Have you ever picked up a blank canvas at the craft store, looked at it, and wondered what you could do with it? Even if you aren’t the next Da Vinci or Michelangelo, you can still create wall art by turning it into scrap art for your wall. This article will show you one way to turn a blank canvas into a work of art to display in your home.

To begin, you will need to gather your supplies. Remember, this is just ONE way to create an altered canvas. Your final supply list may turn out much differently.
1. Blank Canvas (any size)
2. Acrylic paint(s)
3. Patterned papers (2-3 patterns)
4. Photo(s) or photo printed on ExtravOrganza
5. Embellishment(s)
6. Mod Podge (I used Mod Podge for paper, matte finish)
7. Ribbon(s)
8. Hot glue gun

Supplies

To begin, paint your canvas with acrylic paint and let it dry completely. Even though most purchased canvases are already primed, if you paint the canvas with coordinating color paints, you will not need to worry if a spot is not covered with paper.

Paint the canvas

Next, apply your patterned papers onto the painted canvas using Mod Podge or other similar adhesive to apply it to the canvas. Once the canvas is dry, you can place your photo and embellishments on the canvas. Cover the entire photo with Mod Podge.

Apply papers

Apply photo

Add your embellishments

Finally, once you have all the embellishments on your canvas art and the entire canvas is dry, use your hot glue gun to trim the edge of the canvas with ribbon. Then, using your hot glue gun, create a “hanger” out of ribbon on the back of the canvas.

Whether you get creative with the paints, the papers, or max out on embellishments, when you are creating an altered canvas that is uniquely YOU, there really are no “rules” except to create something you would love to have hanging on your wall and can show off to all your friends and family. And remember to have fun!

“Vivian’s Altered Canvas” Products used:

BasicGrey: Patterned papers
Jacquard: ExtravOrganza
Ranger Industries: Mod Podge, Tim Holtz distress inks, Tim Holtz Distress embossing powders
Zsiage: ‘V’ Alphastructures (5” Prim & Proper)
Plaid: acrylic paint
Other: ribbon, blank canvas
Adhesive Tech: glue runner, Ultimate glue Gun

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