DIY: Xmas Canvases

This is something that I HAD to do to add some special Xmas spirit in my house.  I took the same concept from this tutorial - only I gave it an Xmas spin with a few of my favorite Xmas photos.  Now I have canvases that I can put up each year, and my plan is to add at least one new one each year to build memories. The best part was that Michael's was having a Buy 1 Get 1 Free sale on these canvases which were $7.99 each (regular price). Score!

P.S.  I'm thinking that I really like the black borders and I'm going to paint all my non-Xmas canvases with a black border now.

P.S.S.  I also learned that you really should use a printer that uses toner.  I forgot to flip the picture of me and my baby belly so that the words would come out right.  I didn't notice until I got home, so I had to reprint the flipped picture on my HP Air Print printer at home which does not use toner.  The ink came off very easily (which you do not want) so I ended up not processing that picture as much because it started to look more like a water-color photograph. 

P.S.S.S.  I wasn't expecting to have such a committed crafting partner in this project - Hell - I wasn't expecting to have a crafting partner, period.  

 

-Shirley

DIY: Instagram Canvases

Over the weekend I decided to sneak in a craft during the baby's naptimes.  As you may recall, I blew $100 on a Father's Day Gift for the Hubs that I probably could've just made, but I used the baby as an excuse.  So I decided 'no more excuses' for craft projects and I ventured on a similar craft for what will eventually become my "Instagram Wall" in my living room (The entire wall will be filled with Instagram canvases).  We'd been back and forth on how to decorate a major wall in our living room. 

I needed to test the waters on this new canvas craft so I chose 5 Instagram photos and lugged my butt to Michaels (craft store) where I found 8x8 canvases on 40% sale!  I also hopped onto retailmenot.com and found a 20% of entire purchase (including sale items) coupon.  Score!  I went to Michaels and spent $50 on all my materials.  I was very happy with the final product and will be doing my best to fill the wall with more canvases in between Mateo's naps as the months go by.  Stay tuned for a pic of the final wall (whenever that may be).

You will need:  Instagram photos printed on regular paper in 8x8 size (I read somewhere that you need to make sure the printer uses toner), 8x8 canvases, Modge Podge (Matte), Gel Medium, Black Acrylic Paint (optional), brushes, a spray bottle, a credit card or gift card (I used my Christmas Victoria's Secret Gift Card - no more funds, sadly)

1. Cut your photos to 8x8 size, 2. Apply Gel Medium on top of canvas (don't make it too thick because then your picture can end up looking wrinkly), 3.  place your Instagram picture face down on the Gel Medium.

4.  Take your card and smooth out any bubbles or bumps, 5.  Use a rag to clean off the extra Gel Medium from the sides and let dry overnight, 6.  After canvas is dry, wet the paper with water.

7.  Use your fingers to rub off the paper fibers (you may have to do this more than once with water.  If you use a rag to rub, it may be too abrasive and cause your picture to rip a little. (see the photo of Hubby and Diego sleeping below)  8.  Optional:  If your picture has a black border you may need to apply black acrylic to ripped sections.  You may also choose to paint the entire canvas frame black.  9.  After dry, apply a coat of Modge Podge (Matte) to your canvas and let dry.

Back in the craft! - Shirley