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
Stef says
to shy: it’s a matte print, good question!
shy says
Is the photograph a glossy or matte print?
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!
Emily Pitts says
saw this on pinterest and wow, it’s a great idea! i love it!
SJPhotography says
So, any chance you can use Glossy Mod Podge? It’s all I have right now 🙂
Amy says
wow, this is such a great idea!! thanks for sharing!!
Rooted in Atascocita says
Great idea! I love 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.
Shanade says
Thanks for the great tutorial! I will certainly be trying this.
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
The Seaman Family says
This is so awesome! I am featuring you on my blog, post to come soon http://theseamanfamilyblog.blogspot.com.
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.
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?
Anonymous says
Love this idea!!! Thanks for posting!!!