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!
so many good DIYS lately!
Posted by: knitxcore | October 21, 2011 at 10:56 PM
this is absolutely awesome! i can't wait to try this with some of our photos from our wedding.
Posted by: allie o'bannon | October 21, 2011 at 11:09 PM
This is beautiful! Is it possible with coloured print?
Posted by: Alexa | October 21, 2011 at 11:14 PM
I absolutely love this! I think it would make a perfect gift for newly weds. I might have to do it for my sister and her husband :)
Love and Turtledoves,
Jacqueline
Posted by: Jacqueline | October 21, 2011 at 11:30 PM
i LOVE this! i'm definitely doing this...maybe this weekend :)
Posted by: jen f. | October 21, 2011 at 11:42 PM
Love it! What a great idea.
Posted by: Amanda G | October 21, 2011 at 11:43 PM
I know this has been around for a very long, long time and it's nothing original or new but do you ever give credit to the source you get your "ideas" from? Or are we expected to believe you just invent them (as from these comments, we are)? You're a huge lifestyle/diy blog and would think you wouldn't, but just been proven wrong.
Posted by: nadia | October 21, 2011 at 11:47 PM
I must say this is absolutely beautiful.your crafts have improved a lot.
Posted by: chickything | October 21, 2011 at 11:51 PM
Genius! I'm trying this very soon. My husband will love it!
Posted by: clari-anne | October 22, 2011 at 12:41 AM
What a great idea! The result is fantastic!
Maria xx
www.cheekypinktulip.blogspot.com
Posted by: Maria | October 22, 2011 at 01:11 AM
This is genius!!! I want to try it...
Posted by: Mike | October 22, 2011 at 01:22 AM
OH my gosh, you are too clever!!
Posted by: Katherine | October 22, 2011 at 02:20 AM
great idea! i love the final look of this!
Posted by: Earendil | October 22, 2011 at 03:03 AM
This is great! Such a cool idea.
Posted by: Victoria | October 22, 2011 at 03:08 AM
Yes yes double yes! I love dthe transfer to fabric idea when you first posted it but this, oh hell yes!
Posted by: Misha | October 22, 2011 at 03:17 AM
I love this post! I love you)
kisses from your follower! ♡
www.welovefur.com
Posted by: welovefur | October 22, 2011 at 03:58 AM
nice to try..:)
http://lovesimplegreen.blogspot.com/
Posted by: irene | October 22, 2011 at 04:17 AM
Hi Elsie,
what is gel medium and is laser paper just normal printing paper? thanks!x
Posted by: Birdy | October 22, 2011 at 04:27 AM
Hi Elsie - another fab way of using this technique - I love the black and white approach - just right for the shabby end look - I used one of your DIY using the same technique with fabric - take a look at my effort http://gillmi-fromscratch.blogspot.com/2011/10/hi-anyone-i-have-bit-of-update-on.html I will definitely being trying this black and white version to incorporate into my work. Thank you.
Posted by: gill miller | October 22, 2011 at 05:40 AM
Elsie,
you have the bestest ideas ever! This is so great and it looks so perfect and lovely!
I'll definitely try this one out very soon! <3
Posted by: tRiSh | October 22, 2011 at 06:22 AM