DIY Canvas Photos

I received some adorable prints to add to Grayson’s new camping themed bedroom from Wildbriar Design and I wanted to use them as canvas prints vs. framing them, because let’s face it, canvas prints are just nicer! I LOVE canvas prints, but they are just so expensive! I found a tutorial on Pinterest ages ago and have been wanting to try to make my own canvas prints ever since. There is no better time than the present :) 

I never thought I would be able to do this since I am OH so NOT crafty, but honestly, it was easy peasy and pretty inexpensive too!

Materials Needed

• Mod Podge: glossy or matte. Personal preference here. 
• Acrylic Paint
• Sponge Brushes
• Canvas Prints
• Photos

First, paint the edges of your canvas with acrylic paint (try to match your color of paint to what would look best with the photos you have chosen). 

Once the paint is dry, add a thick layer of Mod Podge with your foam brush onto the front of the canvas.

Place your photo face up on top of the Mod Podge Canvas. This will act like a glue. Smooth out your photo and be sure to press out any bubbles you see appearing underneath. Once your photo is secure, add an even layer of Mod Podge, using your foam brush to the top of the photo (as pictured below). I would use long horizontal strokes across the photo and then long vertical strokes. I read a few different thoughts on this and some people say the shorter brush stroked make it look more like canvas, but I disagree. I think it looks nicer and more put together with the longer strokes. 

This last step ensures that the photo is sealed to the canvas and can keep your photo from yellowing etc. It will look strange when you add the glue, but just apply and walk away! Don’t touch it. It WILL dry clear! 

This literally only took me an afternoon and saved me SO much money! I got my canvas prints at Hobby Lobby using a coupon so each canvas was only a few dollars. I have so much Mod Podge and paint left, I can use it on other projects and the brushes hardly cost anything. I definitely recommend trying this out. You won’t be disappointed!