I love the look of family photos printed on canvas, but I never knew I could make them at home! After transferring photos to fabric, I was super excited to try some pieces using stretched canvas. I hope this inspires some of you to make something special for your home...
Here's how I transferred my photo to canvas: 1. Supplies needed- stretched canvas (I chose an 8x10 size), gel medium (I used this kind from Liquidex
), paint brush and the image you want to transfer (laser copy) and a spray bottle filled with water. Remember, your image will print reversed. 2. Completely cover your canvas with gel medium. Use a heavy coat. 3. Press the photo copy onto the canvas and let it dry for several hours or overnight. 4. After your image is completely dry, use a spray bottle to wet the top of the paper. 5. Rub the surface with your fingers until pieces of the paper start coming off. When pieces start coming up your image will be revealed. This step takes patience and is messy! Be careful not to rub too hard as this can remove your transfer on accident. Continue until all the paper is removed and the image is completely visible! 6. Cover your canvas with one more coat of gel medium to seal and protect the image.
Note: You can expect an imperfect transfer. I think the imperfections are absolutely lovely! It's best to choose an image that is not incredibly detailed to work with. Each transfer is different. The more you experiment, the better!
I'm so excited to have this little keepsake for our home. These would also make amazing gifts! I can't wait to make more. xo. elsie
Wedding photo courtesty of Arrow and Apple.
EDITED TO ADD: Wow, guys! We're so happy that hundreds of you have tried this DIY! Some of you have had questions or issues with this project so we wrote a follow up post with more details and FAQ- click here for more information on making your own canvas! Happy Crafting!
this is AWESOME. I'm so going to make some christmas gifts using this idea! Awesome job Elsie!
-Moorea
Posted by: Moorea Seal | October 21, 2011 at 09:27 PM
Perfect. I just ordered a canvas print and they are crazy expensive!!! This looks so doable. I actually think it looks nicer. Can't wait to try it!!
Kacie
Posted by: Kacie | October 21, 2011 at 09:31 PM
These are going to make amazing gifts, especially for Christmas! xo
Have you tried with color photos yet?
Posted by: Amber Rose | October 21, 2011 at 09:33 PM
wow!
this looks amazing! i love the imperfections in the picture too it makes a cute effect!
Posted by: Diani | October 21, 2011 at 09:34 PM
Such great idea!! I think it would look best with Black and White photos, but it would be cool to try it with some super saturated or undersaturated prints as well! Thanks for the project!
-BekahDrey
http://bekahdrey.blogspot.com
Posted by: Rebekah | October 21, 2011 at 09:35 PM
Amber, I haven't tried color on canvas. I did try it on cotton fabric, though... check out the link in the post above. XO!
Posted by: elsie | October 21, 2011 at 09:36 PM
I love doing this. So fun. We did this in my photograph class. xo, rv
http://aneclecticheap.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Rae Veda | October 21, 2011 at 09:38 PM
Oooh! I totally want to do this with my new wedding photos to use as Christmas gifts! Such a great idea!
Posted by: Kate | October 21, 2011 at 09:43 PM
This is swell! :) Thanks for the post!
Posted by: CourtneyRae | October 21, 2011 at 09:45 PM
awesome! as usual! love this blog! i actually can go ahead and say that this blog is one of my favorites! thanks for sharing.. this is a great one!
http://itsawant.wordpress.com/
Posted by: Lee Anne Benjamin | October 21, 2011 at 09:45 PM
I will be doing a ton of these! Thanks for the idea and the how-to! <3
Posted by: Shawna | October 21, 2011 at 09:45 PM
This is amazing! Such a great idea, thank you for sharing!!
Posted by: Mandy @ Miss Indie | October 21, 2011 at 09:54 PM
Lovely, lovely, lovely! Thank you!
--Jaclyn T
TrickArt Jewellery: Nature Inspired
http://www.etsy,com/shop/trickartjewellery
http://www.positiveponderings.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jaclyn T | October 21, 2011 at 09:59 PM
What a lovely DIY! Was thinking of changing my headboard and this might be how I do it...
x
culinarilychallenged.blogspot.com
Posted by: Lauren Helen | October 21, 2011 at 10:05 PM
What an inspired idea! Oh, I can't wait to get started. I love this!
Posted by: Andrea | October 21, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Beautiful. I can't wait to have a wall to hang something like this on. I love it and I love the image you choose. So so sweet.
Posted by: pinksuedeshoe | October 21, 2011 at 10:14 PM
Love it!
Posted by: Erin | October 21, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Hey that's really cool. I love the photo you chose ... Very mysterious!
Loulou @ Loulou Downtown
Posted by: Loulou | October 21, 2011 at 10:28 PM
that is so cool! i cant wait to try this :)
Georgia
http://swonderfulgd.blogspot.com
Posted by: Georiga | October 21, 2011 at 10:36 PM
Brilliant! It's so amazing what people can figure out these days :)
xx.
Posted by: Julia | October 21, 2011 at 10:48 PM