One of my all time favorite project ideas from Pinterest is making your own photo canvas. I LOVE photos and using them as home decor so this is the perfect project for me.
After doing this project several times and making some mistakes, I’ve found a method that works really well and looks more realistic.
Today I’ll show you how to do it!
DIY Photo Canvas Supplies:
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. See my full disclosure here.
- Photo and canvas of the same size
- Mod Podge in matte finish
- black acrylic paint (or any color you choose)
- small foam brush
- small foam roller (like the one pictured below)
Now For The Project!
Months ago I printed out this Dated Design Wall Art as a picture (since I don’t have a color printer) so my picture for the project will look similar to this:
Instructions:
1) Paint the sides and part of the front of the canvas with black acrylic paint like you see in the picture below. Wait for the paint to fully dry. Honestly I’d wait until the next day to do the rest of the project to make sure the paint won’t bleed onto the photo.
2) Once the paint is fully dry, trim the edges of the photo so it will fit on the canvas.
3) Using the foam brush (not the roller) put a thin layer of Mod Podge over the top of the canvas. Place photo on top of wet Mod Podge. Gently press the photo down onto the canvas. This will glue the photo to the canvas.
4) Brush another thin layer of Mod Podge over the picture and sides of the canvas. It’s a little scary “painting” over a picture, but trust me it will dry clear. The wet Mod Podge on top of the picture will create a “milky” look like this:
5) After covering the whole picture and sides of the canvas, take the DRY foam roller and roll over the Mod Podge slowly to create a “matte” effect. Be careful not to create “bubbles” in the Mod Podge like this :
If you’ve got bubbles using the dry roller, you have too much Mod Podge on the picture and or the roller. Take a little off and try again. This is what it should look like wet; a little “texture” but no bubbles.
6) Set the canvas on a sheet of wax paper and let dry.
This is what my project looked like dry.
Then hang and enjoy!
Now it’s your turn. Do you use personal pictures for home decor?
This post linked to Pin it Monday, Give Me The Goods Monday, Tatertots & Jello Create It Thursday, Share Your Creativity, Get Schooled Saturday, Home Stories A to Z, Wine’d Down Wednesday, Think Pink Sundays, Work It Wednesday, DIY Sunday Showcase, The Weekly Creative, Do Tell Tuesday, Strut Your Stuff Saturday, Saturday Sharefest, Skip The Housework Saturday, Saturday Sewlicious, Weekend Wind Down, Inspiration Monday, The Makers, Whimsy Wednesday, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Think And Make Thursday, Your Turn To Shine, and Inspire Me Please Weekend Blog Hop
Brenda crews says
are you using photo paper or just plain paper
Carrie says
For this project I used photo paper. The thicker photo paper is better to work with. Regular paper is more likely to bubble up under the Mod Podge. I hope that helps Brenda!
Katie @ Upcycled Treasures says
This is one of those projects that has been on my to do list for far too long! Thanks for the tips, now I just need to get it done!
Thanks for sharing at The Makers!
Carrie says
The good news is this project doesn’t take long at all–you’ll love it!
Tiffany says
I am painting my own canvas; do you think I can you the finishing technique on my painting so it has an even matte finish?
Carrie says
I don’t see why not! I would make a practice painting and try this technique on it first. Then if you’re happy with how it turns out you can try it on one of your own paintings!
Sarah Barker says
I know by now I shouldn’t be so shocked at what Mod Podge can do! This is really an incredible effect and I can’t wait to find inspiration to try it out myself. Thanks for all the tips about how much to use, that helps take some of the “fear” out of trying it for the first time.
Sarah’s Fare recently posted → Creamy Tomato Soup
Carrie says
Good–I’m glad that settled your fears!
Antionette Blake says
This is an awesome DIY project for the artsy crafty…thank you for sharing it as well as linking up with us at the #WWDParty.
Carrie says
I’ve had so much fun making my own photo canvases. It’s a much cheaper option than buying one! Glad to share it at your party!
Marti says
What a super cute idea! Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Sewlicious Home Decor! 🙂 Pinned to the party board!
Marti
Carrie says
Glad to share it, Marti!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
Definitely want to try this! I’ve been itching to try a canvas project! Found you via the Skip the Housework Saturday blog hop!
Carrie says
I hope you do get to make this because it’s one of my top 5 favorite DIY projects. So easy to do and the results are fantastic!
Tasha @ Designer Trapped in a Lawyer's body says
Fabulous tutorial, Carrie! I have my own canvas photo tutorial coming up soon. Our methods are a little different, but we both achieve that realistic canvas texture. I’ll have to try your method the next time I make some!
Carrie says
I’m interested to see how you did yours! Let me know when your post is done! I love making my own photo canvases–it’s such a dramatic and frugal way to decorate!
Tanya says
Love this idea! Just pinned it. Visiting from Sits!
Carrie says
I’m so glad you like it enough to pin it! Thanks so much Tanya!
Krissy Buck says
Oh dear…now I have another project on my long list! 🙂 Thank you for the tutorial! Pinning!
