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
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!
Katie says
Can you use the mod podge in the spray can? Where do you get the canvases?
Thanks in advance!
Anonymous says
Love this idea! But when I do the edges, it comes out “bubbly” or all wrinkled. What am I doing wrong??
SuZeeBee says
Just experimented with this for my daughter’s engagement party! LOVE it!! Can’t wait to do some more!!
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
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?
Cindy says
Amazing!! Thanks for the ideas!!!
Kell's Blurbs says
so gonna try this! have been wanting a canvas photo of my grandson!
Impulsive Addict says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea!
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
Jaime says
Did two yesterday and they turned out perfect! I love this craft! Thanks!!
Self Made Memories says
Love this! Just what I need to complete my nursery!
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!
Cindy in AZ says
Great idea… going to pick up the supplies to give it a try….Thanks