Canvas Art

This is by no means a new idea. I've seen it around blogland many times..... so many times that I can't remember where I originally saw it. So I apologize for not giving credit where credit is due.

The good thing about ideas that you find on blogs like mine and on the internet is that they are just that: IDEAS! So when you see something you like, you can copy it exactly or make your own version. I love that about crafting. I basically did this first go around just like I've seen from other bloggers. I'll give you the basic rundown and then at the end I'll let you know some new ways I've tweaked the process.

Supplies needed:
canvas (any size you want) for this project I used 12 x 12
scrapbook paper
Mod Podge
Craft Paint
foam paint brushes

You'll want to choose your craft paint to coordinate with the paper you choose. If you are doing a similar project, I recommend a scrapbook store instead of a chain craft store. The scrapbook stores will have more product to choose from and if you like a certain theme, they are more likely to have several instead just a few in the category.

This canvas art was for my sister in law Rachel. She has this beautiful painting that used to hang above her bed, but she felt that it was too big and wanted something different. (Remember Rachel; I got dibs on that old piece when you tire of it) So she picked out 4 different papers that she liked and we got 2 of each. We painted the edges of the canvases dark brown/espresso bringing it up on the top of the canvas just slightly and let it dry. The papers had to be trimmed a tiny bit so that you could see a little of the dark brown paint. It gives it a matted effect that I really like. Once dry, paint Mod Podge onto the canvas evenly and completely. Lay the scrapbook paper down making sure its centered. You'll have a little bit of time to move it around to get it right. Once its in place, smooth with your hand or a credit card to get out any air bubbles. Don't worry if you see little bubbles, when it dries it should be smooth. Once it is dried completely, paint another thin, even coat of Mod Podge on top of it to give it a smooth finish. I use Matte finish, but there are so many other choices; glossy, glitter, etc. This was a really easy process and I think you get a lot of bang for your buck.



Since this project I've found some other options instead of using the canvases. I was at Dollar Mania and they had some 10 1/2 x 10 1/2 frameless pictures. They were basically a cheap piece of paper on some particle board. But they will work great for doing something like this... and just like the name implies, they are only $1 each as opposed to $4.50 on sale for the canvas. So when you are out shopping, don't limit yourself to color or what something is meant to be or do. Like the saying goes, "There's more than 1 way to skin a cat" (sorry pet lovers and for the record I would never skin a cat) Just another way of repurposing something on purpose! LOL-sorry I couldn't help myself. Until next time!