Hi ya’ll! Around Christmas I discovered the DIY reverse canvas trend on Pinterest. And I instantly fell in love with it! However, my plate was pretty full through the holidays so I decided to try my hand at an easy reverse canvas for Spring instead! And, not only did I try my hand at a reverse canvas for the first time but I also tried “aging paper”. Which turned out to be pretty simple!
In this tutorial I add my own spin to the typical reverse canvas DIY. Most tutorials use stencil art or designs created and cut in Cricut. But I decided to try it with a digital print that I created and printed from home. Thus the reason why I learned how to age paper (hehe).
I think you will be pleasantly surprised (like I was) with how easy, beautiful, and inexpensive this DIY is!
What Is A Reverse Canvas?
A reverse canvas is exactly what it sounds like!
Most canvases used for painting come with the canvas wrapped around the frame so that the frame is hidden. But with an easy DIY reverse canvas you cut the canvas off and replace it on the backside of the frame only. This way you can see the entire frame and it creates a shadowbox affect!
What You Need To Make An Easy Reverse Canvas For Spring
Materials
- 11″ x 14″ Canvas (with frame)
- Printed Wall Art (I printed mine onto printer paper)
- Paint
- Mod Podge
- Hot Glue Sticks
- Black Tea Bag (Brewed/Steeped)
- Small Sawtooth Picture Hanger
Tools
- Utility Knife
- Scissors
- Paint Brush
- Sponge Brush
- Hot Glue Gun
- Hammer
- Hair Dryer (optional)
How To Age Paper Using Black Tea
Step 1: Print Off Image
Your first step is to decide what image you want to display on your reverse canvas.
I used an image from my “Hello Spring” wall art set. If you would like to use the same image, you can purchase it here in my Etsy Shop!
Once you decide on an image, print it off on regular printer paper. I think using a thinner paper made it adhere to and blend better with the canvas than card stock would have.
Step 2: Make Tea
This step is pretty simple- make black tea according to package instructions.
But, if you are like me and do not own a teapot, then simply add water to a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup and heat in the microwave until hot.
*I heated up 4 quarts of water for 5 minutes. Then steeped the tea bag for approximately 10 minutes before I used it on the paper.
Step 3: Paint Paper With Tea
This step is as simple as it sounds! Start by dipping a small artist paint brush into the prepared tea and wipe it across the paper. You can instantly see it start to discolor, but if you prefer a darker tint simply wipe on more tea. However, do not add too much tea at once so you don’t soak the paper and it tears. Also, be careful when painting around the images so the color doesn’t bleed.
Once you are satisfied with the tinting you can leave the paper to air dry or speed up the process with a hairdryer on a low setting.
How To Make An Easy Reverse Canvas For Spring
Step 1: How To Disassemble The Canvas
So your first step will be disassembling the canvas. Simply flip the canvas so that the backside (the side with staples) is facing up. Then use a sharp utility knife to cut the canvas on the inside of the staples.
*You can find an 11″ x 14″ canvas at Dollar Tree or your local craft store.
Step 2: Decoupage The Printed Image Onto The Canvas
Once you have the canvas removed from the frame you will need to adhere the print. I used the underside of the canvas for a more vintage look. But you can use the white side if you prefer.
Note: Lay heavy objects around the edges of the canvas to hold it down while you are glueing your print in place.
To adhere, add Mod Podge to the back of the print with a sponge brush. Then flip the print over and place in the middle of the canvas. Once you have it positioned use your finger or a soft, dry sponge to start pushing the bubbles out.
TIP: start in the center and work out toward the edges, like you would when wallpapering.
Step 3: Paint The Frame
Most, if not all, of the canvas frames come in a light, natural wood. While the natural wood frame looked great with the image, I decided to paint the frame so it would match with my home decor.
Simply choose a paint color and apply it to the wood frame using a small paint brush. Let dry completely before starting Step 4.
*I used Hello Hobby Chalk Paint in Wavelite.
Step 4: Add The Canvas To The Frame
First you will need to lay the frame on top of the canvas and be sure that the image is centered. Then use a pencil to trace the outside of the frame. Now move the frame aside and trim the canvas.
Note: I cut on the inside of the line so I didn’t have canvas peeking out around the edges of the frame.
Once the canvas is trimmed to your liking, add a thin bead of hot glue around the top edge of the canvas and lay the frame on it. I glued one edge at a time so I could be sure that my canvas was even and the image was centered.
After the glue dries add a small sawtooth picture hanger to the back of the frame. Then put it on display!
Where To Display Your Easy Reverse Canvas For Spring
You can easily add this easy reverse canvas for Spring to any room or hallway of your home. These just happen to be my top 3 suggestions!
- Hang on a wall in the guest bathroom
- Prop up on a stand with plants and Easter decor
- Add to a photo gallery in the living room
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I hope you enjoyed this DIY! If so, you may also like the DIY’s below!