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!
OH MY GOD! I love you for that tutorial! I was thinking about buying a picture on canvas, but now I can do it by myself! WOW!
Posted by: Magda | October 22, 2011 at 06:29 AM
Adorable! Did you use one of your wedding photos?
Posted by: Jennifer | October 22, 2011 at 06:46 AM
Love this, its fantastic!
Posted by: Charlie | October 22, 2011 at 06:55 AM
Just a reminder, using a professional photo that you do not own the rights to would be a bad choice for this project.
Posted by: Anon | October 22, 2011 at 07:07 AM
wow! thank you so much for sharing, elsie!
i love 'em <3
Posted by: Jean | October 22, 2011 at 07:08 AM
This is an amazing idea, Elsie! Thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by: Faith | Ordinary Mommy Design | October 22, 2011 at 07:08 AM
That turned out really good ! :D
I'm definitly gonna try this out ^^
xxx, Mri
Posted by: Mri | October 22, 2011 at 07:34 AM
Great idea!
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: g. | October 22, 2011 at 07:37 AM
Elsie, this is great. You're really making some fabulous projects! I can't wait to try this one.
Posted by: jen | October 22, 2011 at 07:51 AM
this is so cool, you can do the exact same thing on wood too, this girl did it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NjYbAAQ4vw&list=FLbglcAvmJpPtBf94hY6k6jw&index=2 It came out wonderfully!!
Posted by: Kerrie | October 22, 2011 at 08:00 AM
I love this!!! I think I might have to try it with one of our wedding photos!!
http://julies-thisandthat.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Julies-thisandthat | October 22, 2011 at 08:27 AM
What a great idea! You are right they would be lovely gifts.
Posted by: Mrs.M | October 22, 2011 at 08:33 AM
This is a great idea - just think of the amazing Christmas presents you could give! xx
Posted by: GawgusThings | October 22, 2011 at 08:43 AM
now i need a wonderful photo to try this with!
Posted by: MG | October 22, 2011 at 08:44 AM
Elsie, I have been obsessed with this idea since I first read your post on the image transfer pockets you made. Amazing. I am wondering, though, regarding fabric transfers for things that you wear and wash: what would happen if after the image was set and complete, you put it under heat (an iron or a transfer press)? Do you think it would just make a huge mess, or would the heat set the image more permanently into the fabric, which would mean you could then machine wash?
Posted by: Jenna | October 22, 2011 at 08:46 AM
love this! what a great idea and special keepsake.
thanks so much for sharing
megan
Posted by: megan | October 22, 2011 at 09:08 AM
What an excellent idea! I had been racking my brain for a gift to take to the inlaws across the country and this would travel very well! Thanks so much!
Posted by: Stephanie D | October 22, 2011 at 09:35 AM
I have always wanted to learn to do this!!! I'm SO excited to try it!
Posted by: Lanna | October 22, 2011 at 10:12 AM
this is quite amazing i'd love to try my hand at this!
Posted by: Monique | October 22, 2011 at 10:16 AM
Ohhh fun. I have 4 little canvases around already and would love to do one of each of our pets for a little collection. Such a great idea.
-Sara-
Posted by: Sara | October 22, 2011 at 10:33 AM