Easy Mod Podge Print to Canvas

I've been finding some really cute and/or inspirational quotes on the Internet. Often, these "printables" are found in PDF format with accompanying artwork and cool fonts. I have found many on Pinterest (no surprise there!)- I've also found a lot of projects on Pinterest involving Mod Podge. Marry these two ideas and you have my next project!

First, I downloaded my free printable. Since my color printer isn't the best, I decided I would pay to get it printed. I sent the file to Staples via their Internet site. It was something like 60 cents a page, which I thought was very reasonable!

I bought the supplies I needed at the craft store - an 8x10 canvas; a bottle of Mod Podge (matte finish); a small foam brush and a bottle of blue acrylic paint. When all was said and done, I spent less than $15 (and the Mod Podge can be used for many other projects!)

Essentially, I wanted to adhere my print to canvas for display or hanging - this, of course, an alternative to framing it. I like how if you do it right, your print ends up looking like it was printed directly on the canvas. This is reminiscent of wall art you can buy at a store like Target or Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Directions:

1. Paint your canvas. I did the sides and border, since my print was going to cover the entire front.

2. While that dried, I trimmed the sides of my print. It was 8x11 and my canvas was 8x10. Using a ruler and Exacto knife helped make the cuts straight and smooth.

3. Use the sponge brush to apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the entire front of the canvas.

4. Gently lay your print on the front of the canvas. Smooth the bubbles of the paper with the sides and palm of your hand.

5. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge on the top of your print to seal it and add a nice sheen to the top when it dries. I left it overnight- this ensured that it dried completely, and any small bubbles somehow disappeared! Not sure how that happens, but I had read online that it does- then I saw it for myself!

I put the finished product in my therapy office. I didn't hang it because my walls are pretty well decorated- but it added some needed color to my side table. I've had clients comment about its vibrant color, but especially about the message the quote sends.

This would also be an easy and appreciated gift to give. Try it out and see!

5 Minute, $5 Spring Craft!

This one is simple and cheap - can't beat that! To add a nice pop of color and floral cheer to your home, make one or several to display on tabletops.

Painted Mason Jar with Faux Flowers

Supplies:
-Mason Jar or similar (mine was purchased at the Dollar Tree)

-Acrylic paint (as shown; from craft store this was 87 cents)

- Faux flowers (I chose hydrangeas from the craft store and used a coupon. They often have choices of fake flowers at a dollar store that you could use)

-Newspaper

-Optional: foam brush and hair dryer.

Instructions:
Steps are shown in the photographs at the bottom of this blog entry.

1. Take off the jar of the lid. You won't be needing it; you can save it for something else if you want but I discarded.

2. Squeeze acrylic paint in your mason jar. Once a thin later covers the bottom, stop squeezing.

3. Slowly turn the jar upside down, sideways and around to coat the inside of the jar. The paint is thick and moves slowly, so be patient. You may need to add more, but really give it a chance to get coated with that first small amount you put in before you add more. Too much paint makes a mess later.

4. Once the jar is fully coated inside, turn it upside down on the newspaper. Wait about a minute.

5. Lift the jar from the newspaper and use the foam brush (or a wet paper towel, or your finger) to wipe the excess paint that has dripped along the rim. If you see a lot of paint pooling in the bottom of your jar, you need to repeat this step until there is barely any that drips out when you hold it upside down (this is why I said less is more for the paint :))

6. If you'd like, you can blow dry the inside of the jar for a couple of minutes. It starts the drying process, but would take a very long time to dry it this way completely. Because....

7. You will need to set it right-side up for about 24 hours until it's completely dry. When the paint has coated the inside and the rim is free of any excess paint drips (AND you don't have a pool of paint hanging out in the bottom)- THEN you are ready for this step.

8. When the jar is dry inside, place your faux flowers inside and find a spot to show off your work!

OK, so technically this project takes a day before it's done...but the actual work does only take about 5 minutes. The rest is letting paint dry (exciting). I think I'll make another with lavender paint for the main floor bathroom. Let me know if you enjoy this craft and if you do one, please share pictures with us! Happy spring!