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Community Corner

You Ought to Be in Pictures: DIY Photo Canvas

The perfect craft for someone new to crafting, a DIY photo canvas also makes a perfect gift.

The gift giving season begins early for me; my stepdad’s birthday is Oct. 3 and from there we run into a headlong dash of eight more birthdays mixed in with the holidays. It’s enough to empty a couple of wallets and drive a person a little crazy.

But not this year. 

This year, I’ve decided that I’m going to hand make as many gifts as possible and I’m starting with this one: a large photo canvas portrait of my husband, me and the kids to give to my parents. This is the kind of gift that is perfect for grandparents; as well as being easy and inexpensive for anyone new to crafting.

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You can find the craft supplies at your local Michaels or , but if you’re near the on Holcomb Bridge Road, stop in and pick up your canvas for less than $10. I’d also recommend getting your picture printed at , where you can get an 8 inch by 10 inch photo printed at your local store for around $4 with same day pick up.

DIY Photo Canvas

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Pre-stretched Canvas

Printed Copy of Your Digital Photo (needs to be about the same size as your canvas)

Matte Mod Podge

Scissors or craft knife

Black acrylic paint

2 Sponge paint brushes

Wax Paper (optional)

Towel (optional)

Lay out an old towel or several strips of wax paper to protect your work space. Next, measure your photo against your canvas to make sure they are the same size.  If the photo is slightly larger, use your scissors or a craft knife to cut it to size. Don’t worry if your photo is smaller than the frame because you’ll solve that problem a little later.

Put your picture aside in a safe spot. Pour a little black acrylic paint into a container (or on a lid) and then use one of the sponge paint brushes to paint along the sides of the canvas. Give all four sides a good, even coat of black paint and then let the canvas dry.

Once the sides of the canvas are dry, it’s time to add the photo. Pour a little bit of Mod Podge into a fresh container and use the second sponge brush to apply Mod Podge to the back of the photo. Once the back is completely covered, pick the photo up by the edges and center it on to the canvas. Gently stroke out bubbles with your fingers until the picture lies flat. 

Allow the canvas to dry for a few minutes and then use the sponge paint brush to apply Mod Podge to the face of the photo and canvas.  Liberally cover the whole canvas face with Mod Podge. It’s normal for your photo to turn cloudy at this point. It will dry clear.

Leave the canvas to dry completely and then, if necessary, use the sponge brush to apply black paint around the edges of the picture to cover any canvas that shows through. Blend the paint into the sides of the canvas for a seamless appearance.

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