Make Your Own Photo Canvases

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It’s football season, a time when my husband plants himself on the couch for hours on end watching a bunch of grown men hit each other and throw a ball around. It’s also a time when I get to do whatever I want and no one notices or complains.

Last Sunday I was feeling a little crafty. I went to my Pinterest boards and picked out my first obsession. The idea to make my own photo canvases came from two sources…I meshed both ideas for what suited me the best. The first came from Literally Inspired. I loved how she edged the canvases in black paint….so sharp! The second was from Vickie Lan Photography. She used the Mod Podge on the photo to give it a more “painted” feel.

Now it’s time for you to make your own photo canvases! You will love how easy this project is…not to mention how cheap! I priced these canvas prints on my beloved photo sites and even on sale, they are still about $65.

I paid WAY less than that with this project. I got my 8×10 prints for about $4 each, and a pack of canvases for $5 for 2. With the Mod Podge (which will be used for many more projects to come) and everything, I paid a little less than $8 a canvas.

Check out how easy this project is….

Make Your Own Photo Canvases

What you need:

canvas (I keep a variety of sizes on hand)
your favorite photos (the same size as the canvas)
Mod Podge (I used the matte finish)
sponge brush (any size)
X-acto knife
acrylic paint (I used black)

1. Paint the edges of the canvas using whatever color you like. I chose black. Make sure to make a little of the pain lap onto the canvas itself in case the photo doesn’t reach the edge.

2. After the paint dries, add a thin layer of Mod Podge to the front of the canvas & carefully place the photo on.

3. Give it a chance to dry a bit and trim the small edges of the photo that may peek out.

4. Paint a layer of Mod Podge on top of the photo and sealing the edges. It will appear white over the photo, but don’t worry, it will dry clear.

5. Hang your photo. Yup, it’s that simple.

Will you try this easy craft? If so, let me know about it!!

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Comments

Shanika Drake says
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I can not wait to try this, thank you!

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- Alexis Prieto says
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  It’s so easy and the perfect gift!
  
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Shenice says
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Hello. I am thinking of trying this tomorrow. Where did you find two canvases for $5?

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- Alexis Prieto says
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  I found them at Michaels. You can also get them at any other arts & crafts store, as well as WalMart.
  
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Rosa Maria says
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¿Que es Mod Podge?

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- Alexis Prieto says
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  Mod Podge is a glue like substance used for crafting. You can get it at Michaels, JoAnn’s, Hobby Lobby, Target and maybe even Walmart.
  
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Stacy says
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Are you using actual photos that have been enlarged for this project? Or are you having copies of your fav photos enlarged on copy paper?

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- Alexis Prieto says
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  I bring my photos to CVS or Walgreens and have them printed on photo paper to fit my canvases. You have to trim some, but I do that after I glue them to the canvas.
  
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KATHY says
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I tried this & my picture got all wrinkled & cant get it straight. What can I do?

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- Alexis Prieto says
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  Did you glue the photo on the canvas first? If you let it dry a bit and then put the ModPodge on top, making sure to paint it on the edges well, you shouldn’t have bubbling. Hope this helps!
  
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- KATHY says
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  Do you put modpodge on the back of the photo or on the cavas? If you put it on the canvas I did do that.
  
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  - Alexis Prieto says
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    Hmmmm….I don’t know. That’s never happened to me before and I’ve made tons of them. Make sure you seal the sides with a lot of the ModPodge so air doesn’t get in.
    
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Heather says
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I just finished my 4 and the process was easy and smooth. I am wondering, however, how long before the final product is ready after I apply the last coat of Modern Podge? (approximate)

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- Alexis Prieto says
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  I like to let it sit overnight.
  
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april Klein says
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I have a really fast question . Do you print the picture your going to use on reg paper or print it on photo paper??

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- Alexis Prieto says
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  I get the print made at CVS or Walgreens on photo paper.
  
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Tish says
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I gave one layer on MP on top but it doesn’t have the canvas look. I’m going to apply another layer hoping that helps. Thoughts?

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Alexis Prieto says
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Since the MP is thick, it looks like your painting glue on the photo. You can paint in one direction, let it dry and then paint in another direction. It will give that canvas look and feel.

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Aubrey Crilly says
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Thanks so much for the idea. It is going to be a great gift for mothers day!

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Alexis Prieto says
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It really is a great gift idea! My mom loves hers!

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