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I began this project because I loved the look of photo canvases but I loved them on a large scale. You can get really good deals on smaller sized canvases on the internet but the larger you get the far pricier it seems the project will be, for a 20x30+ it can start at $130.
Now before I begin I want to add this did not come out exactly as I had hoped. So I'm doing another version later but it will take a couple weeks to get all the materials that I've ordered off the internet. Until then I wanted to show you my first version of a DIY photo canvas.
Materials:
Canvas any size
Paper
Printer
Modpodge
Step 1: Print out your photo on your printer. To do this you can use: Block Posters to make a PDF of your image that is separated into pages. Be sure your photo is the length and width of your canvas PLUS the edge width. My edges were 1.5" wide so I added 3" on the length and width of the photo.
Print out PDF on your printer and cut left and bottom edges of each 8.5x11 sheet.
You can avoid all of this if you want to print at Staples but you would have to print in black and white. When you print in color at this size it's about $80! But in black and white it's about $10. Don't ask me why the steep difference.
Step 2: Glue the pieces together with a glue stick or rubber cement. I like rubber cement best because if you let it dry before you glue to the pages you can adjust the position of the pages.
Step 3: Brush Modpodge on your canvas.
Step 4: Lay your photo onto your canvas. Try to get out as many of the air bubbles as possible but you probably won't be able to get all of them. That's one of the reasons I didn't like the way this version came out.
Then put modpodge on the edges and fold over the paper to cover the edges. You can either fold the corners over or cut them off.
Step 5: Finally brush Modpodge over your entire photo and let dry. Here is another reason why I'm doing another version later. When the glue dried it left yellow streaks. I think this could be avoided by not laying on such a thick layer. If you try to do it this way then be sure that there aren't any places where the Modpodge pools.
See the streaks. They're not that bad in fact they sort of add texture to the canvas but I'd still rather not have them. Like I said, if you didn't lay the glue on thick you could probably avoid them.
Done. Stay tuned for another version in two weeks.
Total cost: $30 for 40x30 canvas
$7 for Modpodge
The cost of ink and paper were things I already had but you might want to keep that in mind when you are doing this project.
=$37 Total
Like not spending money?
17 {comments}:
I use Modpodge a lot and I find that putting it directly on the back of the paper surface (rather than the canvas) helps with the bubbles. Paper always stretches when it's wet so it causes it to stretch before you put it down.
PS~ That's a super cool idea. I had never thought of using block posters.
What a cool idea!
Have you checked Artscow? You still have to stretch it by yourself but seems like a reasonable price.
http://www.artscow.com/photo-gifts/cat0503
That picture is gorgeous! The little one with the dark hair looks like snow white.
Connie
I love this idea! Maybe pop the bubbles with a needle and use spray varnish on top? Can't wait to try it!
I know it sounds mad, but I have done this before and it works for canvas as well as paper: cover the canvas in PVA glue making sure that the application of glue is even. Then pop the photocopy or print-out in a bath of water for about twenty seconds (you still want the paper to be rigid enough not to tear, but floppy enough to mould to the canvas). Then put the wet paper on the canvas and gently ease out any bubbles with your hand. Leave to dry (from memory it will take about an hour or two). Viola - print and streak free canvas! The ink from the photocopy or print out may run a little - would love to know if this works with colour as I have only tried with black and white.
If you want to use a better quality photo to get a sharper and non-pixelated final result I recommend PosteRazor
http://posterazor.sourceforge.net/
It's free and works really well, and the pixelation will matter more the bigger your finished product will be. Enjoy!
Note, if you use a dry bristle brush once you have added your modpodge, and make small x's on the canvas, it will feather out your strokes, ans also help the image look hand painted. Do a small section and then wipe your brush off. Repeat until complete.
I really like the streaks. They help give the picture a mural feel. i thing the streaks add to the natural feel of the pictures.
I was thinking it would look cool to smooth a piece of coarse fabric over the final layer of modpodge (while it's still wet) and then pull it off. I bet it would leave an imprint that looks more like canvas texture, instead of brush strokes.
Ooh, I'll be trying this! I have a few photos I wanted to mount on canvas, but the cost was prohibitive!
Thanks!
Your girls are beautiful and I'm loving the fingers in the mouth. :)
You could also try this gel medium transfer process: http://www.lilblueboo.com/2009/10/transferring-image-with-gel-medium.html
Here's my version of thrifty canvases as well:
http://crib-tales.blogspot.com/2010/03/thrifty-canvases.html
Just discovered your blog and spent last evening transforming two Goodwill-bound clothing items into useable and cute fashions! Thank you!
Hi, I really appreciate your blog. Great!!!!!!!!!!
Canvas print photo
We can always see that the new creation fully depend on the creative person who have good imagination and unique activity, every person can do something new if he is creative like you, you have done very nice work, and this is too good you have publish your creation with us and posted here great easy tutorial with photo.
http://canvasdesign.co.uk
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