**I originally posted this to my other blog, Enjoying the simple things
I had a harebrained idea at midnight last night, or I guess this morning, to get a project checked off my list. So, I gathered a few supplies, sat down at the kitchen table and got to work.
A while ago I mentioned that I was going to make my own canvas prints. While you really can print on canvas right through your home printer, I was working with actual photographs. I was determined to get the look of canvas prints without the high price tag. Call me cheap...or smart - whichever you prefer.
Quality gallery wrapped canvas can be expensive. An 11 x 14 with an inch gallery wrap averages about $60.00. You can find discounts here and there but once you start figuring in the thickness of the wrap or custom edge colors, it can increase the price. The work is beautifully done but frankly, I would need 5 and that's $300.00 I could spend elsewhere. Thanks to my beautiful friend, Alysa, she saved me a ton of dough! I followed her instructions and this is how it went.
Paint the sides of the canvas if you wish, even going over on the top sides of the canvas. Let dry. I used leftover paint from the boys' room.
Using a paintbrush, brush Mod Podge over the entire canvas area.
Place picture on the canvas and glue down. I smoothed it out with my hands. Just make sure they are clean - no oils on the picture. You may also want to use gloves for handling photographs.
Turn over and trim excess with an exacto-knife. My pictures were 11 x 16 but the canvas was 11 x 14 so I had a little to trim.
Now, take the Mod Podge and paint the entire surface of the photograph. Don't worry, just keep spreading the glue and remember Mod Podge is magic! I used a sponge paintbrush but next time I think I'll use a better quality brush.
While one is drying, you can go on to the other. I became slightly impatient since it was now 1 AM so I took the hair dryer and sped up the drying time. If you do this, don't get too close to the picture. I just gave it a quick once-over.
And then after it's dry, you can enjoy your "canvas like" prints for a fraction of the price!
If you are looking for someone to take a high-resolution photograph so that you can do this, just let me know, I'd be happy to snap away.
2 pk canvas $7.99
11 x 16 prints, $6.99 each (used a 30% coupon)
Mod Podge $2.69
paint brush $1.00
Total: $27.19, including tax
