DIY Canvas Photo

I have always thought pictures on canvas looked so relaxed but classy at the same time.  For awhile I have wanted to do a gallery wall.  So, I finally decided I would do a gallery wall with a mix of frame and canvas prints.

After we finally got family pictures taken I figured the wall gallery lay out a bit and realized there was no way we would ever be able to afford the number of canvas pictures I wanted to do.

I had a friend that put pictures on canvas, and I figured I'd do the same.  I mean, you can get canvas pictures at a craft store for around $5.  Five dollars plus printing out the pictures plus Mod Podge seemed MUCH more affordable.  If you want to put pictures on canvas then this is your affordable option.

However, I'm all about being real here (I mean I don't Photoshop my fancy iPhone pictures... I'm all about real).  These pictures look really good,... BUT if you are thinking that it is going to look like those fancy canvas pictures that cost at least $50 they don't.  Honestly, they look like pictures with a different kind of frame.  They look different, but they still look really good and I'm happy with them.  I just want to be honest with you since I learned a few things along the way.

Speaking of being honest, let me just say that so, so , so many other blogs/craft websites LIE.  Seriously, I'm a librarian.  I do research before a project.  I do A LOT of research b/c yet again I'm a librarian that likes to be thorough.

Everything I read talked about the project taking 5 to 10 minutes.  So, I got everything ready and when the kiddos went down for their naps I was ready to complete the projects as well as fold clothes, write blog posts, and get dinner ready.  I had big plans for nap time, but I was deceived on this project.  Sure, the "active time" of actually working on the project was only 5 to 10 minutes, but there was the dry time of painting the edges that I did not take into consideration.  Therefore, I'm going to be real with you... either break this project into two days or plan on it taking approximately an hour to complete.

Though, I'll give you all the info on how to make a quick (if you don't include dry time) cheap and inexpensive canvas photo.

What You Need:

• Picture Printed on regular photo paper (You want a high quality print out, but you can do thin photo paper if you can print it out well)
• Canvas the same size as the picture you have printed
• Paint for the edge of the picture.  I did white and yellow, but I think the white doesn't look as "complete" or good as the yellow.  Therefore, I would do a different color than white.  
• Paintbrush for painting the edge of the canvas
• Mod Podge I had glossy Mod Podge, but it doesn't really matter what kind you have it just depends on the look you are going for.   
• Foam Brush- get a small one (about $0.25) at Walmart. 
• Drop Cloth or paper bags to work on (paper towels do not work well, I have paper towel stuck to my Tablecloth b/c I brilliantly attempted to use paper towels as a work space protection). 

1. Paint just the edges and an inch or so on the top of the canvas you will be using in your pic.  When your paint is dry you can move on to the next stage.   I do recommend painting the edge; it looks a lot more  complete.   

2. Use Mod Podge and a foam brush to evenly coat the sides of the canvas.  This is just to give your canvas a more normal look.  

3. Use Mod Podge and foam brush to coat the top of the canvas and the backside of the picture you are going to attach to the canvas.  

4. Press picture to canvas. Rub out any bubble areas and make sure you picture is lined up evenly on the canvas.

 5. Mod Podge on top of the picture with an even coat making strokes in one direction.  I had read to use a cheap roller, but I would advice against that.  I found it easier and better for making consistent even strokes to use the foam brush.  If you were doing this same idea to wood instead of canvas a roller would be great b/c it is an even hard surface (ideal for rollers).  No matter how you do it just make sure not to leave any big smears on any faces.

Being a Mod Podge virgin (crazy huh?) I was a bit concerned seeing my beautiful picture all cloudy and white.  However, it'll dry clear.  Have no fear.  Though, do make sure you don't move your picture around.  At one point when trying to coat the top I slightly moved the picture and had to then get it back into place.  Not ideal.

6. Let your canvas picture dry. Then hang your beauty on your gallery wall (you'll see mine to come soon) or where ever your heart desires.  

As always... did you try it?  How'd it go?  Any questions?  I'm all about being honest.  No need for Pinterest Failures here.