How to Make an Inexpensive Canvas

If you like to paint but don’t like to pay for expensive canvases, this project is for you. If you like to create art from found objects, well, you’ve landed in the right spot as well! This project is simple, relatively fast and will have you putting up new pieces of artwork all over the place in no time. Read on to learn how to make an inexpensive canvas.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Heavy duty stapler
• Staples
• Scissors
• Muslin or other textured fabric (without too much stretch)
• Wooden frame
• White acrylic house paint
• Wide paintbrush (2 inch or more)

1. Start by salvaging a wooden frame. If you do not have a wooden frame available, you can build one with scrap materials.
2. Place your muslin onto a flat surface large enough to hold the frame’s size.
3. Place the frame over the muslin and cut the fabric so that it is large enough to wrap around to the back on all sides.
4. Staple the fabric onto the frame. Keep the staples at a diagonal to the frame itself. Work from the center of the frame outward, leaving 3 to 4 inches between each staple.
5. Pull the fabric taut from the opposite side and repeat the stapling process. Work slowly to avoid creases or pleats in the fabric and to ensure that the fabric surface stays tight.
6. Repeat for the other two sides.
7. Cut away any excess fabric off the back.
8. Paint the fabric with two coats of the white paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Always work from opposite side to opposite side so that you get a smooth, crease-free surface.
• This in an ideal way to make odd-shaped canvases for creative projects.