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
Thomas says
that feeling you get right when you walk into your air conditioned home when its REALLY hot outside.
fort lauderdale printers
Country Girl says
Found this on Pinterest. What a great idea. Thanks for sharing it ~
Anonymous says
Love this idea…thank you for sharing..
Anonymous says
Love this idea…thank you for sharing..
LWal says
Absolutely adorable!!..LOVE it, can’t wait to try it.Found your blog thru Pinterest!
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
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
Daily Mom says
Just found your blog through Pinterest (my new obsession) and love it!
New follower!
Daily Mom
http://dailymomlife.blogspot.com
Creations By Cindy says
Thanks for sharing this. Love it!!!!
Anonymous says
Love this thanks for the idea. The room and the way your layout for the photos is fabulous also.
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.
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
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!!
Brett and Kymee says
Love this. I was wondering what color acrylic paint you used? Black?
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