Make Your Own Faux Canvas Photos

You've seen those gorgeous canvas photos.They're creative and add personality and beauty to your home. But they're also REALLY expensive. We found a way to get the same look for a lot less. They're easy to make but be patient and allow each stage to dry completely before moving on to the next.

Supplies:

  • Artists' canvas in your desired size (mine are 8" x 8")
  • Mod Podge
  • Paintbrushes
  • Prints of your favorite photos. I was able to get 8 x 8 prints but depending on your canvas size, you may need to print a little larger and then trim to fit your canvas. I used Target for my prints--they were made on a Kodak machine and cost about $2.50 each. In my experience, the Kodak machines produce a better quality than the Fuji ones. I had several prints made at Sam's Club on the Fuji machine and while they were just $1.50 each, the quality was very poor. I trimmed mine so they were slightly smaller than canvas size. That allowed me to be sure that the print was adhered completely and gave the final product a much more finished look.
  • Black paint
  • An extra blank canvas

Directions:

1. Paint the edges of the canvas and about 1/2" of the front of the canvas black--you may need two coats to cover. Let it dry thoroughly.

2. Brush a solid coat of Mod Podge on the canvas and carefully place your print on the canvas, lining up edges. Turn the canvas over and lightly rub the center to be sure the print is in contact with the canvas all the way around. Let dry completely--at least an hour.

3. Brush a coat of Mod Podge on the face of the photo--be careful that it doesn't drip down the sides. 

4. Wait about a minute and then carefully lay a blank canvas on top of the Mod Podged photograph--this is how you are going to get the canvas look on your print. Rub your hand along the back of the canvas to impress the canvas all over the print.  Keep "stamping" with your canvas, lifting it off and checking to be sure you're getting a nice, even impression. Your photo will look milky--that's exactly how it should look, it will dry clear. Let dry completely.

Repeat the last step with another layer of Mod Podge and another round of impressing the blank canvas onto your photo. 

5. Once your canvas has dried completely, use a clear spray varnish for one or two final coats (you can also use a paint on clear varnish if you have that handy) and this time be sure to get the black edges so everything has a nice satin or glossy finish (your choice).

That's it! You now have a masterpiece (or eight!) for a fraction of the price. I made 8 canvases and spent less than $50--if I had ordered the same as "real" canvas prints it would have been well over $200. 

For more great crafts ideas, follow our Pinterest "crafts for adults" board at: http://www.pinterest.com/neapolitanfam/adult-crafts-and-diy-projects/