, as well as the suggested post to read {Canvas Photo DIY Revisited} are broken. I get an Error 404 message. Do you have new links?
Sherry says
This is wonderful! I also used glossy photos by mistake, and it worked just find. I also found that if I painted the modpodge on in vertical strokes and let it dry, and them did it again in horizontal strokes, it had more of the look of canvas!
Anonymous says
Are these pictures printed on regular printer paper or on photo paper?
Anonymous says
I HAD A QUESTION. DO YOU PUT THE MOD PODGE OVER THE PHOTO ONCE YOU LAY IT DOWN?
Devonte joseph says
Love it! I have been wanting to try this.Thanks for sharing this lovely pics.
Donna Sutton says
I was just wondering if you use regular photos or were they special printed…where I live we don’t have a Costco or anything like that….
lyn elrick says
Thanks for this been trying to find a method to use with a drawing.thanjs
Rachel says
Where are the instructions for that DRESS!!! hahaha =)
truman testa says
You Did great job, i love this DIY canvas tutorial, i want to do that, many thanks for sharing.
Fotoviva says
The final piece (next to the window) looks superb! A lovely idea for a unique canvas.
Linda says
Hi Steph,
I luv this! I want to do a 12 x 12 canvas with some old pics for a family reunion photo. Will this work? I wanted to print to regular paper, glue down and then use Mod Podge over the top. I would love to hear from you and your opinion! Thanks for such a precious idea and love the photos etc.
Linda
girlinspired says
Hi Linda!
Definitely do not use printed pictures from your home computer – the ink will run and the paper will probably bubble and/or crumble. Take the pictures into a photo development center and have them print them up for you there – I’m sure they can scan in an old picture if you don’t have it digitized yet, and then they can print it onto professional grade photo paper with photo-appropriate ink. Hope that helps!! And have fun!
Linda says
Thanks. I was going to try with regular copy paper. Will this work???
Linda says
Sorry, I posted on wrong page. I sent you some emails with my project on it – you really inspired me! Thanks for your hard work.
Linda
girlinspired says
Hi Linda,
The books look amazing! I’m so glad you jumped into the project! I know your family must appreciate it so much!
Linda says
I just read your note, hopefully my pics will work. I didn’t use photo paper, but had the lady copy on card stock and that is what I decoupaged.. It is done now. Hope it lasts! Live & Learn! Again, thanks!
Lana K. says
I tried this yesterday!! I was a bit nervous, but mine turned out great!! Now I am so excited to make more!!! Thanks so much for the tutorial!!
Krystal Niemczura says
Hi there! Ok, Im actually in the process of doing this ( hoping you get this comment NOW and respond, lol) Anyways, my 16×20 photo is slightly hanging over the edges of the canvas, which is also 16×20, strange! Did you happen to have this issue? What is the best way to trim the edges…scissors? I am so afraid of not cutting it just right. Confused :-/
Gillian says
I just found your website approximately two weeks ago. I’m working on Xmas gifts for my daughters to send to the U.S., and I had never done decoupage before and saw many ideas online that I thought would be awesome. I bought two serving trays from a store here in Rome that has the heavy-duty trays, and they were painted with acrylic paint, and sanded it off due to the slippery thing of trying to get paper to stick. Anyway, I made collages of my girls since they both have been married on Windows Publisher and I am having it printed at a copy place with the laser printer so it won’t run. I used the ink-jet I have, sealed the photos, but it was a mess due to other things, but it all has worked out. My husband’s mother passed away in August and when I saw your canvas photos it struck me as the perfect thing to make for him and his sister for Xmas, and very personal. I have all his parents’ photo albums for scanning purposes for both of them and access to all their wedding photos. I thought of a nice black and white photo on the canvas with some sort of the photo album paper around the edges and I found the acrylic paint in a nice charcol grey/black…very awesome. Okay, my question is, did you have your photos printed on photo paper or just off of a laser copier onto regular acid-free paper? I have photo paper that I can give to the copy place, top of the line paper and print it that way onto matted photo paper, Let me know because I don’t want to mess this up. Everything else about this project is really simple to do and I am thrilled with it. Thank you for your wonderful ideas, and tips. Gilli
girlinspired says
Hi Gillian, You have so many beautiful projects in the works! I order my prints from a photo processing center and just rely on whatever photo paper they use. How do you order printed photos in Rome? I would think the laser printer would be just fine with either type of paper, but the photo paper may hold the color in the picture better? I would go with whatever type of paper you typically would have a photograph printed on. Just a guess, though. Let me know how they turn out! I’m excited for your family – those trays sound amazing and your husband and sister in law will love having those special photos. Have fun!
Gillian says
Hey Stef,
Thank you for your reply. The copy shop I go to informed me that they do print photos on the heavy photo paper, but I’m not sure if they use the matted paper. In any case, I will take my own and they can print on that, but the important thing is using the laser. The trays are still a work in progress and I would be happy to send you photos when completed. I’ve learned a lot from trial and error, it is the thought that matters. For my youngest who is in college I found a wooded box with four drawers. It was painted this gray/beige color. I painted the box black, but not the drawers because they have these stars painted on them with clear little handles. The black off-sets the drawers really well, and she can use this for jewlry, desk supplies or whatever she wishes. This too will have photos around it of her with her family and friends. She will be here at Xmas and that alone is exciting.
Your work is absolutely beautiful and your girls are adorable. As a mother of three girls I know how much it means to make something personal for them. Photos are of great importance to me and doing projects with them makes it all the more special.
For my husband’s project I got the arcylic paint in the charcol color, which is perfect for the black and white photo and the border is a rather unusual charcol striped paper with small designs (very Roman). It should all coordinate nicely.
Thank you again for your input, and I am so pleased to have found your website. Take care. Gilli
Laura says
These are great; and I tried it- but how do you get the mod podge on the picture to not be streaky?
girlinspired says
Hi Laura, Try to use a wide foam brush and create as smooth finish as you can, most of the streaks will smooth out when the project dries, but the streaks that are left are what give it more of that textured canvas look.
Christy says
I love this and want to try it myself. I live the way your photo canvas turned out ESP with the acrylic paint. I was wanting to know what kind of paper did you print the photo on. I am so excited to try this. I’m glad I found your blog.
Stacey says
Thank you so much for sharing this project!! I’ve made a couple of (unsuccessful) attempts at photo canvases using transfer methods. I decided to go this route instead. I used Liquitex instead of Mod Podge because that’s what I had. I tried this project out using the acrylic paint method & am thrilled with the results. My dining room table is currently covered with drying projects I plan to give as gifts, as well as keep for my home.
Jacque says
I seen your post about transferring a photo to canvas, I want to do this but I wasn’t sure do I get a picture developed or do I use computer paper to get the photo.??
girlinspired says
Definitely get the photo developed – the ink from a computer-printed photo will bleed when you put the glue over the top. I get my pictures developed at Costco.
Maria Lopez says
This is a great idea for a family activity so as a school activity for kids, thank you so much for sharing this creative idea. I been thinking for activity that I could get my hands on with my kids, I been trying to get them creative instead of playing in computer everyday. This DIY gives me idea on making some photo canvas after our trip in the beach, I hope the kids will enjoy this fun creative activity.
Miranda says
These are beautiful photo canvas motives and the result is gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing this. I just came across this blog as I was looking for ideas for making a photo canvas and this is perfect 🙂 I’m inspired!