Tutorial: Photo Canvas

I love the look of canvas prints.  The only downfall is the price.  So I began looking for an alternative way to get the same look for a lot less.  I came across The Sassy Pepper blog, and loved what she came up with!

Materials:
Pre-stretched canvas

Paper cutter or scissors

Decorative paper 

Photo

Two Paint Brushes 

Mod Podge 

Towel

Acrylic/Craft Paint

Step 1:  Measure the sides of your canvas, and cut your paper to fit.

Step 2:  Cover your canvas with Mod Podge and allow to dry.  This will take about 20 minutes.

Step 3:  Apply Mod Podge to the sides of the canvas, and the backs of your pre-cut paper

Step 4: Put your paper on your canvas, making sure to smooth out any bubbles.  It is okay to leave some space on the corners, tops, and bottoms because you will be painting over this section.  When I did this process again with my other photos, I decided to overlap the paper, so the corners were covered.  I liked this better :]

Step 5: Apply Mod Podge to the back of your photo, and use a towel to press it on the canvas so you won't get finger prints on it. 

Step 6:  Cover the photo with Mod Podge for added protection.  

***Even though it dries clear, keep in mind that in certain light you will be able to see the brush strokes.

Step 7: Once the Mod Podge is dry, use a brush or sponge to apply the paint.

And the end result?  A great DIY alternative to the pricey canvas print photos. 

These will make great gifts as well!

<3 Saleena

Continue Reading...

Tutorial: How to Paint a Still Life

Since I have started school, blogging has been placed last on my priorities list.  I've missed the cooking and DIYing, and of course, I've missed hearing from my readers. Then I came up with a great idea...why not bring my school work to my blog? Sounds fabulous!  Remember the painting class I was so excited for that I made a bag to hold all of my paint brushes?  Well, it's going wonderfully and I am having a great time learning how to paint.  I'll show you basic steps to start you on your still life, and let me know how it goes!  It is very relaxing, and the perfect escape from a busy schedule.  It does take a while to complete, but you don't have to complete it in a single day.  I would encourage you to give it a shot :]

Materials:

Oil Paint
Canvas
Brushes
Palette for your paint
Solvent Mixture (1/2 part stand oil and 1/2 part mineral spirits)
Piece of paper
Pencil & Eraser
Paper towels (to clean brushes)
Easel or surface to paint on
Light source (I used a desk lamp)
Apron (optional, but recommended) 

Step One: Set up your display

Keep in mind that you want a pleasing composition.  A light source adds shadows, which will give your painting dimension.

Step Two:  Thumbnail sketch

 This will allow you to decide where exactly you are going to place your objects on your canvas.  (Landscape vs portrait layout, fitting everything the frame vs cropping)

Step Three:  Sketch it on your canvas

Make sure to include the shadows! (I know my vase is shorter than it is supposed to be, but I didn't want to crop it out of the frame.)

Step Four: Refine

Use Burnt Umber to outline your sketch, but be sure to refer back to the display.  (Your sketch drawing may not be completely accurate.)

Step Five: Fill in shadows

Use Burnt Umber again to fill in the shadows, applying the solvent mixture to thin out your paint.

Step Six: Paint your darkest darks and lightest lights

Step Seven: Cover your canvas

Step Eight: Blending and Details

The thing I love about oil paint is that it takes a while to dry, unlike acrylic.  So blending is much easier to do. 

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! You don't have to have a fancy set up to do this (I covered my ironing board and used it for my materials). Just have fun :]

<3 Saleena

Continue Reading...