Make It Monday- Canvas Photo

Make It Monday- DIY Photo Canvas

visit Ashley at the Pollock Potluck for her Make It Monday segment! 

So, I was intrigued by THIS Pinterest post.  I LOVE canvas photos, but I REFUSE to pay an arm and a leg, when I can get a great print, throw it in a frame and save myself an easy $70.  I love photography, but I cannot spend that much money on one photo.  Anyway, when I saw this, I figured it was worth a try.  The worst I could manage would be ruining a $2.00 print from Walmart and a canvas... what the heck? So, here we go.... I forgot to take a BEFORE picture of all my supplies, but you get the point... Mod Podge.  LOVE IT, a photo canvas, some acrylic paint and a photo.  My ORIGINAL plan was to use the same size photo as the canvas, but because I apparently can't read directions, I bought a larger canvas.  I didn't realize this until I painted it black.  I promise I follow directions better than my students... PROMISE.  

Anyway- after I painted it black, I added the photo, sealed with Mod Podge (did I tell you I love Mod Podge?) and waited (impatiently) for it to dry.....

Yes- standing here waiting...

Thought since I'm waiting I should include a shot with MOD PODGE!

When it dried with coat number 1, it looked pretty good, but the sharp contrast of the corners of the photo and the black border didn't do it for me.  A quick review of another DIY blogger on Pinterest suggested sponge painting the edges dark brown or black to give it a fade (I don't know if that's what it's really called, but I'm calling it a fade).  

Final Product:  LOVE!  

Yes- that's me- with my HUGE biceps... I wish my husband didn't have lens darkening glasses... he looks like a creepy 40 something man.  I promise he's not.