TUTORIAL: Mod Podge Canvas

We've had people asking how to do this Mod Podge wall project:

So while my baby was napping yesterday afternoon, I created this little tutorial for you all! Though, instead of using scrapbook paper like I did in my previous project, I decided to recycle a cute image from an old calendar. The calendar was 12x12, as was my canvas, so it was a perfect fit!

Materials Needed: bottle of Mod Podge, small amount of paint (any paint, really--I just used some leftover paint from my Fab for $15 post), cheap sponge brushes and a calendar page.

*You can also use scrapbook paper or fabric in place of the calendar page.

Step 1: Paint your canvas with a cheap little sponge brush. You don't have to paint the whole thing, seeing as it's going to be covered up, but I like to paint the sides and all around the top edge. Let it dry for 10 minutes while you eat some Girl Scout cookies.

*Note: While this is drying--and after I've eaten my cookies--I like to trim the edges off my paper so it's just a tiny bit smaller than the canvas; maybe about 1/8 inch on each side.

Step 2: Using another sponge brush, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the back of your calendar page. You have to be quick about this because Mod Podge dries fast!

Step 3: Apply the calendar page to your canvas. Smooth it onto the canvas with your hand. (This is much easier to do when you aren't trying to take a picture of yourself doing it. And when you're not trying to avoid letting people see the state of your fingernails, so you can actually use the palm of your hand to smooth the paper...)

Step 4: Avoid bubbling/warping by continuing to smooth the paper for a minute or two. I suggest you wait for this to set before applying Mod Podge to the surface of the paper/canvas. This will help to get a very smooth end product.

However, I was trying to do this during nap time so I was in a hurry! Hence these bubbles:

Step 5: Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the entire surface of your paper/canvas.

Step 6: Let this dry for about a minute, then place it face down over a sheet of wax paper on a flat surface. This step is to ensure a bubble-free surface. Look around your place for a book that will fit inside the back of your canvas. See how my ice cream book fits perfectly? Then place another book (or two or three) on top to apply even pressure to the whole canvas. Cook books work great.

Step 7: Go eat more Girl Scout cookies and come back in 20 minutes. Peel it off the wax paper (it will probably stick just a bit) and check out your handy work! If there are still bubbles, set it on the counter and leave it overnight. The bubbles will magically disappear and you'll end up with this (sorry about the different lighting):

Step 8: Hang it on your wall and show your mad skillz!

Good luck, chicas!

Mod Podging my life away,