Monday Made It - Classroom Canvas Decor!

Although I spent the better part of last summer making new things for my classroom, I never took pictures of it and it is now in storage until August! So, I am linking up with 4th Grade Frolics for the first time for her Monday Made It! This is for sure going to keep me accountable for my classroom to do list.

Disclaimer: this is the 7th of these that I have made...it;s just the first time I remembered to get my phone out for proof! That being said...I now know what NOT to do. If you take pictures or use the remote to change the TV channel, wash the mod podge off of your hands first...there, I said it, so you can't blame me!

Start with a 12x12 inch canvas, 2 pieces of contrasting color/pattern card stock or scrapbook paper that are each 12x12 as well. You need a sponge brush, a small tube of acrylic paint (one that contrasts nicely with your paper), 1/2 yard of trim, some ribbon, and an embellishment of some sort (I heart paper/silk flowers!). Lastly, you will want a jar of mod podge (I like the kind for paper - it doesn't wrinkle as much) and a hot glue gun. Let's get started!

Start with the canvas, sponge brush (1 inch will do) and the paint. I chose to use metallic silver, but choose whatever you like! Oh, be sure to lay something down to prevent ruining your counter tops..I like to use wax paper because it is cheap and it works! Be sure to tape down the edges to prevent sliding.

Begin by painting the spine/edge on all four sides. This just helps your project look complete when you are finished.

Go ahead and paint around the edges of the front of the canvas as well. It doesn't have to be neat since you are covering it up!

See? Not neat at all.

Then get your paper. As you can see, I am an Aggie, and I like everyone who passes my room in the hallway to know just that. I also like chevron and I am so glad that I found two pieces of paper that go so well together. The A&M sheet is scrapbook paper and the chevron piece is heavy card stock. They probably should be the same type of material, but I like to live on the edge.

Before going to the next step, this step is VERY important or your project won't have smooth edges. Since both the canvas and the paper are both 12x12, you need to trim the paper (I just trim about a 1/4 inch off of one side of each and that does the trick)

Now, the sheet that is going to be on top of the canvas needs to be cut in half. You can save the other half for another project!

The bottom half (the chevron page) needs to be separated about 1/3 of the way in. Discard the top portion or put it in your scrap pile. 

This next part needs to be done in two steps, and you must be patient or you will get wrinkled paper! (See above where I said I had made mistakes :))

Start with a thin layer of mod podge and lay the top paper (A&M) down and hold it in place. Make sure it is lined up to where you want it to be. Turn the canvas over and push down to seal it in place and to get rid of any air bubbles. This is crucial. Leave it face down for about a minute, then turn it back over for it to dry. Let it sit for about an hour before doing the same thing with the bottom sheet.

It should look like this while it is drying. I usually put a small layer of mod podge over the seam of paper in the middle to prevent it from popping up.

Now for the fun part! I found this cute floral tulle trim from Hobby Lobby in the fabric department. It is $4.99 a yard which is a bit steep, so wait for it to go on sale. Plus, you only need 1/2 yard for each one of these. I used a coupon and only spent $1.49. Not too bad! DON'T glue it down yet...just lay it in place so you can place the letters down.

Here is a close up of the trim.

I used my cricut to cut the letters, but you could use any diecut letters that you have or buy some stickers in a pattern that you like. When I am pressed for time, I have used vinyl since they already have the adhesive backing...but I didn't have maroon so I had to find some card stock that was laying around in the perfect color! Another tip - place the letters down before you start glueing to avoid disappointment - I mean we have worked so hard so far!

Again, another small layer of mod podge should do the trick to get the letters in place. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.

Then, put one more layer of mod podge over EVERYTHING including the letters -- but remember to remove the trim!

Let it dry for about 20 minutes.

Hot glue the trim...be careful when working with tulle because glue gets through the tiny little holes!

Add an embellishment or two! I added two flowers and then put an adhesive rhinestone in the middle. Those are hot glued as well.

Find ribbon that is strong enough to hang from the back. I like to make a bow first, but do what fits your style! Lay it on the back, make sure it is even, and use a staple gun to secure it. You could also use any stapler that you have in your home office, this just makes me feel like a DIY'er and I like that :-)

I also will secure the trim to the back with the staple gun at this time. 

ALL DONE!

What do you think?!

List of supplies and average costs:

Canvas - I buy these in multipacks at Michaels with a coupon. 7 for $20, but then 40% off makes each one about $1.71

2 sheets of paper - 59 cents each at Hobby Lobby...but wait for a sale of 50% off!

Mod Podge - $6.99 at Hobb Lobby or Michaels - use a coupon!

Trim - $1.49

Ribbon - $1.99 for the whole roll - orig $3.99, but you guessed it - 50% off at Hob Lob!

Flowers - from a pack I already had - they sell some at Hob Lob abd Michaels, but mine are glittered and came from Archiver's.

Acrylic paint - $0.99

This ended up costing me about $8 since I had some things at home. Not too shabby!

I can't wait to see what the rest of you all made!

Happy creating!