DIY Canvas Art

Ever wanted to convert that photo of yours onto canvas, but didn't want to pay the high price charged by photo companies to get it done? With a few inexpensive items found at your local craft store, a household iron and a little patience and creativity, you can make your own (size limitations likely apply).

The easiest/best sizes for this project are as big as an 8 x 10 and smaller.

Here is what you'll need:

• T-shirt transfer paper
• Blank canvas panel 
• Computer
• Inkjet Printer
• Iron

STEP 1: CREATING YOUR T-SHIRT TRANSFER

Choose any electronically stored photo you want from your computer. I chose to modify my photos with Adobe Photoshop because I wanted a more "artistic" look. This is completely up to you!

Original photo:

Once you've chosen your photo and edited it to your liking, it's time to print it onto T-shirt transfer paper. Transfer paper can be found at your local craft store, office supply store or shopping mart. The kind for colored/dark shirts is ideal because you want very light and white colors to actually show up (whereas using transfer paper meant for white shirts will make any white areas in your photo transparent).  

Print your photo onto the transfer paper the same size as your canvas panel. Make sure to follow the transfer paper printing instructions! Cut out your photo to remove any white edges (a little over-hang is okay).

STEP 2: ADHERING YOUR TRANSFER TO CANVAS

Unlike transferring images onto an actual t-shirt, your canvas panel requires no preparation prior to adhesion with your transfer paper. Carefully line up your cut-out t-shirt transfer onto your canvas panel, cover with the protective paper (provided with your transfer paper) and begin ironing according to the t-shirt transfer paper instructions.

If your image overhangs the canvas panel, just make sure you iron the sides so your photo completely wraps around and adheres to the sides of the canvas panel.

STEP 3: YOU'RE DONE!

Following the instructions on the t-shirt transfer paper, let your canvas cool completely before removing the protective paper. If, after you remove the protective paper, you notice some edges haven't adhered properly, simply go back over that area with the iron (and protective paper).

That's it! You have created your very own canvas art! Hang and enjoy.