Photo on Stretched Canvas

Make several seasonal pieces to rotate all year long - Sue Martin

I love taking macro shots of flowers and turning them into home decor, so I can relish the beauty all year long.

This fun technique allows you to add a favorite photo to a stretched canvas, for a beautiful handmade piece of art. By adding three coats of Omni-Gel, you can give the photo the texture of an oil painting. Try this one with friends and make it a craft party!

What you need:
8x8" stretched canvas
Print & Crop Clear Matte Inkjet Self-Adhesive (www.chartpak.com)
(Note that Chartpak is working on their web site, and recommends that you call their national supplier, Dixie Art, at 800.535.7741, to see where you can buy the Print & Crop)
Paint to complement the image colors
One inch paint brush (not foam)
Omni-Gel
Various ribbons and embellishments

Do it yourself:

1. Size your image to 8x8 inches, or simply print out an entire 8.5x11 image on the Print & Crop, and then trim it down.
2. Paint the edges of the canvas to blend in with the photo colors. I usually use 2-3 colors and "dry brush" some accents. (To dry-brush, dip your paint brush into the paint, and dab off most of the paint on a paper towel. This leaves only a hint of paint on the brush, so when you brush on the canvas, it applies a small amount of paint).
3. After the paint is dry, peel the backing off the Print & Crop, and stick it onto the front of the canvas. Smooth out any air bubbles with a ruler or brayer.
4. Brush on more accent paint onto the edges of the photo for a more artistic look.
5. Squeeze on about a one inch diameter puddle of Omni-Gel. Use your paint brush to brush on the Omni-Gel in vertical strokes. Cover the entire photo, and add more Omni-Gel if necessary.
6. Let Omni-Gel dry completely (about one hour).
7. Repeat items five and six, but the second time brush on the Omni-Gel in horizontal strokes. The third time you will brush on the Omni-Gel in diagonal strokes.
8. Tie on ribbons, twill tape, or fibers, and add any embellishments that will enhance your photo.
9. Enjoy your work of art, or give it as a gift to someone you love.

For more ideas on creative photography and printing, check out my book, Digital Delights for Scrapbooking.