A friend of mine was showing me how she made her own canvas pictures.  I just loved it and thought I would try to attempt this for myself.  It turns out it was REALLY easy! And super cost effective.  I noticed that on Shutterfly to buy a 16×20 canvas picture is $89.99. I know you can find Groupon deals for canvas pictures, but you won’t find a price like this.

*I spent $1.10 on a foam brush set at Hobby Lobby.
*$6.99 on the 16×20 matte print from Costco. (Thanks, Cali!)

*I got a pack of TWO 16×20 canvases for $4.18 (I printed off a 40% off coupon) They were $7.99 originally. Be careful too, I didn’t see the two-pack, only one for $9.99 first.  Look around or ask before you buy just one.
*I already had Modge Podge, so if you don’t have that already, you’ll need to get that.

*Here are the steps I took…

First spread out this all over the canvas.  Careful to get to the edges, but try not to get on the sides…

Spread a medium layer all over the canvas

Next, take your picture and before placing on, make sure you center it. You don’t want to have to peel it off and try it again. Now press the picture on-especially around the edges.

After the picture is securely on, pour more Modge Podge on. You’ll want medium coverage.

When I do this again with another picture, i will do smaller, diagonal strokes, instead of long ones. Let it dry 15-20 minutes to a glossy finish.

I decided not to make the edges rustic on this one.  My friend painted hers black, but I wasn’t sure I wanted that look.  I also think it would be good to get some ink and distress the edges and paint the edges brown.  I am still deciding on that one.  I also didn’t like it with my group of pictures on the wall because they were all framed.  I decided I like framed pictures look better together and matte pictures look better together, but I didn’t like it mixed.

So for about $12.50, you can make a really great family picture-perfect!

And lucky you guys! We are in the middle of a construction zone right now.  We bought the house across the street from us and are in the middle of remodeling it.  So, be ready for some fun Before and After pictures! I can’t wait to show you all of our progress.