Tips for Creating Canvas Photo Art

(415 Words)
Photo canvas art looks beautiful and sophisticated, allowing you to take a plain photograph from simple to elegant. Unfortunately, you pay a price for this and can easily spend hundreds of dollars to convert a photograph to quality canvas art, depending on the size. If you are crafty, however, you can do it yourself and create a beautiful piece of art with your own personalized touch.
First decide what size you want the canvas to be. You will need to print out a photograph yourself or get one printed from a lab and then buy a canvas that is the same size or very close to it. For best results, print the canvas in a matte finish, suggests Blissfully Ever After. If you are going to put in several photographs or other design elements such as embellishments then you may want a larger canvas to accommodate all of this. Consider the statement you want to make as well as where you will hang the final piece.
Decide whether you want to trim the photo. Make it smaller than the canvas, of course. You may choose to make it a certain shape such as an oval. Hold is against the canvas to decide what you like best.
Now you are ready to attach the photograph to the canvas. You can do this with Mod Podge. Place it both on the photo’s back and on the canvas. Press the photograph firmly into place. Use a towel to smooth it so that there are no air pockets in it.
Now you can decorate any remaining portion of the canvas that you didn’t cover. If you want something simple, then you can merely paint it black. You can paint it a different color or add embellishments like rhinestones or pieces of cloth. Paint the sides of the canvas as well for a more sophisticated look. You can also extend the paint from the canvas edges to a little bit of the photo all around to make it look like a cohesive piece of art. This will give the view that the photograph is part of the canvas.
Now you want to give some texture to the photograph. You can do this with Mod Podge as well. Put on a very thin and consistent layer. Let it dry thoroughly.
For a fraction of the cost you can create a beautiful piece of canvas photo art. Use the above steps as a base to create a special piece just for you.