One of my very favorite things to do is find something in a store that I really really want but there is no way I could afford it. Well, I guess that’s not the fun part. The fun part comes when I go home and figure out a way to make that same thing for way less!
That’s the case here with creating your own DIY photo canvas. This project is super straight forward and simple. I was able to make this entire project for only $5!
Thrift stores are fantastic places to find unused canvases. That is where I found the one I used for this DIY photo canvas, and for only $2! People are always buying these things thinking they will use it but then end up donating them. Lucky us!
Then for the photo, the very best place to have large black and white photos printed would be at a store like Staples. You have to ask to have them printed as Engineer Prints.
I will be making a tutorial soon on exactly how to print large photos for super cheap. So be sure you are signed up for my newsletter so you don’t miss out on anything frugal and fabulous!
One thing I love so much about using engineer prints when creating this DIY photo canvas is that you can roll the photo over the edges creating really professional look!
This is a really great project and I hope enjoy it! I would love to see how yours turns out! Tag me on Instagram @PenniesIntoPearls with your photo… of your photo. Ironic I guess.
How to DIY Photo Canvas
Here is what you will need for this project:
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pen
- Scissors (forgot to show)
- Canvas (look for these at a thrift store for way less than retail!)
- Engineer print – Add two times thickness of the canvas to each the height and width of the canvas to find the size you need to wrap print around canvas
- Mod Podge
- Foam brush
To begin, at each corner measure out the thickness of the canvas to create a square at each corner.
When cutting out the corners be sure error on the side of too short. You can always cut more but you can’t magically regrow what you cut off.
Next you are ready to cover the face of the canvas in Mod Podge and spread out evenly with your foam brush. You will want a nice thick layer but don’t get carried away. Just enough to cover the surface with a solid layer.
Don’t forget to cover the edges.
Now you are ready to cover with your photo. Try your best to line up the edges first and slowly press down the photo to the cavas, working your way one side to the other. Press our any bumps or bubbles that might show up.
My canvas ended up with a few wrinkles. One thing I am going to try next time that you might want to try out this time, is using something with a solid edge, like a ruler, to smooth out the photo as it lies on the glue.
Tip: you can turn the canvas upside down and smooth from the opposite side pressing against your table.
Roll the edges of the photo over the ends of the canvas. You will need to press firmly to get the paper to stick to the canvas.
Smooth, smooth, and smooth some more.
Now cover again with a solid layer of Mod Podge, the same as before. This stuff dries clear so don’t worry about it looking super white. But do be sure to keep it spread evenly across the entire picture. Don’t forget those edges.
Have fun!
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Click the image to see the tutorial. Talk to you soon!
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