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
Comments & Reviews
Beca says
Hi Found you via Pinterest, love this tutorial! They are beautiful and I love the idea!
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
Shari @For the Little Doll In Your Life says
Those came out wonderful!
Kim says
These are adorable! Thanks for sharing, I am definitely going to try it out.
Rachel says
These are really cute, I love the idea.
Catherine says
What a great idea! I definitely need to do this with some photos of my kids. Thanks for the inspiration!
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!
Ashley says
those look great! i love the added detail of the paint on the edges!
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….
birdie blue says
to die for.
xo
~molly
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.
Sweet .n. Simple says
This looks really FUN! I just might give this a try…
Kristie-Creating Chaos says
Beautiful! I’ve been wanting to try that too.
Sharon says
Love it!! I will have to try this soon.
Samantha @ Moody Mama says
Love this! Thanks for sharing 🙂