DIY Canvas Art

I read about a project a couple of months ago where you can make your own canvas photos.  I know that canvas photos can be very expensive when you order them.  This was a very simple project that was fun to do.

Here's what you need:

• artist canvas boards (8" x 10" or any size you want)
• photo prints the same size as the canvas
• paper trimmer (optional)
• Modge Podge (I used the matte finish)
• a styrofoam brush
• paper plate

1.  Using the paper trimmer, cut the photos to size if necessary.  My photo prints were slightly larger than the canvas.  My husband suggested cutting enough so that there was a border around the photo.

The photos are of my grandfather, Gus Bounds, who is 88 years old, and my daughter Gracie who is 18 months old.  These were taken at my grandparents' house a couple of weeks ago.

2.  Pour some Modge Podge onto the paper plate.  Using the styrofoam brush, apply Modge Podge to the back of your prints and then place the prints on the canvas.  I pressed down on the prints and then turned the whole thing upside down and pressed.

3.  Apply more Modge Podge on top of the photo, covering the entire area.  I used vertical strokes for this first coat. Let it dry.

4.  Apply a second coat of Modge Podge.  I used horizontal strokes for this second coat.  Let it dry.

5.  If you want, you can add more coats, but I just did two.  It leaves an interesting texture to the surface which is visible in certain lights.

6.  Put somewhere and enjoy!


I'm not too crazy about the border around the pictures.  I think next time I will leave it hanging over and MAY try to wrap it on the sides.  The overhang is very small, though, so it might not do very well.  I'm not sure how it would look, either.

Another alternative would be print the photo in a larger size (11" x 14") but have a border around the photo so that the photo itself measures 8" x 10" (plus the measurements of the canvas sides).  If the canvas is 3/4" thick, the photo should measure 9-1/2" x 11-1/2".  The extra border can simply be cut off or wrapped to the back side.


This would be a fun project for older children to do to give to their grandparents or other loved ones.  I've even thought about using prints of nature photos as decorations in my home.