Stretched Canvas Creations

From time to time I like to do something other than a traditional scrapbook page. It is a great change of pace and helps me think creatively. One of my newest ventures was creating an altered stretched canvas. Though it may appear intimidating, altering a canvas is not that different from creating a scrapbook page. The fun part of moving the scrapbook page from the album to the walls is that it allows everyone to enjoy the memories and you have a customized art piece!

Getting Started
When creating a scrapbook page on a canvas, use the lumpiest, bumpiest materials you can find because it won’t matter! This is the perfect time to experiment with accents, textures and techniques.

Materials:

• Canvas. Many craft and online stores sell primed, acid-free canvases. These canvases can be purchased in a variety of sizes.
• Acrylic paint or other mediums
• Paper
• Photos (copies or enlargements, not one-of-a-kind photos)
• Embellishments
• Adhesive (3M photo tape, Perfect Paper Adhesive, PVA glue, Super Tape, Diamond Glaze or Magic Scraps Scrappy Glue are all recommended for this project)
• Mod Podge

Steps:

1. If you purchased primed canvas, there is no need to add additional primer. You can paint directly onto the canvas. Think about if you want the canvas to show or if you are going to completely cover it with paper. If you paint the entire canvas, make sure to let it have adequate time to dry before adhering paper. Don’t forget to paint the sides.


2. Layer papers using a strong adhesive such as 3M photo tape, Perfect Paper Adhesive, PVA glue, or Super Tape by Therm-O-Web.


3. Add photos and other flat embellishments such as stamps, rub-ons, stickers and die cuts.


4. At this point in the project, sealing all the flat elements with a thin layer of Mod Podge is recommended. Use a rubber brayer to smooth out any bubbles. Sealing it adds a layer of protection against dust since the project will be out in the open.


5. Add any lumpy embellishments to the page. (Magic Scraps Scrappy Glue, Diamond Glaze or Super Tape work well for lumpier things.)

Tips:

Monique created a cute 4” x 4” canvas of her daughter that was quick and easy to complete. She suggests creating your own customized background with acrylic paint, stamps and rub-ons. No paper is needed! She also adds that by mixing a little white to your paint you can get a contrasting shade to paint the edges as seen in Daddy’s Girl canvas.

Stacy altered a 16” x 20” canvas for her niece’s room. She suggests that you paint your canvas a day ahead of time to allow it to dry properly. Also, if you mat your photos, make sure to adhere your photo to the mat first and then add it to the canvas.

I chose to alter an 11” x 14” canvas. First I painted the edges with blue acrylic paint. Next I layered Basic Grey paper and the photo. Then I applied a couple layers of Mod Podge making sure to let it dry in between layers. The twill, flower and chipboard letters were added after sealing.

You can also:

• print a photo from a computer onto transfer paper and transfer onto canvas with an iron
• use two 4” x 4” canvases (or any size) to make a hinged book cover or box
• make a grouping of canvases
• hinge two canvases together to make a desktop display

For more canvas ideas, check out the resources below.
http://www.canvasconcepts.com
http://www.dickblick.com

Supplies for “Peaceful”
Canvas
Pattern Paper: Basic Grey
Quote: Crossed Paths
Twill: Creative Impressions
Chipboard letters: Making Memories
Acrylic paint & crackle medium: Delta
Brad: Karen Foster
Flower: www.fibersbytheyard.com

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