Carrie says
The good thing is this project won’t take a really long time. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Karen T says
This project looks so cool but, I can just see me w/all the bubbles everywhere! Lol. It’s kinda hard for me to control my weakness when using Mod Podge as I always think more is better. I’m slowly learning to control myself & this looks like another good project for that. Thankx for sharing :-)!!
Carrie says
That’s funny! The good news is if you start out with too much you can always wipe a little off and start over. I’ve had to do that before!
BlitzAndGlam says
This post caught my eye on your homepage. You DIYers are so good! Maybe I’ll try a DIY project this year. Thanks for checking out my blog!
Carrie says
you should definitely try this project sometime. It’s really easy to do and I love the results! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Melanie (Reasons to Skip The Housework) says
This is a beautiful project! Thank you for linking up at The Weekly Creative! Your project caught my eye, and I’ve pinned!
Smiles,
Melanie 🙂
Carrie says
Thanks so much Melanie! It’s a cost effective craft that really makes a statement! I love linking up to The Weekly Creative!
Shelly- minettesmaze.blogspot.com/ says
What a great tutorial!!! And I love the finish! I’m pinning this one to our talent board! Thanks for sharing on DIY Sunday Showcase!!
Shelly
minettesmaze
Carrie says
Thank you so much! I had so much fun doing this project. Thanks for pinning it, too!
Cathy says
When you get your photos printed are they from an inkjet or laser printer. I’ve read that you have to use a laser printed image and I’m fairly certain you do, but just curious if that’s what type you’re using.
Cathy says
Ha ha I just actually answered my own question. I decided to test an inkjet image I had laying around. I would still love to know if your prints from Walgreens were inkjet or laser, but I do know that I can use my own home printer which is an inkjet and it seems to work out great!
Carrie says
Oh good! Yes it’s worth it to test one out first!
Carrie says
Cathy, for this project I don’t print them at home. I have them printed off at Walgreens as a regular photo. The thicker photo paper will help the paper from wrinkling under the Mod Podge.
I hope you have fun doing this project!
Courtney Buteau says
I just wanted to tell you that this project was so fun and easy! I followed all of your directions and they were so helpful! Thank you for posting this great tutorial. I’ve shared it with all of my Mod Mommy readers on my Facebook page! 🙂
Carrie says
I’m SO glad it worked out for you! Thank you so much for letting me know! I really appreciate that!
Therese @ Fresh Idea Studio says
Love love love your tutorial Carrie! I’m so going to try this! Your DIY canvas is Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your tips and for partying with us at the DIY Sunday Showcase.
Cheers to you and yours!
Carrie says
I’m thrilled you like it, Therese! I’ve done this project so many times and it really gives justice to great photos!
Molly says
Hi Carrie!
Can you use aka normal picture or does it have to be a photo copy? I tried a small 4×6 canvas as it was my first attempt, but the photo came out with no texture and didn’t even really look like a canvas. I also used a small foam brush instead of a roller. What do you think? I love your work, btw!!
Carrie says
Hi Molly! I use a regular photo for this project. A copy on regular paper will be too thin. Also, I would try it again with the foam roller–this is the key to getting a matte finish. I hope this helps!
Antonella says
Love this! I have seen similar projects to transform it to look like canvas, but haven’t done one myself. Thanks for sharing!
I linked over from the Work It Wednesday Party where I am participating with my
Cute Halloween project,
Fun Halloween Facts and Pumpkin Carvings,
If the Broom Fits Free Printable,
I would love it if you’d stop by.
Hugs, Antonella 🙂
Carrie says
You should try it sometime! It’s one of my favorite DIY projects. I’ll check out your links soon! Thanks for stopping by!
Michelle says
What a cool project! Definitely pinning! I’d love to try this!
Carrie says
Thanks for pinning this and I hope you love the project as much as I do! Let me know how it turns out Michelle!
Bev @ Linkouture says
I have wanted to try something similar for decorating the nursery for my baby who is due next month. I will definitely have to try out this tutorial! Stopping by from the LOBS.
Carrie says
I’ve made so many of these canvases for both my kids rooms! I hope you enjoy this project as much as I have! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Andrea S. says
Carrie – I love seeing how you used your Dated Art for this project! What a cool surprise to stumble upon. 🙂 Hope you guys are doing well!
Carrie says
I’m honored you like it Andrea! I really love your signs–they’re so classic and sweet. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Kim@Too Much Time says
LOVE! Thanks for the tips for a professional finish
Carrie says
So glad you like this, Kim!! The matte finish makes it look really professional so I’m glad to share the technique with others. Thanks for stopping by!
carrie says
Do you print it as a picture on your own computer? Or do you have it printed somewhere else?
Carrie says
I have these printed as a picture at my local Walgreens. I think the Mod Podge will work better using the thicker picture paper. If regular copy paper is used, I think it might wrinkle under the Mod Podge since it’s so thin. I hope that helps, Carrie!
Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says
Yay!!! That turned out so great! Mod Podge is the BEST! XO, Aimee
Carrie says
Thanks Aimee! I absolutely love Mod Podge too!
