Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Art

DIY Large Stretched Canvas

June 15, 2015

You may have caught that we moved the painting that was originally on the entry wall into the study a few weeks ago. It fit the vibe so well in there and the size was perfect for above the couch. I broke my rule of No taking items from one space to decorate another, but in this instance, it was worth breaking. It found its home.

IMG_6061

While things are dandy in there, the switch did leave us with a rather large blank wall in the entry and it is just the push I need to finally pull me out of my painting drought. I have been feeling a little less inspired in the past few months, compounded by all the other work and life stress--I haven't picked up a paintbrush in too long.

I checked out a few pre-stretched canvases, but for the size we wanted, the shipping alone was astronomical. So we decided to make our own. It's a cheap and relatively easy alternative if you want a larger canvas in your home. (Smaller sized canvases are generally cheaper to just buy, in my opinion.) Here's how we did it:

Materials Needed:

Pine 1x4s
L-Brackets
Flat brackets
Screws
primed canvas roll
Staple gun

Originally we made a HUGE 48"x72" canvas frame. Even though I swore we measured the wall three times, after we made the frame, it looked too big, so we modified it.

11357576_826907310695774_595370276_n

But the first thing you need to do is make a frame, maybe measure your wall FOUR times and tape it off if you need to. And cut your wood to make the outside frame. The corners should be cut at a 45 degree angle and the outside points are equivalent to your full length/width.

IMG_6017

To secure the corners together, we used an L-bracket (it doesn't have to have the extra flat support on the front--this is just what we had on hand) in each corner.

IMG_6025

Almost any canvas frame (maybe starting at 24x30?) needs some sort of supports. Using the leftover board length from making the outer frame, we angled the scraps at a 45 degree angle and slid them into the frame until they sat flush and secured them with flat brackets.

IMG_6027

When we initially made the 48"x72" canvas frame, we added one more straight center support, but when we modified it to a 48"x48", we no longer needed it--the diagonal supports made the frame plenty strong.

IMG_6124

At this point, it's time to stretch the canvas. Now, disclaimer. This is not the professional way to do this. They make canvas stretchers and everything. BUT, this is a great DIY way to get the job done. You'll need an extra set of hands to ensure you're pulling it as taut as possible. Chris was at work, so I had my mom come over and help me. Contrary to popular practice, I wouldn't recommend pulling and securing the middle of each side and then going back and filling in. Secure one whole side first. I like starting with the beginning of my canvas roll because I know it's nice and straight. I secure it completely with a staple gun (I love this one!) and THEN move directly across from that side and pulllllllllll and staple a few times and then go to the remaining two sides and eventually back to fill in.

IMG_6125

IMG_6131

That's it! I decided to try out black-primed canvas this time (since I typically find myself painting my whole canvas dark to start anyway), but a roll of white primed canvas is quite a bit cheaper and you'll likely get several big paintings out of it.

IMG_6128

 

I am still mapping out what I want to paint and gaining inspiration. So, now we just have a great big black square hanging in our entry, but as soon as inspiration does strike, I plan on doing a time-lapse video of the whole thing since I've received a few requests for that. Can't wait to dive in!

filed under: 
— Hide Comments
+ ShowComments
What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Researching how to make canvases. I see this one does not have beveled edges. Was that on purpose?

  2. Not sure if you are aware, but your side bar is not working properly. It is now located at the bottom of the page and overlaps some of your site. I am on an iPad if that helps.

  3. A time lapse of the art process! Yes! Yes! I'm so interested in this. Especially when this painting is for your own home. I think it makes it so special. What inspires you?

  4. Ok--that pic of you is adorable, and TOTALLY you. Love it. And I can't wait to see what you come up with for that black canvas. I wish I had your artistic abilities!

What We're

Loving

Right Now

What We're

Loving

Right Now

Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop
Shop All

Love Stories

Love Where You Live

In an industry that often feels designed to make you discontent, we want this to be place you come for inspiration, ideas, and encouragement to make the space you're already in feel like home.
Read All Posts
let's break this thing up

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

01

Portfolio

Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
read more
02

Projects

We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
read more
03

Design

Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
read more
hello world!

looking for inspiration?

Modern traditional kitchen with marble island and gold barstools
round up

The Best Cyber Monday Deals for Holiday Hosting

This post is sponsored by Wayfair. By the time Cyber Monday rolls around, I've usually grabbed the Christmas gifts I plan to buy for others and have moved on to home decor (my other favorite thing to shop for). My head is spinning with ideas on what my home needs for holiday parties on the […]
Sales

The Best Black Friday + Cyber Monday Deals in 2024

We collected all of the best deals of the holiday season—from tech to home decor—in one place for easy reference. Whether you want the lowest price on one of the best gifts of the year or you have a furniture item in your cart waiting for a discount, we’ve rounded up our recommendations. We're also […]
A white dish of peppermint brownies next to a red & white tea towel
Chris Cooks

Holiday Peppermint Brownies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Baking Dish | Striped Dish Towel (similar) I have a few recipes that are perfect for the holidays, and this is one of them. I make a really delicious brownie that can be made gluten-free and dairy-free, but you won't even know it's missing those elements when the peppermint flavor hits. It's really simple, and […]
Gift Guides!

Unique Places to Shop on Small Business Saturday

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season, I love that we dedicate a day to find treasures from small business owners. It's a day of discovery—you may just uncover your new favorite product! (We're proud to partner with a couple of small businesses including Poppy & Pout and Lightwell Co.—both offering great […]
Learn With Us
Want to do what we do? Get the tools, mentorship, and training to be a Good Influencer professionally.
Learn More
Looking for Something?

SEARCH THE BLOG

We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?

Can We Send You Our Love Letter?

Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!

hello world!
Follow Along on Instagram
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
© 2024 Chris Loves Julia, LLC
PRIVACY POLICYTERMS & CONDITIONSAFFILIATE DISCLAIMERSITE CREDITCOMMUNITY GUIDELINES