I am a novice when it comes to putting photos-on-canvas. But, I am getting the hang of it. I have finally found my own mixture of things and techniques which suit me.
I surprised my daughter with these canvas prints of her children for her new (completely remodeled) little bungalow which has cost her blood, sweat and tears for several months. It is looking wonderful ! I love the fact that canvas prints are lightweight and require only a small nail to mount on the wall.
While I took my hints from various people about how to do this project, this is what I learned:
- The best bargain can be found at JoAnn’s with a coupon or when the canvases are on sale. I bought 10-packs of 10×10 and 12×12 for $12 after 50% off.
- JoAnn’s is also where I bought a 3-pack of 20×20 at 50% off.
- Hobby Lobby often has a promotion of 2-packs of 11×14 and 16×20 which are also quite affordable.
- I used Costco to print the photos. I ordered them online and picked them up the next day. Costco has the best enlargement prices I have found and the prints are wonderful quality.
Some techniques and products I found helpful:
- Craft paint for the sides of the canvas. I used three compatible colors” sort of streaked over each other” rather than just one color.
- I used Antique Mod Podge to adhere the photo to the canvas and to cover the photo once it was on the canvas.
- I used Tim Holtz Distress Crackle Paint for the corners or other places on the canvas where I wanted a crackle effect.
- I used Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads along the edges, corners and sides.
- The last thing I did was apply a coat of Texturizing Paint from The Wood Connection. (Utah stores) It must be applied with a small roller. When it dries in gives the surface a rough, canvas look.
What would I do without PicMonkey?
I thought I would never recover when Picnik announced it was quiting. PicMonkey is manned by the same people and is MUCH more than Picnik ! For example, the center photo is one I took in regular light. I edited with Cross Process in PicMonkey and added a faded version of a texture called Paint. Then, by using the frames option and Normal Daguerreotype, I was able to distress the edges of the actual photo.
I AM A BELIEVER AND A FAN OF PICMONKEY ! (FREE ONLINE)
Thus, I can say say “happy new home” with my own photos . . . and take advantage of having a little more time on my hands than the parents of my grandchildren.
This is a wonderful time in which to live ! Our posterity will know a great deal more about us than we did about about our ancestors . . . all because of the availability of wonderful cameras.