Mike says
Like many comments have said – canvas pictures can be so expensive. What a relief that I can incorporate them in my home at a fraction of the cost. Thanks Carrie.
Carrie says
You’re very welcome, Mike! I love finding inexpensive ways to display photos and this is my favorite!
Carol says
I am a photographer (portrait and fine art) and love putting work on canvasses. This will be such a ‘budget’ relief! I would suggest getting the photos printed from a good print house just for quality issues. I’m starting my 16 x 20’s!
Carrie says
Yes getting a good printing quality is really important, especially if you’re a photographer. I would LOVE to see this project done with a 16 x 20! Let me know how it goes, Carol!
Georgia says
Hi, can i re-use a canvas that didn’t work properly on my photo transfer??
Carrie says
Yes you can use any kind of canvas–just mod podge the photo right on top of it. If you already tried to put a photo on there and it didn’t work properly, I think you can gently remove the photo and try it again. I hope that helps!
Jenna says
Love this! so pretty and the finish is perfect! Thanks for partying with us at Give Me The Goods Monday!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof
Carrie says
Thanks Jenna! I really appreciate how good of a party host you are & coming to visit each week!
Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says
It’s so pretty! I love a good DIY art project! Thanks for the tips, too! I’m going to have to try this one. Pinned! Have a great week!
~Abby =)
Carrie says
It’s such an honor when others pin my stuff! Thank you so much Abby!
Jenn says
I love this! And I have been wanting to do that same dates picture for so long — I think this finally inspired me! 🙂 I found your blog through the Pursuit of Functional Home Link party, and I pinned this!!
Carrie says
I’m so glad this inspired you, Jenn! It was a really fun and meaningful project. Thanks so much for stopping by and pinning it!
Christa says
Love it. I did something not as nice but easier. I just printed my dates on paper and framed it. I do like the canvas version better, but have been hesitant to try it out. Thanks for sharing your success!
Carrie says
Sure–glad you liked it! I was also hesitant to put Mod Podge over a perfectly good photo but it totally works! You could practice on a photo that’s not too sentimental first. That way you’ll be more confident the next time. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Lee says
This looks great! Did you print your photo on photo paper or regular copy paper? I can’t wait to try!
Carrie says
I had the picture printed out at Walgreens just like a regular photo. I think it would be better to print it out on something thicker like photo paper but I’ve only done this with actual photos. Good luck and let me know how it turns out!
Dawn says
Hi Carrie, I, too, have been experimenting with making my own photo canvas. I have a roller like you show but in the two attempts I have made at this they have been smaller photos so I have just used a small sponge brush. Next I will be doing 16×20. Can you reuse the sponge roller or do you have to buy a new one each time? Also, do you spray anything over the canvas when it is all done? Thanks in advance! Dawn
Carrie says
Dawn–Yes I’ve reused the sponge roller multiple times. The key is getting all the Mod Podge cleaned out right away before it dries. I just take the roller off the handle and rinse it with warm water. I don’t spray anything over the canvas. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Jenna says
Love this idea! thanks for sharing!
Jenna @ http://rainonatinroof.com
Carrie says
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you liked it. Thanks for stopping by, Jenna 🙂
Becky says
I absolutely love this! I have some wedding pictures I am going to do this with. Or maybe I’ll do this with our wedding vows….. Thanks for the awesome tutorial!
Carrie says
This would be PERFECT for wedding photos and or vows! If you end up doing that I’d love to see it! Thanks for stopping by!
Jordan Sparks says
Wow! I really like that! thanks for sharing!
Carrie says
Thanks, Jordan! It was a lot of fun to do 🙂
Kathryn says
Awesome project! I am not crafty at all so I am grateful for the step by step tips and the pictures! 🙂
Carrie says
I’m not that crafty, either 🙂 I do much better on a project with pictures! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Laura @ lifewelive4 says
oy! I love modpodge! Id love for to share this over at our little party!
http://www.lifewelive4.com/2013/03/love-it-list-it-linky-party-2.html
:Laura:
Carrie says
I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who LOVES Mod Podge! Thanks so much for stopping by and for the link invite–I’ll link up soon!
Becky Crutcher says
Nice! I ‘m pinning, love it! Visiting from the Liz Marie Linky party, I hope you can drop by and checkout my Pottery Barn Knock-off of the Beaded Eggs!
Becky @ Posh Pink Giraffe
Carrie says
Great! I’m so glad you liked it! I’ll be checking out your post soon. Thanks so much for stopping by!
bethmichaels says
Great job! I just learned about “ModPodge” a few months ago and it has changed my life in so many ways….ok it’s really only changed in the way I do crafting, but still. Where do you get the foam roller? I’ve always just used a brush.
Carrie says
Mod Podge has changed my life too 😉 I’ve only used it for this project–what do you use it for?
To answer your question I found the foam roller in the paint section of Walmart. It really makes all the difference! Thanks for stopping by!
Megan says
Well done!
Carrie says
Thanks Megan 🙂